more stats
2.4 miles
Distance
75 ft
Climb
-17 ft
Descent
00:13:16
Avg time
58 ft
Altitude change
306 ft
Altitude min
369 ft
Altitude max
311 ft
Altitude start
367 ft
Altitude end
0.5%
Grade
-4.1%
Grade max
24.2%
Grade min
2,959 ft
Distance climb
1,555 ft
Distance down
2 miles
Distance flat
00:13:16
Avg time

RTF Riverside section Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Gravel Bike
    • Adaptive Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Charlottesville
    , Virginia
  • Difficulty Rating
    Green Rate
  • Local Popularity
    35 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
    • 5 in Adaptive Biking
    • 5 in Gravel Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #66445 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #64045 in Trail Running
    • #197709 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Paved Path
  • Bike Type
    Adaptive MTB, Gravel
  • Direction
    Both Directions[+]
    • Both Directions for Gravel Biking
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes

A very popular paved trail along the Rivanna River. Includes multiple loop options and a playground from the parking lot off Chesapeake Street, and is one of the primary sections of the Rivanna Trail Loop (RTF). With 2 miles of flat paved paths and river views, it is one of the most popular areas for walking & strollers. Bikers should not expect to carry high speed through this section of the RTF loop.

For those seeking longer adventures, you can cross Free Bridge to access Old Mill & Darden Towe. The Rivanna River Company, Högwaller Brewing, and SugarBear Gourmet Ice Cream are just off the trail.

Trail Supporters
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 3 rides
  • 20 miles avg distance
All
  • 16 rides
  • Last: Aug 26, 2026
update trails status or condition

RTF Riverside... Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Aug 9, 2026 @ 8:30am (America/New_York)
Aug 9, 2026
 reporter
Dec 19, 2019 @ 2:50pm
Dec 19, 2019
 reporter
Oct 3, 2019 @ 2:44pm
Oct 3, 2019
May 7, 2019 @ 9:41am
May 7, 2019
 reporter
Mar 18, 2018 @ 12:35pm
Mar 18, 2018
more »
Status:
on Aug 9, 2026
Dry
Avg: 3.98 (1 votes)
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to rtf-riverside-section trailhead (38.022460, -78.455860)
      View on Discover Map

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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.
      4.0 ★★★★★
      1 Ratings
      5 ★
      4 ★ 100%
      3 ★
      2 ★
      1 ★

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      Nearby Trails

      Charlottesville

      • By brettn13TF Pro CAMBC & contributors
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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is RTF Riverside section located?
      RTF Riverside section is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. It is part of the Charlottesville trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 38.02246, -78.45586.
      ▼ How hard is RTF Riverside section?
      RTF Riverside section is rated as Green difficulty. The average grade is 0.5%.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for RTF Riverside section?
      RTF Riverside section has 75 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 17 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 306 ft to 369 ft.
      ▼ Is RTF Riverside section a point to point trail?
      RTF Riverside section is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is paved path.
      ▼ How long is RTF Riverside section?
      RTF Riverside section is 2.4 miles long. The trail type is paved path.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on RTF Riverside section?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on RTF Riverside section. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access RTF Riverside section? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to RTF Riverside section are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride RTF Riverside section?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 13 minutes to ride RTF Riverside section. The trail is 2.4 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is RTF Riverside section?
      RTF Riverside section is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 136 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 138 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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