Thomas Jefferson Parkway and Kemper ParkVisitors are invited to stroll the Thomas Jefferson Parkway located on Route 53. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset, and is 3.2 miles round-trip on a gentle grade. Limited parking is available at the base of Route 53. From there, maps and signage direct visitors to the trail.
At the base of the Parkway along Route 53, Kemper Park includes an arboretum of native trees and shrubs, Carter Overlook, a two-acre pond, and a small trailhead parking lot. A 1.6 mile trail, Saunders-Monticello Trail, also winds through the park before ascending the side of Carter Mountain toward Monticello. Beginning soon, the trail will lead directly to the Monticello ticket office over the recently completed stone-arch Saunders Bridge.
Trail and park users are asked to respect the following rules: The Saunders-Monticello Trail and Kemper Park are open all year, sunrise to sunset. No restroom or drinking facilities are currently accessible. Please stay to the right on trails. Bicycles must observe a 10 mph speed limit and yield to pedestrians at all times. Cyclists should pass pedestrians on the left and proceed with caution. Boardwalk sections of trail will be closed to bicycles in wet conditions. Dogs are welcome in Kemper Park only. Dogs must be kept on a leash. Please enjoy and respect the Trail and Park. Call the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at 984-9877 for further information.
