Pen Park

    Outdoor Fitness Course

    A 10-station outdoor fitness trail winding through Pen Park's natural wooded setting toward the Rivanna River.

    Open today until 10 PM

    1300 Pen Park Rd · Parking: Free parking available throughout the park near trailheads, playgrounds, pavilions, and the golf course clubhouse

    4.6 ★ on Google (679 reviews) · Verified Mar 27, 2026
    Charlottesville's
    Largest City Park
    280
    Acres of Natural Beauty
    Open Daily
    6 AM - 10 PM
    Free
    Public Access

    Experience Nature-Based Fitness at Charlottesville's Premier Park

    Free Full-Body Workout
    Access 10 professionally designed exercise stations at no cost, providing complete circuit training for cardiovascular health and strength building
    Nature-Based Fitness
    Exercise in Pen Park's beautiful wooded setting with trails leading to the Rivanna River, combining physical activity with stress-reducing natural surroundings
    Flexible Schedule
    Open 6 AM to 10 PM daily, allowing you to work out on your schedule without class times or reservations—perfect for early risers and evening exercisers
    All Fitness Levels Welcome
    Self-paced stations allow beginners to start slowly and advanced exercisers to increase intensity, making it suitable for your entire fitness journey
    About Pen Park

    About Pen Park

    Pen Park is Charlottesville's largest city park at 280 acres, located off East Rio Road on Pen Park Road. The land has retained its name for over 200 years, and the City of Charlottesville acquired the final parcels by 1979 to create what locals call the 'gem' of the city park system. The park's name is so significant that Park Street in Charlottesville takes its name from this historic green space. With frontage along the Rivanna River and diverse recreational facilities, Pen Park serves as a central gathering place for outdoor recreation, family activities, and community events across the region.

    What People Are Saying

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I love starting my mornings here! The fitness stations are well-spaced along the beautiful wooded trail, and I always feel energized after my workout. Being surrounded by nature makes such a difference compared to a stuffy gym.

    Jennifer M.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Great variety of exercises and completely free. I bring my dog along for the walk between stations. The trail is well-maintained and the river views at the end are a nice bonus. Perfect for anyone wanting outdoor fitness options.

    Marcus T.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    As someone new to exercise, I appreciate that I can go at my own pace without feeling judged. The stations have clear instructions and the natural setting is so peaceful. I've been coming three times a week and feel stronger already.

    Linda S.
    Read all 679 reviews on Google →

    4.6 ★ avg rating · Verified Mar 27, 2026

    Common Questions

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    Our Location

    Map showing Pen Park at 1300 Pen Park Rd
    Pen Park
    1300 Pen Park Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
    Get directions →
    PParking: Free parking available throughout the park near trailheads, playgrounds, pavilions, and the golf course clubhouse
    Hours
    Mon6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Tue6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Wed6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Thu6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Fri6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Sat6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Sun6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

    We're here for you

    Open today until 10 PM
    1300 Pen Park Rd, Charlottesville, VA
    Last updated March 27, 2026 · Reviews verified Mar 27, 2026
    © 2026 Pen Park. Published in partnership with Lantern