Saunders-Monticello Trail
Saunders-Monticello Trail
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4.5
238 reviews
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LadureeFan
Richmond, VA1,206 contributions
Aug 2020
Very well maintained trail with nice views at Carter Overlook. Mostly shady. Only downside is that you can hear cars and trucks on the nearby road which runs alongside the trail essentially the entire way. I prefer my walks in the woods to be mostly filled with the sounds of nature. Right now, they are strongly suggesting masks, especially on the ten 'boardwalks' which they have deemed not wide enough for physical distancing. You can walk all the way to Monticello from the base of the trail ... but you have to purchase a ticket to walk onto the grounds of Monticello. Right now, all ticket purchases are on line.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen R
Chesapeake, VA671 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We went with a small group of friends for some safe, healthy, outdoor fun, prior to apple picking. We read the posted Covid signs that says masks were recommended. Since they are NOT required we opted to forego them in order to enjoy the fresh air and exercise safely and most effectively. By nature the area is the very definition of social distancing. Even so, and even though our kids were spread out, people yelled at us, made rude gestures, and acted foolishly and in opposition to the RULES at least a handful of times. It was absurd.
On top of that, LOGS that are normally accessible were covered so people couldn’t climb or sit on them.
The scenery...beautiful. The trail...so worthwhile. Fellow nature-enthusiasts...left a bit to be desired.
On top of that, LOGS that are normally accessible were covered so people couldn’t climb or sit on them.
The scenery...beautiful. The trail...so worthwhile. Fellow nature-enthusiasts...left a bit to be desired.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AcademicCompanion
Arlington, VA84 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We walked from the lower end of the trail near Virginia State Route 53 to the upper end leading to the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center. The trail is well-groomed and wide but it is also a good workout since it goes up and down a mountain. Quite a few of the plants are labeled and the ten extended boardwalks are elevated enough to provide good views. There are also plenty of benches along the trail. The Rubinstein Visitor Center is very convenient. Even if you don’t buy tickets for Monticello, you may use the restrooms, eat at the café, and visit the gift shop, and enjoy the surrounding grounds.
Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat M
Baltimore, MD307 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We parked in the lot off Rte. 20 so that we would be walking uphill on the first leg of the trip and downhill on the way back. It’s two miles each way. It is a relatively easy walk with a slight constant grade. The scenery is nice, especially the view from Carter’s Overlook—be sure to take that short spur off the main trail for a great view.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC413 contributions
Apr 2021
We didn't take the most popular paved and boardwalked part of this trail - but instead lost ourselves among the rougher and quieter hillside trails above. We were quite happy to do so. We couldn't quite find the trial head from the Monticello parking lot - but we drove down to the separate trail spot outside of Monticello and got on the way. The walk was hilly but mostly quiet and pleasant - what you would expect. We would like to go back again and hike the rest of the trails as well.
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Molly S
Milner, GA18 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
This trail is one of my favorite things in Charlottesville. It is an arboretum with tree specimens, is dog-friendly up to the boardwalks, and you can walk all the way up to Monticello's visitor's center, get a snack (and pee!), and walk back down. Or you can take the trail and then do the whole Monticello visit. Don't miss the side trails--my favorite is Secluded Farm, which takes you to the most beautiful meadow in the area, in my opinion. Great for families, since there are some old tulip poplar stumps that have been turned into a play structure, and a pond near the bottom of the trail with frogs!
Written May 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer B
World200 contributions
Nov 2020 • Solo
I love the Saunders Trail; it has been one of my favorite places to run and walk for 20 years.
Unfortunately, during this pandemic the trail is not enjoyable due to people who:
1) Ignore the signs asking everyone to wear masks on the boardwalks,
2) Wear a mask but their nostrils aren't covered,
3) And/or do not keep at least 6' from other people.
My walk yesterday was highly stressful yesterday due to these jerks.
Unfortunately, during this pandemic the trail is not enjoyable due to people who:
1) Ignore the signs asking everyone to wear masks on the boardwalks,
2) Wear a mask but their nostrils aren't covered,
3) And/or do not keep at least 6' from other people.
My walk yesterday was highly stressful yesterday due to these jerks.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nmballetmom
South Portland, ME145 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
This path looks amazing. Read the reviews and decided we would park in the Dairy Barn lot and walk to Monticello to see the grounds. We had our two dogs with us. I noted that some trails are not open to pets. Fine, no mention that less than a mile from the parking lot as you come upon the boardwalk is a large sign that tells you no dogs from this point on- feel free to enjoy any of the other trails. At this point there are no trail maps unless you back track to one of the parking lots. And it appears this is the only one that leads to Monticello ( where dogs are welcome on the grounds).
Looks like a lovely trail. Also in some of the reviews people stated it was a slight grade and could be accessible for people with mobility issues. I would not agree with that. It can be steep and the train is loose small gravel.
Looks like a lovely trail. Also in some of the reviews people stated it was a slight grade and could be accessible for people with mobility issues. I would not agree with that. It can be steep and the train is loose small gravel.
Written October 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie K
1 contribution
Jul 2017 • Solo
The official website for the Saunders-Monticello trail says nothing about requiring you to have a ticket just to finish the walk up to Monticello. Tour or not, you are officially required to purchase a ticket ($25 in advance, marked up to $28 at the door) just to finish what should be a free hiking trail. There are no discounted tickets just to walk around. With some luck you might be able to skirt the people checking for tickets at the shuttle, but your best bet is to try to avoid those stairs/checkpoint entirely and go a slight roundabout way via one of the shuttle roads before meeting up with the trail. Not a sure thing and they will ask to see your ticket if they see you walking up from the visitor center. Did not see anyone asking for tickets once you get up to Monticello.
When asked, they claim that the Saunders-Monticello Trail ends at the visitor center, and that's why they can now charge you. However, nothing on the website actually states that, and it's really splitting hairs to pump cash from people who just wanted a leisurely walk to a historical landmark. Forget a free trip to do landscape photography/artwork of the building and gardens.
Otherwise, it's a beautiful, easy walk, completely paved or on raised boardwalks. The steepest portions are after you've reached the visitor center itself and continue on up to Monticello.
When asked, they claim that the Saunders-Monticello Trail ends at the visitor center, and that's why they can now charge you. However, nothing on the website actually states that, and it's really splitting hairs to pump cash from people who just wanted a leisurely walk to a historical landmark. Forget a free trip to do landscape photography/artwork of the building and gardens.
Otherwise, it's a beautiful, easy walk, completely paved or on raised boardwalks. The steepest portions are after you've reached the visitor center itself and continue on up to Monticello.
Written July 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
isabella1018
Richmond, VA17 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
If it's your first time here and at Monticello, I wouldn't do both at the same time. 2 mile hike to Monticello, 3hr tour and a 2 mile back was harsh!
It was a beautiful trail though!
It was a beautiful trail though!
Written August 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nightlight56
Sherman, CT2 contributions
Is there a fee to hike this trail? Or is it part of Monticello? It sounds like you walk up to the Visitors Center so I want to assume the trail is free. We want to do the hike but we won’t have time for Monticello.
Morgan D
Baltimore, United States1 contribution
Hi! Planning a trip to visit/tour Monticello, but wanting to do the Saunders-Monticello trail beforehand. I've noticed that other travelers have cited Rt 53 and Rt 20(?) as places to park and then make your way up to the main grounds - which is advisable? Are there shuttles from Monticello back out to these lots? Thanks in advance!
Kathi G
Dyke, Virginia, United States20 contributions
There are two small parking lots at the bottom of the trail. Either is fine and you can walk to the trail from either. There aren't any shuttles to these parking lots so you have to walk up and down.
sscd4np
Woodbury, NY
Are the trails wet or good to hike today. Where can we park? Thank you
Mike_Stogoski
Wichita Falls, TX44 contributions
I haven't been there today, but you can park either in the small parking lot near the entrance, or around the corner off of Route 20 (Dairy Barn Rd). The normal trail "paved" should be good. The upper trails are a bit muddy.
CariC21
Clarkston, WA5 contributions
Is it possible to rent bikes to ride the trail?
Nora T
Charlottesville, VA31 contributions
Yes, there are places to rent bikes to ride on the Saunders-Monticello Trail. Close places to the trail are Blue Ridge Cyclery and Community Bikes. If you do not want to ride from the bike rental place to the trailhead so you can then ride up the trail, you ought to be able to engage an Uber XL to carry you and bike to trailhead. Be sure to check the Saunders-Monticello Trail website to make sure the trail is clear. A fallen tree destroyed part of the trail boardwalk earlier in the summer; it should be repaired by now.
Jimsndi
4 contributions
How difficult is the trail. We have medical issues that preclude us from walking steep trails
imleavinonmyjetplane
Watsontown, PA30 contributions
Steady slight grade. Lots of shade and well maintained path. Benches along the way. Once you start the trail usually need to turn around to head back as no mid trail exit points that I can recall.
I would like to know if you pick up and drop from place of stay also as there are no direct buses/ public transport going there.
jenny g
United States280 contributions
You can take taxi or uber or hotel shuttle. If you have a car there is a small lot right at entrance & a larger one below (yous then enter the trail through a tunnel
debynell
Lynchburg, VA35 contributions
I live in Lynchburg but would like to walk this trail when in town. Is it safe to walk alone during the day?
JLGC/HP
Harrington Park, NJ171 contributions
Definitely! It is a wide and winding trail that attracts walkers (with and without dogs) , runners and cyclists ALL day long. 2 uphill miles to the top where you can spend time at historic Monticello before the relaxing walk down. Enjoy:)
Jon J
Washington, IN2 contributions
If both trains are on schedule we should have a 7 am to 2 pm layover in Charlottesville in late May.
Is it feasible to get to this trail, hike, then get back to Amtrak on time?
Richard C
Virginia781 contributions
The trail is 2 miles each direction. You're the best judge of your own walking speed. Yes, the trail is only about 15 minutes by cab from Amtrak, and (with a cellphone) you should be able to arrange that. I've only missed one mass transport in my life, and, of course, you'd want to leave plenty of time for a good meal and time to get to the station.
NoName1000
Washington DC, DC2 contributions
Where do you pick up the trail?
Stefanie W
Bellefontaine, OH79 contributions
The trail can be started at 2 locations. You can't miss them. When you turn on the road to head up to Monticello you can see a parking area. The trail leads right up to Monticello on a nice boardwalk. It does start in a park and then turns into the boardwalk. It's a very popular walking area. They have free maps where you park.
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Claim your listingSaunders-Monticello Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Saunders-Monticello Trail
- Hotels near Saunders-Monticello Trail:
- (0.35 mi) Fairhaven Guesthouse
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