Dog-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Charlottesville

THE BEST PLACES FOR HIKING WITH KIDS AND DOGS

When the whole family needs to get outside, it’s time to take advantage of the many dog- and kid-friendly hikes Charlottesville has to offer. From calm, paved paths along the Rivanna River to off-leash trails, we’ve rounded up our favorite hikes for the whole family, including the four-legged members.

When preparing for your hike, always remember to bring water, snacks, bug spray, a first aid kit, and any other supplies you may need to enjoy the outdoors. And if you’re heading to a spot with lots of pets, it’s a good idea to remind your kids about dog safety, including asking before approaching other people’s pets.

No matter what the season, enjoy these favorite spots around Charlottesville and Albemarle. Happy hiking! 

10 Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Hikes in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

1. Rivanna Trail (Charlottesville)

Beginning at Riverview Park, the Rivanna Trail is an easy walking path that is perfect for every member of the family. Dogs are welcome, though they must be on a leash, and kids can walk, bike, or scoot for most of the way.

Along the trail you’ll find plenty of wildlife and flowers. At some points you’ll even be able to access the Rivanna River for splashing and wading. And if your kids have more energy after the walk is done, you can take a break while they climb, slide, and swing at Riverview Park.

 

 

2. Crabtree Falls (Nelson County)

Best suited for kids school age and up, Crabtree Falls is located in the George Washington National Forest in Nelson County, off of State Rt. 56. The scenic 2.5-mile loop is a good length for kids and dogs alike. Just be prepared for rocky and sometimes steep terrain.

You can access the trailhead from the parking lot behind the campground entrance. Once you reach the top, enjoy beautiful views and a perfect spot to rest and have a snack before heading back down. 

3. Pleasant Grove Park (Palmyra)

The perfect place for pooches and kids of all ages, Pleasant Grove is located off Rt. 53 and Thomas Jefferson Parkway in Palmyra. It includes 900 acres of off-leash trails through fields, as well as a fenced dog park.

There are beautiful trails and creeks as well as the bordering Rivanna River. Families will encounter a diverse population of wildflowers and animals, including river otters, eagles and ducks. There is even a butterfly garden for little ones to enjoy!

4. Preddy Creek Trail Park (Albemarle County)

Located in Albemarle County, a quick drive up Rt. 29, this dog-friendly park has 10 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. The trails range from easy to moderate, making it accessible to kids of all ages. The exception is the newly added Advanced Mountain Bike Trail, which contains technical features that require more advanced skills. 

The park is easy to get to and is ADA accessible. The outer loop is 3.2 miles in length and is the most suitable for family hiking. 

5. Lewis Falls Trail (Shenandoah National Park)

This 2.8-mile loop is located near Stanley, Virginia in the Shenandoah National Park. You’ll leave from the Big Meadows Amphitheatre and end up overlooking a stunning 81-foot waterfall.

The loop is easy to access, located next to a campsite where you can park your car. The trail only allows for hiking and walking, so you do not have to worry about mountain bikers. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Keep in mind there is a small fee to enter Shenandoah National Park.

 

For even more local outings, check out 8 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Charlottesville and 7 Day Trips in the Charlottesville Area.

6. Mary’s Rock Summit (Shenandoah National Park)

Mary’s Rock is just south of the Thornton Gap entrance in Shenandoah National Park. Enter at the Meadow Springs Parking area for a round-trip hike of 2.8 miles; starting at the Panorama parking area will give you a 3.7-mile loop. It’s open year-round, and there is a park entrance fee.

This hike is up and back and the top features a rocky summit with out-of-this-world views, especially in the fall. It is wonderful for bringing your tweens/teens and dogs up to eat a picnic lunch, and then hike back down. Pets must be on a leash. 

7. Hightop Peak Trail (Elkton)

Hightop Peak Trail is in Shenandoah National Park, located near Elkton. It has a rich forest and is rated as a moderate-level climb. The out and back trail is 3 miles and is best used from April to October.

This relaxing, scenic hike is great for dogs and kids because there is plenty of shade and a great lunch spot at the top of the hike. There is a park entrance fee.

8. Kemper Park Trails (Charlottesville)

Part of Monticello, Kemper Park occupies 89 acres of land along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway. It’s home to a number of trails ranging from easy to advanced, so you can pick the skill level that works best for your family. All of the trails are dog-friendly, but they must be leashed.

The easier trails are perfect for small children and very stroller-friendly. Hikes here vary in length, though most are under a mile, and some of them intersect. You can plan out which trail works best for you using the trail map. The parking lot is small, but if it’s full, there’s a larger lot on Dairy Farm Road, which has a path that goes under the main road to take you to the trails.

9. Luke’s Loop and Wilken’s Way (North Garden)

Luke’s Loop and Wilken’s Way are both part of Walnut Creek Park in Albemarle County. They can be taken separately for a length of 0.8 miles and 4 miles, respectively, or combined together in a trail of around 4.3 miles as you can see on this map.

Luke’s Loop is easy and perfect for all ages, while Wilken’s Way is better for older kids or families that do a lot of hiking. Both trails provide lovely views of the lake. The trails are best used from March until November. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash.

10. Running Cedar Loop (Charlottesville)

This is one of the hiking trails available at Chris Greene Lake Park in Albemarle County, which also offers a dog park and swimming for dogs in the lake. There are 3 miles of hiking trails total, though Running Cedar Loop is only 1.3 miles.

This easy trail is fairly flat and good for kids of all ages. It offers views of the lake and wildlife as you hike through lush, wooded areas. It is best to use between March and November. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the trail. A small fee must be paid for entry.