Preddy Creek Trail Park
A 572.5-acre park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring a unique sparkling creek.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Preddy Creek Trail Park
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 572.5-acre park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring a unique sparkling creek.
"A great local park with easy parking and trail access, offering a variety of options for all skill levels."
🗺️ Grab a Trail Map
Detailed maps at the entrance show trail difficulty, etiquette, and routes. Don't miss it!
👟 Watch Your Step!
Exposed roots and fallen leaves on shady trails require careful footing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meadow Loop Trail
Park Entrance
An easy, short loop perfect for a quick stroll or for those new to hiking.
Preddy Creek
Along the creek trails
Sparkling mica-rich soil makes the creek bed shimmer, offering a unique natural spectacle.
Wooden Suspension Bridge
Shady trail
A scenic wooden suspension bridge offers a picturesque spot to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Trails for All Levels
Seasonal Beauty & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Trail Map
Detailed maps at the entrance show trail difficulty, etiquette, and routes. Don't miss it!
👟 Watch Your Step!
Exposed roots and fallen leaves on shady trails require careful footing.
Mountain biking/trail riding
Easy Hike?
💧 Basic Restrooms
Restrooms are available but lack running water. Plan accordingly.
🚗 Secure Your Valuables
Cameras monitor the parking lot, but always lock cars and hide belongings.
Mountain Bike Trail Recommendations
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Trail Map
Detailed maps at the entrance show trail difficulty, etiquette, and routes. Don't miss it!
👟 Watch Your Step!
Exposed roots and fallen leaves on shady trails require careful footing.
💧 Basic Restrooms
Restrooms are available but lack running water. Plan accordingly.
🚗 Secure Your Valuables
Cameras monitor the parking lot, but always lock cars and hide belongings.
🚴 Bike Check Station
A self-service bike station is available for quick tune-ups.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Preddy Creek Trail Park for its accessibility, variety of trails suitable for different skill levels, and its natural beauty, especially the unique sparkling creek. It's a popular spot for families and pet owners due to its free entry and welcoming atmosphere. Some note the basic restroom facilities and the need for caution on certain trails.
"This is a great park we happen to find in the area. After spending the previous day at the winery, we needed to do a small hike. Unfortunately, it was extremely cold and windy and we didn't have bug spray, so we didn't get didn't get too adventurous. For these reasons, we tried the easiest trail--the Meadow Loop Trail. It was an easy loop around a grassy area, took maybe less than 10 minutes.
There was a very detailed map at the entrance of the trails. This included all the available trails, the level of difficulty for each trail, basic etiquette, friendly reminders, etc. There was also a reminder that everyone needs to watch out for each other --hikers, bikers and horse riders. We didn't see any horses, but we did try to dodge the "presents" they left behind. We did see some bikers returning from the trail.
There was a large parking lot, which most likely fills up when the weather is nicer. Cameras are watching the parking lot, but it's always best to lock cars and hide valuables :). There were bathrooms available, but not the type with running water....if you get what I mean!
Would I return? Can't say for sure since it's pretty far."
A A
"It's a really relaxing trail to hike and enjoy the scenery. It's not super crowded but you always see some other people in passing. The trail by the river is beautiful and I frequently see other people playing in the river when I walk by. I think I get why this trail is called Preddy Creek. The soil here has a lot of mica, so it's really sparkly."
Sarah Kalfarisi
"What a great local park. Easy parking and trail access with a variety of trail options and difficulty. Expect to encounter plenty of others hiking and biking, but it didn't feel overcrowded.
The creek is always a great place to explore."
Dave F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Preddy Creek Trail Park is easily accessible from Charlottesville and surrounding areas. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to reach the park. There is a large parking lot available at the entrance.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at the park entrance. It can fill up on busy days, especially during pleasant weather. It's always a good idea to secure valuables in your vehicle.
Absolutely! The park offers a variety of trail options, including beginner-friendly paths like the Meadow Loop Trail. The detailed maps at the entrance help you choose a route that matches your skill level.
Yes, Preddy Creek Trail Park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companions along for the adventure. Remember to keep them under control and clean up after them.
Preddy Creek Trail Park is located in Barboursville, VA. For precise driving directions, it's best to use a GPS navigation app, as the park is accessible from Charlottesville and nearby areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Preddy Creek Trail Park is a free, family-friendly activity. There is no admission fee to enter the park and enjoy its trails.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk, offering ample daylight hours for exploration. It's always a good idea to check local listings or park signage for any specific seasonal hours.
No advance booking is required for Preddy Creek Trail Park as it is a public recreation area with free entry. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
The park is open to the public for recreation. There is no hunting allowed, so leave firearms at home. Be mindful of trail etiquette and share the space respectfully with other visitors.
At the park entrance, you'll find a large parking lot and a detailed map of the trails. Basic restrooms are also available, though they do not have running water.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Preddy Creek Trail Park offers a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Options range from easy loops like the Meadow Loop to more rugged paths suitable for experienced riders.
Yes, the park is well-regarded for its mountain biking trails. There are rugged trails suitable for experienced riders, and even a self-service bike station for quick repairs.
Many visitors enjoy playing in Preddy Creek, especially during warmer months. The creek area is often described as beautiful and a great place to relax by the water.
The terrain varies, with some trails being easy loops around grassy areas, while others are more rugged with exposed tree roots and fallen leaves, especially on the shadier paths.
The creek itself is a highlight, with soil containing a lot of mica that makes it sparkle. There's also a wooden suspension bridge on one of the shadier trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The creek area, especially with its sparkling mica-rich soil, offers unique photo opportunities. The wooden suspension bridge and the vibrant foliage in the fall also make for beautiful shots.
Yes, the park provides a lovely natural setting for photography. You can capture images of the creek, diverse plant life, and the trails winding through the woods. The fall colors are particularly stunning.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Fall mornings offer crisp light and beautiful foliage.
While not explicitly stated, drone usage in public parks can be restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations or park rules before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
The trails along Preddy Creek offer beautiful views of the water and surrounding nature. The wooden suspension bridge also provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Mountain Bikers
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
It's crucial to be aware of shared trail usage. The park is frequented by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Visitors are reminded to watch out for each other and be mindful of the presence of horses, as their 'presents' can sometimes be found on the paths. For cyclists, there's even a convenient self-service bike station available for minor repairs.
When exploring the shadier trails, be cautious of exposed tree roots and fallen leaves, which can make the footing uneven. This attention to trail conditions ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone using Preddy Creek Trail Park.
The Allure of Preddy Creek
Beyond the creek, the park offers a serene natural environment. The trails wind through wooded areas, providing shade and a peaceful escape. The wooden suspension bridge on one of the shadier trails is a notable landmark and a pleasant spot to pause and take in the surroundings. Whether you're seeking a gentle walk or a more active adventure, the natural beauty of Preddy Creek Trail Park provides a refreshing experience.
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