More than 90 miles of well-maintained, publicly accessible trails offer a variety of ways to spend time outdoors in Albemarle. There are also historic sites, gardens, museums and cider experiences. For trip planning, it is worth considering these topics separately: Most trails are shared-use, some visits have seasonal conditions, and certain experiences require a reservation.

Trails, Nature and Mountain Biking

Albemarle County Parks & Recreation provides more than 90 miles of well-maintained, publicly accessible trails. Most public trails are shared-use trails for hiking, running and mountain biking. When planning an outing, keep in mind that different activities use the same trails. The Ivy Creek Natural Area & Historic River View Farm gives an idea of the scale of the natural area: it covers 219 acres.

The Shenandoah National Park runs along the western edge of Albemarle County, offering opportunities for camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For mountain bikers, the Biscuits + Gravity area is designed for downhill bikes. It includes downhill trails, jump lines and a mini pump track; the area is intended for mountain bikers of all skill levels. This distinguishes it from the shared-use trails, where hiking, running and cycling overlap.

Cider, Wine and Gardens

Albemarle CiderWorks offers cider and apple tastings at Rural Ridge Orchard. Availability may vary seasonally. Another option is the Orchard to Bottle Cidery Tour & Tasting Experience: it is available by reservation only and can be booked on Fridays and Sundays. Check available dates before your trip if you plan to take this tour.

The Monticello Wine Trail also gives wine a regional dimension: Along the trail, there are more than 40 wineries in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The number and listings may change. For a different perspective on Monticello, the Gardens and Grounds Tour explores the restored flower gardens, vegetable garden and surrounding grounds. The tour’s seasonal schedule may vary, so it cannot automatically be paired with a visit at any time of year.

History at Specific Places

James Monroe’s Highland was the part-time residence of the fifth U.S. president from 1799 to 1826. Highland is a former plantation in the hills of Albemarle County. Its historical context and the period make it a destination for travelers interested in James Monroe and the region’s history. Monticello, in turn, is a historic site associated with architecture, landscape design, agriculture and domestic comfort.

Michie Tavern has a different history of use: The 18th-century inn was originally located on Buck Mountain Road in the northern part of Albemarle County. For several decades, it has served as a museum and restaurant complex. The combination of its former use as an inn and its current use distinguishes this place from the historical themes at the heart of Monticello and Highland.

Scottsville and Crozet

The Scottsville Museum tells the story of Scottsville, from its beginnings as a settlement on the James River in the 18th century to its heyday as a busy river and canal port in the 19th century. Permanent and changing exhibits cover topics including traffic on the James River, the Civil War, artifacts from Indigenous communities, school life and theater, as well as clothing, toys, furniture and photographs. At Canal Basin Square, replicas of various types of bateaux and interpretive panels about the boats’ role in Scottsville’s history add to these themes.

In western Albemarle County, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the Crozet Artisan Depot. Based in the Historic Train Depot in Downtown Crozet, it represents more than 80 regional artists and craftspeople. Its program includes monthly art openings, workshops and demonstrations. This gives Crozet a different focus from the natural areas and historic sites: The emphasis here is on regional art and craftsmanship.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Crozet, Charlottesville, North Garden, Alexandria, Clarke County, Patrick County, Westmoreland County, King William County.

Return to the main travel overview: Virginia.