The Three Notched Trail began as a project of the Rivanna Trails Foundation (RTF), a non-profit established in 1992 with a mission to “promote, create and protect pathways, trails and greenways in the Rivanna River Watershed”.  RTF has partnered with the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, the University of Virginia, and numerous landowners to build and maintain over 27 miles of rustic and paved trails.  Thousands of people use the Rivanna Trails each year for transportation, recreation, and access to nature.

There has long been local and regional interest in the development of a shared-use path along the historic Three Notched Road. A shared-use path roughly following the Three Notched Road is highlighted in the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan, the Crozet Master Plan, the Jefferson Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and the Virginia Outdoors Plan. Segments of the shared use path were prioritized in the 2019 update of the Albemarle County Transportation Priorities list.

In 2022. Albemarle County joined the RTF in actively planning for the Three Notched Trail.  Details on the RAISE grant feasibility study can be found here.