How to Explore Charlottesville and Albemarle County on Two Wheels

Many of the parks in Albemarle County maintain great trail networks. Walnut Creek Park has a number of routes for riders of all experience levels as well as a large reservoir for kayaking and stand-up paddling boarding and a disc golf course.

Preddy Creek Park is a great place for beginner riders to boost their skills with fun and flowing trails and loops of different lengths. Other parks with mountain bike trails include Mint Springs Valley Park and Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve.

One of the newest trail networks to be established in Charlottesville, the Heyward Community Forest is located just southwest of Charlottesville and adjoins the Ragged Mountain Natural Area. Volunteers have come together to build a few mountain bike inspired trails, and the community continues to develop this area for a diverse network of trail users.

In addition to biking at Heyward, you can add on a hike at Ragged Mountain Natural Area and a paddle on the beautiful reservoir. Afterwards, you can bike to Jefferson Park Ave, near the University of Virginia, where you’ll find a popular stretch of businesses and restaurants. Grab a drink or a bite to eat at Fry’s Spring Station, Atlas Coffee, Mashumen, or Durty Nelly’s.

Hosted each year across National Public Lands Day, the Loop De’Ville Trail Festival is a multi-day event with guided hikes, bike rides, walks and other community events. The two-day festival celebrates the 20+-mile Rivanna Trail and is a great way for new users to explore the trail with group leaders who are familiar with the route.

This year’s festival takes place September 23-24, 2023 with a free community after party on Saturday night. The party will take place at Rivanna River Company and includes a free concert by Mighty Joshua plus pop-ups from local food and drink vendors. Sunday’s activities include more family-oriented walks and rides, as well as the local trail summit at the Wool Factory.

When you leave Charlottesville and enter surrounding Albemarle County, you will be greeted with quiet rural roads, plentiful wineries and breweries, and some of the best views in Central Virginia.

Crozet, located in the western part of the county, has roads along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Start your ride at a local coffee shop or bike shop in town and end it at one of the area’s many wineries or breweries with breathtaking views of the mountains.

Scottsville, due south of Charlottesville, is another great spot to ride. You can follow the James River as it meanders through the valley, discover local wineries along your route, and visit historic Valley Street (home of award-winning James River Brewery).

This annual event takes place in the spring and brings some of the fastest bicycle racers in the Mid-Atlantic to Charlottesville for a weekend of racing on the asphalt. CVILE Bike Fest includes a Criterium with a sub-mile course with numerous turns and plenty of action. Criteriums are one of the best cycling disciplines for spectating as viewers get to see the racers multiple times while staying in the same spot. In addition to the race, a community bike parade takes place in the middle of the day and is a great opportunity for everyone to get out on the closed roads and show off their love of two wheels.

The Jeff Cup Road Race, organized by the UVA cycling club, takes place the day after CVILE Bike Fest and follows a route southwest of Carter Mountain.

Blue Ridge Cyclery offers bike demos and local knowledge as well as any items you may need for your ride. Blue Wheel Bicycles is located at the Ix Art Park for those who want to check out the Saturday Farmers Market at Ix before their ride.

High Tor Gear Exchange is the local outdoor gear consignment store with great deals on lightly used gear and located right off of the James Warner Parkway Trail, a great connection to the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont and points north.

If you are looking for a guided bike ride, get in touch with Blue Ridge Bicycle Tours. They offer everything from cruises of Downtown Charlottesville and the UVA Corner to Blue Ridge Parkway explorations. You can also get in touch with them to create a custom tour.

Looking to ride with a likeminded group either on the road or dirt trails? Many of the local bike shops and bike clubs offer group rides weekly for riders of all experience levels. Check out their websites for regular updates.

Now that you know where to ride, it’s time to plan your stay! Choose from a cottage or B&B in the countryside closer to those rural rides or browse the many hotels located in Downtown Charlottesville where you can walk to restaurants, bars, and the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall.

We hope you’ll explore all the incredible experiences our destination has to offer – from wine and craft beverage trails to live music to an incredible restaurant scene. We can't wait to welcome you to Charlottesville and Albemarle County soon! Start planning your stay today!