more stats
472 ft
Distance
-29 ft
Descent
815 ft
High Point
-29 ft
Altitude change
786 ft
Altitude min
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

Junkyard Switchbacks Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Observatory Hill
    Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    80 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 55 in Trail Running
    • 80 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.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 15 rides
  • 12 miles avg distance
All
  • 82 rides
  • Last: Aug 23, 2026
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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
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  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to junkyard-switchbacks trailhead (38.033230, -78.523570)
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        Nearby Trails

        Observatory Hill

        • By brettn13TF Pro CAMBC & contributors
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        Frequently Asked Questions About Junkyard Switchbacks

        ▼ 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 busy is Junkyard Switchbacks?
        Junkyard Switchbacks is a very popular trail. There have been 304 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 461 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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