The Great Outdoors: C’ville in the Summer Part 2

Charlottesville has too many great outdoor adventures to fit into one blog! Today,

we’re going to look at a couple great ways to explore the outdoors here in Albemarle

County, and a way to get involved in outdoor activities as a UVa student. 

Chris Greene Lake

Overhead view of Chris Greene Lake - via Albemarle County Parks and Recreation. 

This is a huge lake located right here in Charlottesville and operated by county Parks

and Rec. The lake covers most of this park, but there are also hiking trails, spaces to

grill and picnic, and a playground (for the inner child of every college student). The

most popular activity at the lake is to canoe or kayak. You have the option to rent those

for suprisingly cheap at the park, and then you and your friends can go out and enjoy

the lake! It’s a really beautiful area, and it’s a great way to try something new this summer,

or to start of the school year when you come back to Charlottesville in the fall. 

Interns Maddie and Will out canoeing at the lake - via Instagram (@uva_summer).

Mint Springs Valley Park 

View of the park - via Albemarle County Parks and Recreation. 

Another fantastic county park! The best part about the Valley park is that you are

allowed to swim, every day from 11am-7pm. Swimming in a lake, surrounded by a

view of the mountains, nestled in the woods, THAT is peak Charlottesville outdoor

activity. The park also offers a playground, picnic areas, boating, and fishing, so you’re

covered for all outdoor activities here. It’s a really cool place to go to just relax,

especially when it’s open to swimming (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) in the

summer!

Outdoors Club at UVa

Image via Instagram (@uvaoutdoors).

If you’ve LOVED reading about the outdoors, or if hiking, swimming, and climbing

are your top three favorite activities, the Outdoors Club might be for you. They go on

trips to places all over the C’ville and Virginia area, and really explore everything we

have here. If you’re interested, make sure to keep a look out for them at the club fair

when you get to UVa in the fall, and check out their website (link below!).

Thanks for reading! Be sure to keep checking in this week for other activities going on

in Charlottesville this summer. If you go on any of these adventures, be sure to tag

@uva_summer on your Instagrams. Happy adventuring! 

Signing off,

Abby S.