Farm Table

The nice thing about hiking the Saunders-Monticello Trail is the Rubenstein Visitor Center near the end where--among other things to do--you can relax and and enjoy a meal at the Monticello Farm Table before turning around and heading back to the trail head.

 

The cafe's menus are "seasonal, using local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Offerings include homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches made with Monticello-grown vegetables and locally sourced meats, cheeses, and bread. Coffee, tea, Monticello Root Beer, Virginia wine and beer, and other locally or regionally produced beverages are available, as well as fresh-baked cookies, brownies, and muffins." 

Tom

 

Another president, long ago

Boardwalks

The Saunders-Monticello Trail also boasts a truly impressive array of boardwalks.

Saunders-Monticello Trail

"The Saunders -Monticello Trail is truly a beautiful trail achievement as it winds its way 2 miles up Carter Mountain to the entrance of Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The entire trail never exceeds a 5% incline making it wheelchair accessible. The trail starts at the base of Carter Mountain at the Kemper Park and Arboretum. From here the trail winds through native plantings and gradually begins its ascent, passing by a small manmade pond edged with bull rushes that is well worth a closer look. Green herons can be seen stalking small fish along its banks and the rushes usually hold some skulking song and occasional swamp sparrows.

The trail was designed to reflect how Thomas Jefferson wanted his home to be approached as he wrote:

Of prospect I have a rich profusion – it may be successfully offered, & in different portions through vistas…with the advantage of shifting scenes as you advance on your way." -- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources