The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, who own and operate Monticello, recently acquired a riverfront property linking the historic parcels known as Lego and Shadwell. This critical acquisition allows the Foundation and Albemarle County to move forward with Greenway dedication that will allow for the extension of the County’s Old Mills Trail.
This Old Mills Trail will roughly travel the same route as the historic 3-Notch’d Trail on the north bank of the Rivanna River. The TNT passed through land that had comprised part of Thomas Jefferson’s original 5,000 acre plantation, including the Shadwell Mill. When constructed, this section of trail will essentially create the first leg of the Three Notched Trail in Albemarle County.
Please note that this proposed trail extension is not yet open. Some unauthorized trail work and tree clearing has already occurred, which cannot continue. We do not want to jeopardize this important new trail link with premature work, however well intentioned, and ask that nothing be done in this area without authorization from Monticello.