Three Notched Trail (3NT) Shared-Use Path Master Plan

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The Three Notched Trail Shared Use Path planning process is an exciting project that aims to create a multi-purpose trail connecting Charlottesville, Crozet, Albemarle County, and Nelson County. The Three Notched Trail will provide a safe, car-free route for locals and visitors, showcase the region's historic, natural, and agricultural resources, and support the local recreation and tourism economy.

We are working with a multidisciplinary team of planners, engineers, scientists, and civic engagement specialists to develop the Master Plan. The proposed trail will be approximately 24 miles long, and the planning process is estimated to take 24 months. During this time

The Three Notched Trail Shared Use Path planning process is an exciting project that aims to create a multi-purpose trail connecting Charlottesville, Crozet, Albemarle County, and Nelson County. The Three Notched Trail will provide a safe, car-free route for locals and visitors, showcase the region's historic, natural, and agricultural resources, and support the local recreation and tourism economy.

We are working with a multidisciplinary team of planners, engineers, scientists, and civic engagement specialists to develop the Master Plan. The proposed trail will be approximately 24 miles long, and the planning process is estimated to take 24 months. During this time, the team will evaluate viable options and seek public input. Three different routes will be drafted and evaluated as part of the study. Ultimately, one route will be selected as the preferred location, and preliminary plans will be developed for priority segments of the trail.

Get Involved

Throughout the planning process, we will provide a variety of ways for you to share ideas and provide feedback. Sign up for the project newsletter.

A Special Thank You to Community Advocates

We would like to thank the committed local organizations and passionate residents who demonstrated significant interest in creating a Three Notched Trail Shared Use Path; their support helped make this Master Planning Process possible.

  • Attend the Community Kickoff and Open House on 5/15/25

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    Help Shape the Future of the Three Notched Trail – Join Us May 15!

    Albemarle County invites residents and community members to attend the first public meeting for the Three Notched Trail (3NT) Shared Use Path Master Plan on Thursday, May 15, from 6-8 pm at Crozet Elementary, 1407 Crozet Ave, Crozet, VA 22932.

    This visionary 24-mile trail will connect Charlottesville to the Blue Ridge Tunnel, providing residents with safer and healthier transportation and recreation options. Over the next two years, the County and its planning partners will identify potential routes, prioritize segments, and build a shared community vision

    Help Shape the Future of the Three Notched Trail – Join Us May 15!

    Albemarle County invites residents and community members to attend the first public meeting for the Three Notched Trail (3NT) Shared Use Path Master Plan on Thursday, May 15, from 6-8 pm at Crozet Elementary, 1407 Crozet Ave, Crozet, VA 22932.

    This visionary 24-mile trail will connect Charlottesville to the Blue Ridge Tunnel, providing residents with safer and healthier transportation and recreation options. Over the next two years, the County and its planning partners will identify potential routes, prioritize segments, and build a shared community vision for the trail’s future.

    Join us on May 15 to:

    • Learn more about the project and timeline
    • Explore maps and share your local knowledge
    • Voice your ideas, needs, and concerns
    • Help shape the trail’s route and priorities

    Note that this is a planning project—no land is being purchased or trail built at this stage. Your voice will directly influence the plan.

    Let’s work together to build a trail that connects and inspires our community!

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  • Albemarle County Launches Master Plan for Three Notched Trail Shared-Use Path

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    ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA - Albemarle County has selected Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) to lead the master planning process for the Three Notched Trail Shared-Use Path. The planning effort will begin in early 2025 and take approximately 24 months to complete. The consulting team has significant experience in shared-use path planning and design, including work on the Virginia Statewide Trails Plan. Their proposal was selected based on their technical expertise and approach to public engagement.

    The Three Notched Trail will be a multi-use path separated from vehicle traffic that will follow portions of the historic Three Notched Road. It will

    ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA - Albemarle County has selected Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) to lead the master planning process for the Three Notched Trail Shared-Use Path. The planning effort will begin in early 2025 and take approximately 24 months to complete. The consulting team has significant experience in shared-use path planning and design, including work on the Virginia Statewide Trails Plan. Their proposal was selected based on their technical expertise and approach to public engagement.

    The Three Notched Trail will be a multi-use path separated from vehicle traffic that will follow portions of the historic Three Notched Road. It will connect the western edge of Charlottesville, the development area of Crozet, and the Blue Ridge Tunnel.

    “This path will connect residents and visitors to education, employment, and recreational opportunities in western Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and Nelson County,” said Jessica Hersh-Ballering, Albemarle County principal planner. “Ultimately, the shared use path will improve safety and accessibility while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic activity in the region. Project staff look forward to collaborating with community residents to design a shared use path that delivers these outcomes and meets community expectations.”

    The planning process will include opportunities for community input through public meetings, an online survey, and pop-up events. A project website will provide updates for community members, and regular reports will be shared during Board of Supervisors meetings. Technical work will focus on determining the preferred trail alignment, prioritizing key segments, and developing a functional design and implementation plan.

    The planning effort is funded by a $2 million RAISE grant, a federal program that supports surface transportation infrastructure projects. No local match was required. Once the master plan is complete, additional funding will be needed for further planning, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.

Page last updated: 09 Nov 2026, 07:49 PM