Home › Virginia › Charlottesville › Chris Greene Lake Park
Chris Greene Lake Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 552 Google reviews · Running trail in Charlottesville, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Chris Greene Lake Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxed destination featuring a beach as well as a dog park, a playground and picnic tables.
What runners say about Chris Greene Lake Park
“The lake is beautiful, have not had the chance to swim there nor check out beach facilities due to our first visit being too late in the year, but we plan on fishing there soon.”
Best dog park anywhere. Huge, wooded, and shaded yet enough open for plenty of running, wide lake front, plenty of swimming puppies. Scenic setting, and good fishing, swimming, boating spots. About a 50 yard trail to get to the dog park. Convenient location near airport, but just far enough to avoid overcrowding.
Great dog park with water access. Lots of trees for shade. A couple times a year when it's peak season l, the poop can overflows but beyond that my dog enjoys it there.
absolutely wonderful park! fenced in off-leash area for dogs that is rich with cedar and spruce which are anti-flea and anti-tick. Obviously the lake is a huge attraction, swimming, boating/kayaking/rafting, fishing and so much more. Picnic area too, each area is designated, i.e.
Beautiful bit of nature close to town. Fenced dog park with access to water so your dog can take a swim. During the summer there is a fee at the gate (higher for non residents). Nice beach and swimming area with lifeguards.
Trail conditions & character
“The dog park was beautiful but full of tripping hazards, just be aware :) the plants and animals were interesting and fun to look at.”
“The lake is beautiful, have not had the chance to swim there nor check out beach facilities due to our first visit being too late in the year, but we plan on fishing there soon.”
“Huge, wooded, and shaded yet enough open for plenty of running, wide lake front, plenty of swimming puppies.”
“Had a great time at Chris Green Lake… we went on a small hike while we wait on White Rock Trail which is stroller friendly (I wouldn’t use an umbrella stroller.”
“The water entrance was understandably very muddy, with lots of tree roots, so wear appropriate shoes and be prepared to get dirty.”
Plan your run at Chris Greene Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitealbemarle.org
- Phone+1 434-296-5844
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Charlottesville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Preddy Creek Trail Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 422 reviews
571-acre recreation area offering miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking & horseback riding.
Ivy Creek Foundation
4.7 ★★★★★ 473 reviews
Park with walking trails and picnic tables, plus wildlife and historical interest.
Rivanna Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Greenbrier Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 123 reviews
Park with a paved trail, seasonal native hibiscus, and areas for basketball.
Pen Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 695 reviews
280-acre city park offering a golf course, sports fields, picnic areas & a nature trail.
