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Saunders-Monticello Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 329 Google reviews · Running trail in Charlottesville, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Saunders-Monticello Trail'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.
Monticello's 89-acre park with scenic views, an arboretum & a pond, plus running & biking trails.
What runners say about Saunders-Monticello Trail
“The trail is well marked and well maintained, and the hike is not too difficult, which opens it to all ages.”
“The trail is beautifully maintained, with wide paths, scenic boardwalks, and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the surroundings.”
I recommend parking at the Dairy Barn Rd additional parking because the main parking only has 12 spots. It was already full at 8AM. This is a great easy gravel trail that goes to the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center of Monticello. It was 4.32 miles roundtrip.
Very small parking lot, but security rolls through quite frequently. The trail is gorgeous. It's steep in some places. It is a wide gravel walkway. No bathrooms. Dogs must be leashed. I brought my cat but carried him most of the way. We did not walk the trail in its entirety. There were few others.
We didn't have the time or energy to do ALL the trails, but the ones we did were great and I think they matched the descriptions of Easy, Medium, and Advanced on the map. Beautiful trails.
Driving past and wanted to get out and stretch our legs. Wish we would of had more time and will go back to walk the rest because it is kept so well. Beautiful road side trail. If driving by, highly recommend stopping to stretch your legs, or better yet, have the time to walk thru it all!
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is beautifully maintained, with wide paths, scenic boardwalks, and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the surroundings.”
“Suggest starting at the parking lot on the right as you make the turn to Monticello to walk downhill on the return and have restroom halfway (no others on the trail).”
“Dogs are only allowed to go up to boardwalk #2, but you can take your dog on other trails that branch off, like the pond trail.”
“The best part was the trail empties into the visitor center for Monticello where the bathrooms were clean and the exhibit hall was open and full of interesting items (free).”
“We have a wonderful walk and will definitely return :) Beautifully maintained with wide gravel trails.”
“Dogs are only allowed to go up to boardwalk #2, but you can take your dog on other trails that branch off, like the pond trail.”
“Saunders Trail is beautiful, clean, and has tons of path options ranging from flat walks to steeper hills.”
“Saunders Trail is beautiful, clean, and has tons of path options ranging from flat walks to steeper hills.”
“Majority of the trail is shaded, and I saw a lot of parents with strollers.”
“There's a cafe, restrooms and water fountain that's free before going up.”
Plan your run at Saunders-Monticello Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, water — 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.
- Websitemonticello.org
- Phone+1 434-984-9822
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 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.
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