HomeVirginiaCharlottesville › Riverview Park

Riverview Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 826 Google reviews · Running trail in Charlottesville, Virginia · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Riverview 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.

PavedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

A 27-acre riverfront preserve offering a playground, picnic areas & adjacent biking & walking trail.

What runners say about Riverview Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (826 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“This park is clean and well maintained.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“It offers a chance to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, including deer, birds, and fish in the Rivanna River.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“The park features excellent, well-paved trails that run right alongside the river, making it ideal for a casual walk, a steady run, or just spending some quiet time outdoors.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“Riverview Park in Charlottesville is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon right by the water.”

Absolutely beautiful park with such a nice, wide trail by the river for families, doggos, anyone! Lots of wildlife to be spotted, first time in my life I've seen an owl in the wild in person actually! Very scenic, lots of nice spots around to eat at or check out while you're in the area.

★★★★☆ — Samantha , Mar 2025

A beautiful park. Nice trail along the river! Cute little benches here and there to rest. Pet friendly and always nice to walk. River access is well maintained.

★★★★★ — Melanie , Jul 2021

Wonderful lil gem in Charlottesville nestled in the backside of an school neighborhood b side of the river. Great place to walk, chill with a guitar, play with your family and maybe have a nice conversation with a new aquaintanece. Enjoy life while being outside.

★★★★★ — Adam , Oct 2025

Very nice trails! Nice views of the river all around. Picnic area and playground.

★★★★★ — Junior , Aug 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 826 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 13 mentions

“The have porter potties for the kids, and little park but enough space and views ,that will help you relax, workout or enjoy a journey”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“The bathrooms are going to be open soon as they are being constructed.”

More trails like this →

🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“The park features excellent, well-paved trails that run right alongside the river, making it ideal for a casual walk, a steady run, or just spending some quiet time outdoors.”

More trails like this →

🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Right on the rivanna river with a 4 mile paved walking path, boat ramp, playground, dog friendly, always good vibes!”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Riverview Park in Charlottesville is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon right by the water.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking

“There is ample parking, a playground, a stone circle suitable for group discussions or drum circles and a nice paved trail along the river.”

More trails like this →

Stroller / ADA accessible

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Riverview Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • 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.
  • Websitecharlottesville.gov
  • Phone+1 434-970-3333
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–9 pm
Tuesday 6 am–9 pm
Wednesday 6 am–9 pm
Thursday 6 am–9 pm
Friday 6 am–9 pm
Saturday 6 am–9 pm
Sunday 6 am–9 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Riverview Park

1909 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Get directions

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.

The Rivanna Trail - Woolen Mills

4.7 ★★★★★ 27 reviews

Charlottesville, VA

Mixed

under a mile away

Rivanna Trail

3.9 ★★★★☆ 23 reviews

Charlottesville, VA

under a mile away

Trail in cville (bike/asphalt)

4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews

Charlottesville, VA

under a mile away

Darden Towe Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 769 reviews

Charlottesville, VA

PavedScenicDog-friendly

County park with a canoe launch, athletic fields & courts, playground, off-leash dog area & trails.

1.3 miles away

John Warner Parkway Trailhead

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Charlottesville, VA

6 miMixedDog-friendly

1.7 miles away

Saunders-Monticello Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 329 reviews

Charlottesville, VA

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Monticello's 89-acre park with scenic views, an arboretum & a pond, plus running & biking trails.

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Charlottesville, VA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.