saunders-monticello trail

Great outdoor place to take young kids and dogs for a walk (which is what we do), or to go for a semi-scenic run. There are a number of trails that one can choose from, as we almost always have our dog we traditionally go from the main parking lot to the pond. There are two large logs (6-8 feet across) that our son loves to crawl through. We traditionally meet families of young kids/dog owners in this area. If you are a hard corps hiker our outdoor enthusiast this is not for you. If you want an easy hike, a decent running trail, or a nice 1-2 hour outing with kids, then this is the trail for you. The main trail is stroller or wagon friendly (at least for those with big wheels). Not a lot of repeatability to this trail with respect to hiking, but for a simply walk we love it. The smaller/closer parking lot is almost always full so I would go to the larger one first (it only adds 200m to your trip). Bring you own pet waste bags as none are provided.

This trail is so easy--with just an ever so slight incline. Although it is now winter we still enjoyed the walk. The trail is well maintained but the parking is getting to be horrible. Even the overflow parking was overflowing. This is a family friendly trail and dogs are only allowed on the lower portion.

This was very well done but since it's winter, it was a little boring. I'm sure it's nicer in other seasons. It was a nice, easy walk which was good to do between breakfast and lunch! This is family friendly.

Agree with the rest of the reviewers that this is a lovely walk and a great way to exercise, see some views (foliage permitting) and run into locals. Just wanted to clarify that while a previous reviewer mentioned that it is pet friendly, pets are actually only allowed on the lower part of the trail. After about a half mile from the bottom, you'll see a sign saying pets are not allowed further. However, this does allow you far enough along the trail to cut off on a loop around a small duck pond, where dogs are allowed. You'll see people walking their dogs around this loop and throwing sticks into the pond for dogs to retrieve. It's a bit muddy, but the dogs love it!The rest of the trail, as described, is an easy uphill, blissfully shaded in summer. At the top, when you reach the Monticello visitor's center, there is a very nice small cafe for lunch or a drink, as well as the Monticello giftshop, garden shop, restrooms, and a few exhibits. Note that because one can also drive to the visitor's center, this is a nice outing for multiple generations, meaning, younger folk can hike up the trail and meet older folk who can't do the hike. Meet up for lunch and exploring at the top and everyone can participate.

The pleasant hiking trail is popular here in Central VA. Set your own pace and enjoy the pleasant views and orderly paths. Family and pet friendly. Stroll your way to Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, located at the top of the trail. At the visitor's center, enjoy food and the museum shop. Continue on to tour the house if you wish (fee). Overall a gem in this area for fun, a healthy outing, and vistas.

We loved this trail. It's clean, easily navigated, and close to Monticello. It has a wide trail with boardwalks along the way.

We moved nearby several years ago and kept meaning to do this walk. Finally did it recently and have done it twice in very short order I like it so much. Very gentle grade, all easy walking leading up to the visitor's center. Just before you get to the visitor's center there are picnic benches... so we pack a picnic and take a walk! There are restroom facilities at the visitors center so you can wash your hands before your picnic! Great walk in the woods.

What a splendid way to spend an hour, walking the trail from Kemper to Monticello and back through the woods, with views through the trees. Easy stroll, slightly uphill, one of my favorite activities in Charlottesville.

The trails that run through here offer a very nice setting for a walk, hike or a run if you're so inclined. You can park at the bottom of the hill and take this trail up to the Monticello gift shop. I think it's somewhere around 2 and a half miles. This is really a great option if you want to take in all the splendor of the area surrounding Monticello, and you get some excellent views of the town as well. The slight grade going up to Monticello is a great workout if you jog or run it, but I would suggest walking back down to avoid injury from the decline.

We took this path the day after visiting Monticello. It is an easy walk and is well-marked. There are some really nice views, especially over the pond.

Great place for dog walking, working out, biking, hiking, running. The trail leads to a bridge trail that winds up the mountain and goes to Monticello. Dogs aren't allowed on that part of the trail though, unfortunately. Two HUGE hallowed out trees down by the smaller parking lot that are fun to see. Lots off foot trails through the woods.

I like this trail because it is small pea gravel and boardwalks. It is an incline at the beginning. The trees are labeled which is interesting. There are 2 lots in which to park. Lots of families, some dogs on just part of the trail. It is very safe.

The trail is very well kept and has gorgeous views. It's a special place in Charlottesville. The trail has a wonderful incline as well as shade vs sun areas. It's terrific!

What a lovely, shady, well graded and cared-for trail! On a hot and humid day, even in the middle of the day, this is a good choice for a place to saunter or run. We like the labels with tree names, and I imagine that others who travel to Charlottesville from away will also appreciate knowing the names of the giants towering above the trail. We always jump at the chance to walk this trail and especially enjoyed it today--shade!

We parked in the Monticello parking lot and started the trail just beyond the RV parking. We found this trail to be pretty boring. It is a nice path but with little to see unless you are interested in learning about every possible kind of pine and oak tree. Even the "Carter Overlook" only overlooks the trail below because all you can see all around you are trees. While the trail might be considered accessible because of the smooth path, I can't imagine pushing a stroller or wheelchair back up the hill. We found this trail monotonous and frankly, boring.