more stats
472 ft
Distance
-29 ft
Descent
00:00:37
Avg time
-29 ft
Altitude change
786 ft
Altitude min
815 ft
Altitude max
815 ft
Altitude start
787 ft
Altitude end
-6.2%
Grade
-20.3%
Grade max
-1.5%
Grade min
295 ft
Distance down
157 ft
Distance flat
00:00:37
Avg time

Junkyard Switchbacks Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Observatory Hill
    Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    75 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 80 in Trail Running
    • 80 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #209519 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #113710 in Trail Running
    • #119112 in Hiking
  • State Ranking
    #1,350 in Mountain Biking · Virginia [+]
    • #979 in Trail Running
    • #1,152 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • TTFs on Trail
    Berm

Junkyard is affectionately named after the large field of glass bottles found on this western-facing slope just downhill from the Observatory. This singletrack is rough cut with many of Ohill's signature rocks sticking through with just enough dug into each of the switchbacks to call it a berm. This is primarily used as a downhill trail to drop into Slice Run or Spider Trail, but is also a good climb to the start of Long Downhill and Rocks - Smooth.

Tags
BermsTight and twisty
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 8 miles average
6 Months
  • 12 rides
  • 15 miles avg distance
All
  • 84 rides
  • Last: Oct 7, 2026
c1c2c3c4
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
update trails status or condition

Junkyard Switchbacks Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Aug 9, 2026 @ 8:30am (America/New_York)
Aug 9, 2026
 reporter
Oct 28, 2025 @ 5:20pm (America/New_York)
Oct 28, 2025
 reporter
Oct 24, 2025 @ 4:20pm (America/New_York)
Oct 24, 2025
 reporter
Jul 10, 2025 @ 5:36pm
Jul 10, 2025
 reporter Small tree down pushing the line a bit higher after the second switchback
May 20, 2025 @ 6:04pm
May 20, 2025
 reporter
more »
Status:
on Aug 9, 2026
Ideal
no votes yet
Your vote: 0

view (474)
close
      Directions to junkyard-switchbacks trailhead (38.033230, -78.523570)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      No photos have been added for Junkyard Switchbacks yet, add a photo.

      Videos

      no videos have been added for Junkyard Switchbacks yet, add a video.

      Reviews / Comments

      No reviews yet, be the first to write a review or ask a question.
      Use trail reports to comment on trail conditions.


      We hope you've been enjoying Trailforks!

      Create a FREE account to view all trail reviews and much more.

      Create a Free Account

      Nearby Trails

      Observatory Hill

      • By brettn13TF Pro CAMBC & contributors
      • #755950 - 338 views

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Junkyard Switchbacks located?
      Junkyard Switchbacks is located in Observatory Hill, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. It is part of the Observatory Hill trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 38.03323, -78.52357.
      ▼ How hard is Junkyard Switchbacks?
      Junkyard Switchbacks is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 6.2%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Junkyard Switchbacks?
      The trail has 29 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 786 ft to 815 ft.
      ▼ Is Junkyard Switchbacks a point to point trail?
      Junkyard Switchbacks is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Junkyard Switchbacks?
      Junkyard Switchbacks is 472 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Junkyard Switchbacks?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Junkyard Switchbacks. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access Junkyard Switchbacks? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Junkyard Switchbacks are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Junkyard Switchbacks?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 1 minute to ride Junkyard Switchbacks. The trail is 472 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Junkyard Switchbacks?
      Junkyard Switchbacks is a very popular trail. There have been 315 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 474 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

      Hit the Trail

      Open in App

      Get this trail on your phone instantly.
      open trail in app

      Download Trail

      Save to wishlist, Garmin & download.
      save the trail

      Find Related Routes

      Find routes and users activities that include this trail.
      find routes for this trail

      You must enter a description before submitting.