Ragged Mountain Natural Area
The Ragged Mountain Natural Area is a 980 acres preserve surrounding the Ragged Mountain Reservoir and is owned by the City of Charlottesville. Approximately four miles of trails skirting the lower and upper reservoirs were laid out and constructed by the Ivy Creek Foundation to maximize lake vistas while avoiding sensitive areas and possible erosion sites.
In order to protect the serenity of the wildlife and the trails, dogs, bikes, motorized vehicles, jogging, camping, fires, hunting and nature specimen collection are prohibited.
The trail is managed by the Ivy Creek Foundation. Sport fishing at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir is reportedly excellent. As boats must be carried from the caretaker's parking lot to the reservoir, small boats, canoes and kayaks are the most commonly used. Ragged Mountain is open free to the public every day from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. For more information on the trail, please contact the Ivy Creek Foundation at (434) 973-7772.