Preddy Creek Trail Park - a large rock sitting on top of a wooden fence
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Preddy Creek Trail Park

4.8
·400 reviews·Charlottesville, United States

A 572.5-acre park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring a unique sparkling creek.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage, crisp air

CrowdLow
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Preddy Creek Trail Park - a large rock sitting on top of a wooden fence

Preddy Creek Trail Park

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage, crisp air

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 572.5-acre park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring a unique sparkling creek.

4.8
(400 reviews)

"A great local park with easy parking and trail access, offering a variety of options for all skill levels."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meadow Loop Trail

Meadow Loop Trail

Park Entrance

An easy, short loop perfect for a quick stroll or for those new to hiking.

Preddy Creek

Preddy Creek

Along the creek trails

Sparkling mica-rich soil makes the creek bed shimmer, offering a unique natural spectacle.

Wooden Suspension Bridge

Wooden Suspension Bridge

Shady trail

A scenic wooden suspension bridge offers a picturesque spot to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

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Best Trails for All Levels

Preddy Creek Trail Park offers a variety of trails, from the easy Meadow Loop to more challenging mountain biking paths. Check the detailed map at the entrance for difficulty levels and trail etiquette before you go. Remember to watch out for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders sharing the paths.

Seasonal Beauty & Amenities

Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit, with vibrant foliage. The park is pet-friendly and free to enter, making it a great family outing. While bathrooms are available, they are basic, so plan accordingly. Parking is ample but can fill up on nice days.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekends
Why
Cool creek for playing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Preddy Creek Trail Park in Barboursville,VA is a great local hike! It covers an area of 572.5 acres and is easily accessible from Charlottesville and the surrounding areas! 🍁Fall is our favorite time to visit 💲FREE family friendly activity 🐕Pet friendly 🚲Bikes are welcome, there’s even a really cool little self service station for your bike at the entrance which was a Boy Scout project! ...
crystalgattonrealtor
6 likes • 180 views

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Detailed maps at the entrance show trail difficulty, etiquette, and routes. Don't miss it! Reddit

👟 Watch Your Step!

Exposed roots and fallen leaves on shady trails require careful footing. Reddit

reddit.com

Mountain biking/trail riding

reddit.com

Easy Hike?

💧 Basic Restrooms

Restrooms are available but lack running water. Plan accordingly. Reddit

🚗 Secure Your Valuables

Cameras monitor the parking lot, but always lock cars and hide belongings. Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

👟 Watch Your Step!

Exposed roots and fallen leaves on shady trails require careful footing. Reddit

💧 Basic Restrooms

Restrooms are available but lack running water. Plan accordingly. Reddit

🚗 Secure Your Valuables

Cameras monitor the parking lot, but always lock cars and hide belongings. Reddit

🚴 Bike Check Station

A self-service bike station is available for quick tune-ups. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(400 reviews)

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

Free and family-friendly
Variety of trails
Sparkling creek beauty

What People Dislike

Basic restroom facilities
Uneven trail terrain

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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

Preddy Creek Trail Park is an excellent free, family-friendly destination. The Meadow Loop Trail is perfect for little legs, offering a short and easy walk. Reddit The park's pet-friendly policy means you can bring your well-behaved dog along for the outing. TikTok While the restrooms are basic, the abundance of nature and the opportunity to explore the creek make it an engaging experience for children. Remember to pack snacks and water, and keep an eye on little ones near the creek.

🚴 Mountain Bikers

For mountain bikers, Preddy Creek Trail Park offers a good mix of trails. While some are described as rugged and challenging, there are also options suitable for those newer to the sport. Reddit The park's layout allows for varied rides, and the presence of a self-service bike station is a convenient perk for quick adjustments. TikTok Always be aware of other trail users, especially hikers and horses, and ensure your helmet straps are secure on the more demanding routes. Reddit

🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers

Hikers will appreciate the variety of trail options and the peaceful atmosphere of Preddy Creek Trail Park. The sparkling creek and the wooden suspension bridge offer scenic points of interest. Reddit The park is a great place to enjoy nature without large crowds, especially on weekdays. Be prepared for uneven terrain on some trails due to exposed roots and fallen leaves. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails

Preddy Creek Trail Park boasts a network of trails catering to various interests and fitness levels. For a relaxed experience, the Meadow Loop Trail is an easy, short circuit perfect for a quick walk or for those new to hiking. More adventurous visitors can explore the mountain biking trails, which are described as rugged and challenging by some users. Reddit A detailed map is available at the park entrance, clearly marking the difficulty of each trail, making it easier to choose your adventure. Reddit

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. Reddit For cyclists, there's even a convenient self-service bike station available for minor repairs. TikTok

When exploring the shadier trails, be cautious of exposed tree roots and fallen leaves, which can make the footing uneven. Reddit This attention to trail conditions ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone using Preddy Creek Trail Park.

The Allure of Preddy Creek

The park is named after Preddy Creek, a central feature that draws many visitors. The creek itself is a beautiful spot to explore, and people are often seen playing in the water during warmer months. Reddit What makes the creek particularly unique is its soil, which contains a significant amount of mica. This mineral content causes the creek bed to sparkle, creating a visually captivating effect that many visitors find delightful. Reddit

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. Reddit 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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