more stats
1.9 miles
Distance
356 ft
Climb
-281 ft
Descent
00:17:12
Avg time
76 ft
Altitude change
487 ft
Altitude min
638 ft
Altitude max
487 ft
Altitude start
564 ft
Altitude end
0.8%
Grade
-25%
Grade max
20%
Grade min
3,924 ft
Distance climb
3,343 ft
Distance down
2,612 ft
Distance flat
00:17:12
Avg time

Rivanna Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Observatory Hill
    Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (1 vote)
  • Local Popularity
    80 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 55 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #43794 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #83287 in Trail Running
    • #146707 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes

Also referred to as the Lower Perimeter trail or RTF for short. Runs between Ivy Rd and Fontaine Ave. Plenty of descents and climbs, great to ride both directions. A couple bridges over creeks and a lot of alternate paths leading off of the main trail. Plenty of roots make it fun and challenging if you are still working on skills or racing to set PRs.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 15 rides
  • 19 miles avg distance
All
  • 126 rides
  • Last: Jul 2, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Rivanna Trail Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Mar 10, 2026 @ 4:16pm (America/New_York)
Mar 10, 2026
 reporter
Oct 28, 2025 @ 5:20pm (America/New_York)
Oct 28, 2025
 reporter Still have a large part of a tree near shoulder level just south of the Northside Nellys intersection. Could get tight if you aren’t expecting it.
Mar 9, 2025 @ 11:19am
Mar 9, 2025
 reporter Tree down just south of Northside Nellys. Just around the corner coming downhill from the intersection. Easy to climb over.
Nov 13, 2024 @ 5:20pm
Nov 13, 2024
 reporter
Oct 6, 2024 @ 12:55pm
Oct 6, 2024
 reporter
more »
Status:
on Mar 10, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 3.99 (4 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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        Directions to rivanna-trail trailhead (38.026860, -78.526620)

        Photos

        4 more »
        227 |
        Oct 2, 2021 @ 10:03am
        Oct 2, 2021
        54 |
        Mar 9, 2025 @ 11:20am
        Mar 9, 2025
        59 |
        Jun 22, 2024 @ 8:11am
        Jun 22, 2024
        57 |
        Apr 15, 2024 @ 3:46pm
        Apr 15, 2024

        Videos

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        Routes with this trail

        7
        Rivanna Trail Clockwise 2022
        21 miles • 1,377 ft • 9 • Loop •
        Rivanna Trail, clockwise, including a few spur extensions, but no out and backs.

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Rivanna Trail

        ▼ Where is Rivanna Trail located?
        Rivanna Trail is located in Observatory Hill, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. It is part of the Observatory Hill trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 38.02686, -78.52662.
        ▼ How hard is Rivanna Trail?
        Rivanna Trail is rated as Blue difficulty. The average grade is 0.8%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Rivanna Trail?
        Rivanna Trail has 356 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 281 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 487 ft to 638 ft.
        ▼ Is Rivanna Trail a point to point trail?
        Rivanna Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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