Saunders-Monticello Trail and Carters Mountain Orchard

"The Saunders-Monticello Trail currently stretches 2 miles along the south side of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Rt. 53) and across Saunders Bridge to the Monticello Shuttle Station.

Comprised partly of on-grade sections made of finely crushed, packed stone and partly of raised boardwalk, the trail is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and to those in wheelchairs. With a maximum grade of five percent, the trail is completely accessible as it climbs steadily from the trailhead parking lot to a point just across the road from the entrance to Monticello." (The Saunders-Monticello Trail, Monticello Foundation, October 1, 2003)

Since Hurricane Isabel, Saunders-Monticello Trail at Carters Mountain Road has been closed due to boardwalk damage.

"Tree damage to the boardwalk from Hurricane Isabel was severe between Michie Tavern and Saunders Bridge. Picture courtesy of Monticello About 12 trees fell on the structure. In three cases the damage went beyond just taking out railings, but crushed the posts that support the boardwalk. Picture courtesy of Monticello In one case, perhaps the largest red oak in the forest fell diagonally through the boardwalk, crushing and demolishing over 40' of thestructure and cutting through the utility lines. Telephone and cable tv lines were taken off poles along Route 53 and put underneath the trail as part of the Parkway project. They've been repaired." Picture courtesy of Monticello Groundskeeper Peter Hatch adds, "I don't know yet how long it will be before this section of trail, about 1/2 mile, will be opened. This week we are getting estimates for the tree work and boardwalk restoration, and all this has to be run through our insurance company before work can begin. An immediate delay will be simply assembling materials: the rails, for example, were specially milled for the trail. I'd guess 3 to 6 months. It's really important that our avid Parkway users (it's the most popular park in Albemarle County) don't violate our gated barriers in order to view the damaged boardwalk. It's dangerous up there." (Peter Hatch, electronic mail, October 1, 2003)

The bottom portion of the trail is open from Kemper Park to Carter's Mt. Rd., about 1.25 miles from the trailhead parking lot (the entire trail to Monticello's Shuttle Station is 2 miles), and continues to receive well deserved foot traffic.

This part of the trail sustained only slight hurricane damage and remains remarkably secluded, despite the sound of traffic nearby which denotes it as an urban park.

It hosts a panoply of forrested habitats, frequented by families, couples and early morning joggers.

And, of course, there is the duck pond.

The Saunders-Monticello Trail and Kemper Park are open all year, sunrise to sunset. No restroom or drinking facilities are currently accessible. Trail users are responsible for monitoring weather conditions and should leave the Parkway as quickly as possible in case of storms. In severe weather, there is a risk of lightning strikes and of falling branches and trees.

Call 984-9877 for further information.

If you are looking for mountain views from the trail this time of year, you are out of luck.

However, just down the road is Carter Mountain Orchard, where you can see views of the Blue Ridge, along with much of Charlottesville and the University in the valley below.

Beginning on October 4th, the orchard offers Winesaps, Staymans*, Mutzu (Crispins) and Yorks. Beginning October 18th, it offers Granny Smiths*, Braeburns*, Fuji*, and Pink Lady* apples. (The asterisks denote available-to-pick-your-own.)

The Orchard also hosts its apple harvest festivals on October 4th and 5th and 11th and 12th, including country music, clogging, crafts, hayrides, food and other activities.

Wine made from Carter Mountain grapes will be sold at the apple barn by a representative from First Colony Winery during September and October. The Orchard provides grapes in bulk to a variety of wineries nearby.

For more information about Carter Mountain Orchard, contact the Chiles Family at 434-977-1833.