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My favorite Virginia Parks include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, National Forests, and my local parks.
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items Exploring the parks in my home state of Virginia inspires my photography and designs. The parks are not as spectacular as influencer destinations. But I want to see the flora and fauna that live there, not an exotic, perfect landscape or view. Someti...
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Charlottesville, Virginia Area Parks
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Skyline Drive, Virginia
My Favorite places in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia Area Parks
A list of my favorite local and county parks in or near Charlottesville, Virginia. Most of the parks I frequent are well under an hour's drive from my home. I include fees, activities, trail maps, and dog policies in the description.
My favorite park in Charlottesville, VA. with forest trails and some water views. When open, the historic barn exhibit is worth a stop. The park is free and does not allow dogs. Trail Map
Ivy Creek Natural Area & Historic River View Farm
Located in Crozet, VA, a half-hour drive from Charlottesville. The park features forested hiking trails, a picnic area, playground, a swimming beach, and a fishing pond. A per-person cash entrance fee applies only from Memorial Day weekend through La...Trail Map
Mint Springs Valley Park
A short drive north of CVILLE, this free, forested park features trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Trail Map
Preddy Creek Trail Park
My favorite county park for hiking, kayaking, and picnicking. The park also has bike trails, disc golf, swimming beach, and a playground. There is a per person cash fee from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Trail Map
Walnut Creek Park
Arrive early because parking is limited at this popular Charlotteville-area park. The immaculately maintained main trail leads up to Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson. Other trails let you explore a small, forested mountain and the Se...Trail Map
Saunders-Monticello Trail
This free park is brand new, and areas may be closed as new features and trails are added. Dogs on leashes are allowed. 2026 Trail Map Check the website for trail map updates.
Biscuit Run Park | Albemarle County, VA
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Mountain views, forest trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Before you go, always check online for closures and warnings. The park is free, and dogs on leashes are allowed.
My go-to drive for a little time in the mountains. Before you go, always check online for closures and warnings. The park is free, and dogs on leashes are allowed. Park Map
Blue Ridge Parkway
Nice view but there are more ways to walk in this area. The nearby Visitor Center is worth a stop, too. Trail Map
Humpback Rock
This picnic area is a distance down the road from the famous Humpback Rocks and Visitor Center. There is a connecting trail but be prepared for a long walk there and back. The forested picnic ground has restrooms and many table areas. Trail Map
Humpback Rocks Picnic Area (U.S. National Park Service)
This overlook has a really nice view west and a short, forested loop trail.
Greenstone Overlook - The Virtual Blue Ridge Parkway Guide
The westerly view at this overlook is just as good as Raven's Roost, which is the next overlook. Parking is limited, but most people drive past or don't stay long.
Rock Point Overlook - The Virtual Blue Ridge Parkway Guide
An extremely popular overlook with a tiny parking area, so arrive as early as you can or be prepared to circle back and try again. Rock Point Overlook is a good place to wait. The view faces west.
Ravens Roost Overlook - The Virtual Blue Ridge Parkway Guide
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Mountain views, forest trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Before you go, always check online for closures and warnings. The park requires a pass that you can buy at the entrance stations or online. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
Skyline Drive is worth the price of admission if you plan your destination. Before you go, check online for alerts and closures. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Skyline Drive maps website
Driving Skyline Drive - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
A great waterfall hike with one short strenuous area. This can be part of a longer loop if you include Doyle's River Falls and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Trail Map
Jones Run Falls (U.S. National Park Service)
A spectacular, but strenuous, waterfall hike. This can be part of a longer loop if you include Jones Run Falls and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Trail Map
Doyle's River Falls (U.S. National Park Service)
My Favorite places in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Virginia
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest covers a large portion of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. Some areas have fees or require a pass or permit. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
"The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest blankets the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering 1.8 million acres of lush woodlands, unique mountain balds, peaceful waterways, and adventures galore." Some areas require a pass or permit. Dogs on leas...
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Augusta Springs Wetland Park was once the site of the famous Stribling Springs Resort, 1817-1940. The springs feed the wetland, and old foundations mark where the resort building, bathhouses, and bottling facility once stood. The trails aren't extens...
Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail
Bring at least $3.00 cash for parking, which you will put in an envelope drop box. The credit card kiosk never works. No park staff, but don't abuse the payment honor system. The trail is a series of steps and stairs. Enjoy the waterfall views as you...
Crabtree Falls Trail
Very popular and crowded on weekends. Best to go in the morning or early in the day on weekdays. Park in undesignated areas at your peril. No fee, pass, or permit needed for day use. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Plan for an out-and-back walk and be w...
Sugar Hollow Reservoir: Moormans River Hikes (Blue Hole)