Dog Days on the Trail: Oct 26 - Nov 10
For a limited time, we are allowing leashed dogs on all Saunders-Monticello Trail paths and boardwalks. Thoughts or feedback? Take our survey here and save 10% on your next Museum Shop purchase!
What are the operating hours?
The Saunders-Monticello Trail and park system is currently open daily from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.*
What time will the gates to the parking areas close?
Gates will close promptly at the times posted above to allow adequate time for cleaning and trail maintenance. Please allow time to return to your vehicle before closing. Anyone on the trail after 5 p.m. will need to contact Monticello Security at 434-984-9885 to unlock the gates.
*Please note that the Trail parking lot hours differ from those of the lot at Monticello's visitor center. See Monticello's Hours of Operation for more information.
Are restrooms accessible?
Restrooms are only available when Monticello is open. See our Hours of Operation for more information.
Where can I find a map of the rustic trail system?
Maps are available here and are also available through REI’s Hiking Project App.
How do I dispose of trash?
Guests are asked to “Leave No Trace.” Please dispose of waste properly outside of the park. Please do not leave food wrappers, diapers, drink bottles, or any other trash on the trail in order to reduce our employees’ contact with these items.
Why aren’t dogs allowed on the boardwalks?
Dogs can easily be startled by runners or bikers, and the narrowness of the boardwalks restricts the ability of other trail patrons to put sufficient space between themselves and other patrons’ dogs. There are seven miles of rustic trails that dog owners are welcome to use with their pets.
Can I let my dog off leash?
All trails within the park, including all rustic trails, require dogs to be on a leash. Your dog must be leashed and under your control at all times.
Who owns and maintains the trails?
Monticello owns and maintains all of the property within the trail system. Secluded Farm is maintained and monitored by Monticello in an agreement with the owners. We rely on donations from trail users to fund the maintenance of the 375 acres of land that encompass the park. Support the Trail »
Where can I park?
There are three parking lots available for trail users, a small lot located on Route 53, a larger lot on Route 20, and the parking lot at our David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center. Please follow all parking signs. Vehicles illegally parked in the grass or alongside the road will be towed. Addresses for driving directions to our lots:
- Route 53 Parking Lot: 503 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Route 20 Parking Lot: 678 Dairy Barn Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Visitor Center Parking Lot: 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22902