For Virginia football fans heading to Scott Stadium, the opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding Charlottesville before kickoff presents numerous options. Several hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs, are located within an hour's drive, offering a chance to connect with the outdoors.
The Saunders-Monticello Trail, a mere 10 minutes from the stadium, provides a family-friendly 4.4-mile out-and-back path on packed gravel and boardwalk. This shaded, accessible route leads to the visitor center at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
Rail Trail and National Park Excursions
A 30-minute drive brings visitors to the Blue Ridge Tunnel, an abandoned 1850s railroad tunnel offering a unique 4.6-mile out-and-back hike. The subterranean environment provides a cool respite, especially during warmer weather.
For those seeking mountain vistas, the Rockfish Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park, located 25 minutes away, grants access to Skyline Drive. Standout hikes from this entrance include Calvary and Chimney Rocks, and Turk Mountain, both offering impressive views of the Shenandoah Valley. A $30 per vehicle entrance fee is required for seven-day access.
Water Features and Panoramic Views
The Sugar Hollow Reservoir and the Blue Hole, approximately 35 minutes from Scott Stadium, offer a moderate 3-mile out-and-back trail to a popular swimming spot on the Moormans River. An alternative route from the same parking area leads to Big Branch Falls.
Enthusiasts looking for a challenging climb can tackle Humpback Rocks, a strenuous one-mile ascent rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. This trail is recommended for sunrise hikes due to its lack of shade at the summit.
A Longer Day Trip Option
Further afield, Crabtree Falls, located 60 to 75 minutes from Scott Stadium, presents a more ambitious outing. This series of five cascades totals a 1,200-foot drop, with the longest single cascade reaching 400 feet, making it the tallest single vertical-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. The 3-mile round trip hike alongside the falls is considered moderate to strenuous. While it requires a longer commitment, Crabtree Falls is a prime destination for those making a weekend of their visit.
These hiking opportunities highlight Charlottesville's accessibility to the natural landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, providing a complementary experience for college football fans visiting the area.