Ivy Creek Foundation — Attraction in Virginia

Trails are very well marked...nice wildlife... While visiting the area we decided to take a quick, local hike.

LOTS of rules... My understanding is that this is a nature preserve and that’s the reason why dogs aren’t allowed. Would’ve loved to bring my pup. I still have no idea why jogging is banned.

Hate to say it but it’s just a flagrant exhibition of tax-payer dollars. There are 11 trails in this park... Those trails are marked by HUNDREDS of man-made marker posts. Combine those markers with having to step over strategically-placed steps every 8 feet and you, too, will be questioning the reasons. The red trail boasts a spot where you can either cross an unmarked, dramatic wooden bridge (complete with stairs) or continue 20ft to follow the trail beside it. Odd. There are too many trails...11 trails for 7 miles. A few trails should be combined to simplify the map.

However—this is a fabulous spot to take the family. Kids were catching frogs in the swamp. There is even a paved trail for...

Mike the butterfly guy is wonderful. He has a real passion for the subject and he cannot help emparting it on to others. We were in town and saw the butterfly tour as an attraction and decided to visit and attend. Being from the UK we had no idea of the area or subject but after what seemed 5 minute (actually 2 hour tour) we were enthralled.

Such a great guy in such a wonderful location with beautiful walks.

I cannot recommend this area more highly as it was one of the highlights of our visit to charlottesville.

Please visit and appreciate the beatuful location and trustees who have a real love and passion...

We enjoyed the red loop trail and plan to come back to do more exploring! The Foundation has done a fantastic job making this area a valuable educational as well as recreational resource. We appreciated the many educational signs and QR codes about the history of the property and natural history of the area. The trails are very well marked and easy to access from the parking lot. We enjoyed the lovely views of the river and the restored meadows. There are still lots of beautiful insects to see there! We also saw many turtles and birds. Highly recommend for families and casual hikers looking for an easy but...