Normal Trail Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
To review local daily sunrise and sunset times, CLICK HERE »
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and for severe inclement weather. In the winter, morning icy conditions may also lead to delayed openings.
Come Hike with Us
With native hardwood forest, deep ravines and spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the trail winds its way toward Monticello and back in a very manageable four miles. A maximum grade of 5% keeps it completely accessible to walkers, cyclists, and those in wheelchairs. The Saunders-Monticello Trail and park system are open to the public daily. Please observe all signage at the park
The Trail Needs Your Support!
- Trail FAQs
- Trail Hours and Rules
- Kemper Park and the Saunders-Monticello Trail
- Support Your Trail
- Trail Map
- History of the Trail
- Nature and Trail-related Programs at Monticello
- Sign up for Trail updates
NOTE: Access to Monticello's visitor center campus requires passing through a security screening checkpoint. This includes access to the restrooms, café, shop, and all locations on the visitor center campus. No weapons, including firearms, knives, or sharp objects, are permitted beyond the checkpoint.
The Trail occupies 89 acres of land along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway and includes miles of gravel walkways, boardwalks, and rustic woodland paths.
Leashed dogs are now welcome on all trails
The Monticello Trail has over 2 miles of trails that feature shady paths and boardwalks with a maximum 5% grade
Parking
There are three parking lots available for trail users.
- Route 53: 503 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (open sunrise to sunset)
- Route 20: 678 Dairy Barn Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (open sunrise to sunset)
- Monticello's David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center: 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (only open during Monticello's regular hours of operation)
Restrooms
Restrooms are only available when Monticello is open.
Trash
Guests are asked to “Leave No Trace” and clean up all trash and pet waste.
Pets
Dogs must be on a leash at all times while on trails and in the park. Leashed dogs are now allowed on the boardwalks.
See photos of the Saunders-Monticello Trail on Flickr