FAQs
- Attending public meetings at various stages throughout the planning process
- Completing online surveys
- Engaging at pop-up outreach opportunities
- Visiting the project website and signing up for the project newsletter
What is the Three Notched Trail and where will it be located?
The proposed Three Notched Trail is part of an ambitious 200-mile, long-distance shared-use path that is envisioned to connect Virginia’s mountains to the sea. Locally, the Three Notched Trail will span approximately 24 miles through western Albemarle County, connecting the City of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Tunnel in Nelson County. The trail is intended to enhance connectivity for Ivy, the development area of Crozet, Greenwood, and Afton, providing safer, healthier, and environmentally friendly opportunities for outdoor activities and car-free transportation.
No specific trail route exists, but the planning effort will use technical analysis and community engagement to inform the desired route in western Albemarle County. Every effort will be made to develop the trail primarily on public land and with willing private landowners. Respecting property rights and fostering partnerships is a core principle of this effort.
What is the purpose of the Three Notched Trail Shared Use Path Master Plan?
The Three Notched Trail Shared Use Path Master Plan is a two-year planning effort that will result in a preferred trail route and schematic design for priority segments to guide future implementation. Note that this is a planning-level effort, not a construction project. No construction documents or land purchases are included at this stage.
The planning team will use broad public feedback to create three potential route options through the study area. The final, preferred route will be selected based on community input, feasibility, and long-term impact.
How will the public be able to share their ideas and trail vision with Albemarle County?
Community voices are essential to the success of this project, and we want to hear from residents about what’s important to them—whether it’s safety, connections to local destinations, scenic beauty, or economic opportunity. The trail will be for everyone. Engagement opportunities include:
When can I expect to be using the completed trail?
Planning and constructing a 24-mile trail is a long-term endeavor. The planning process will officially kick off in Spring 2025 and will take approximately two years to complete. The final plan will include a preferred route and implementation plan, detailing opportunities for construction and funding of priority segments. The trail will likely be built in shorter segments over time, eventually reaching the full 24 miles.
Why is it called the Three Notched Trail?
The Three Notched Trail (3NT) is named after the colonial road that extended from Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley. For wayfinding, the road was marked by three horizontal hatchet “notches” on trees. The path of the original Three Notched Road changed over the years, though much of it was converted to what we now call Route 250.