NOTICE
Due to a fallen tree, the Saunders-Monticello trail is closed from Boardwalk #2 to the Visitor Center until further notice. For your safety, please avoid this area as we work to repair this damage.
All other trails are open.
Normal Trail Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
To review local daily sunrise and sunset times, CLICK HERE »
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and for severe inclement weather. In the winter, morning icy conditions may also lead to delayed openings.
With native hardwood forest, deep ravines and spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the trail winds its way toward Monticello and back in a very manageable four miles. A maximum grade of 5% keeps it completely accessible to walkers, cyclists and those in wheelchairs.
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Access to the Monticello visitor center campus requires passing through a security screening checkpoint. This includes access to the restrooms, café, shop, and all locations on the visitor center campus. No weapons, including firearms, knives, or sharp objects, are permitted beyond the checkpoint.
The Saunders-Monticello Trail
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The Trail occupies 89 acres of land along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway and includes miles of gravel walkways, boardwalks, and rustic woodland paths.
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A 2-acre pond planted is home to fish, frogs, and many native wetland species of plants.
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An arboretum showcases trees and shrubs native to Albemarle County, Virginia
Restrooms
Restrooms are only available when Monticello is open.
Trash
To reduce employees’ contact with waste, guests are asked to carry out trash and properly dispose of waste outside of the park.
Pets
Dogs must be on a leash at all times while on trails and in the park. Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalks for safety reasons. However, there are seven miles of rustic, pet-friendly trails.
- Trail FAQs
- Trail Hours and Rules
- Kemper Park and the Saunders-Monticello Trail
- Support Your Trail
- Trail Map
- History of the Trail
- Sign up for Trail e-newsletter
- Photos of the Saunders-Monticello Trail on Flickr