Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail:
Virginia
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The Virginia Creeper offers scenic wonders from dense forests, open fields, and lush waterways to railroad relics and delightful small towns. Cyclists and equestrians love the length of the Creeper, and many local walkers and joggers take advantage of the pleasant opportunity for a little exercise.
The trail officially begins at the Virginia/North Carolina border, but the easiest place to start the Creeper is from the Whitetop Station trailhead. (However, to cover the entire trail, simply ride the extra mile from Whitetop to the North Carolina border before turning around to begin your voyage.)
The first 17-mile stretch to Damascus allows for numerous restroom breaks at its many trailheads, some of which are housed in restored railroad depots. This section travels through terrific scenery, from Christmas tree farms and grazing llamas to river views and deep forestland. The Appalachian Trail also weaves on and off the Creeper. After going through dense trees, you will emerge to glide over bridges high above Laurel and Green Cove creeks.
At approximately the midpoint of the Creeper, you will reach the Damascus trailhead. Before tackling the rest of the trail, consider taking a break in this sweet town. Damascus is the self-proclaimed friendliest town on the trail, and it won't take you long to see why: Its trailhead offers restrooms, a caboose-turned-information-booth, a replica train engine, and parking. Veer off the trail to find lunch stops and bike shops in town.
After your break, get ready for a little work: From Damascus to the trail's end in Abingdon, a little more effort is required. The constant downhill is exchanged for a flat grade with some gentle rises and descents. It's not strenuous, but it is a change from the first section of trail. If you are bicycling, be aware that abundant equestrian use just after Damascus can leave its mark on the trail surface and give you a bumpy ride. But don't let a few bumps get you down. They start to peter out about 7 miles before Abingdon, and some of the Creeper's most beautiful river and farmland views are still ahead.
On a ridgeline high above the South Fork Holston River, you will emerge onto a bridge offering invigorating views of South Holston Lake about 1770 feet below. Enjoy the water, cliffs, and trees while they last, because the landscape is about to change again, this time to peaceful, sprawling ranchland.
As you continue your journey toward Abingdon you will run into cattle gates across the trail. These gates mark your entrance to the Creeper's expansive grazing meadows. This tranquil farmland accompanies you for much of the remainder of the journey. About a half mile from Abingdon is a public park with restrooms, picnic areas, and a water fountain. Just across the last bridge, you will reach the endpoint.
If you are traveling to the Virginia Creeper from out of town, consider that many bike shops in Damascus and Abingdon offer bike rentals and a shuttle up to the Whitetop Station trailhead.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
To get to the Whitetop Station trailhead, follow US Hwy. 58 east from Abingdon into Grayson County. Turn right on VA Route 726 and head south toward the North Carolina border. You will see the parking area off of 726.
To get to the Abingdon trailhead, head south on Main Street (US Hwy. 11) in Abingdon and turn right onto Pecan Street. There is a large locomotive engine on display by the trailhead, which can be spotted off to the left of the parking lot.
... Click to read more
Seasonal Restrictions:
The Virginia Creeper Trail is open year-round. If severe weather occurs, parts of the trail may be closed for repairs.
... Click to read more
Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Great Family Trip
By rberanek on August 03, 2010
My wife, my son, my five year-old daughter, her little brother (in the trailer) and I did the downhill run into Damascus. It was a beautiful trail, through rocky terrain along streams and occasionally through farm fields. There were plenty of opportunities to stop and let the kids throw rocks in streams, or take water, snack or potty breaks. There were a phenomenal number of trestles, from short things to a striking long high wooden bridge to an iron trestle right before Damascus. We stopped for only a few of the many geocaches along the trail, and the places where the Appalachian Trail joined with the Virginia Creeper Trail captured my wife's imagination.

Unfortunately, the top of the trail was closed, and so we could only start at Green Cove. We had tried to get information in advance of closures or trail work, but we could only get information from the shuttle company. There was work on some of the trestles, when a number of riders would pile up, but the workers allowed us across when they could. We didn't see the crazy bikers bombing down the hill that other folks mentioned, but we were travelling during the week. Hopefully, our delays will pay off for years to come.

Damascus was a wonderful town, although I don't understand their affinity for cute B&Bs that are not family-friendly. There was a playground for the kids on the west side of town.

Hopefully, the next time we make it out to Virginia, we'll be able to do more, both at the top of the hill and west of Damascus.
Love the Creeper!
By Connie in TN on July 22, 2010
I'm totally convinced you find what you're looking for. Think about it. The Creeper is a wonderful trail which winds through both mountains and scenic farmland; definitely not the place for pavement! We have ridden the upper section (Whitetop to Damascus) many times.....admittedly we took the shuttle up to Whitetop Station and 'coasted' down. But it was enjoyable, exhilarating, and downright beautiful! In Nov 2009 we parked in Abingdon, rode our bikes to Damascus, caught the shuttle up to Whitetop Station and rode all the way back to Abingdon. The trip was approximately 51 miles and although it was pretty cool (the temperature, that is) , we loved it! It was a really good experience......and would definitely NOT have "been the same" had the trail been paved!

This spring (early April 2010) we parked in Damascus, rode to Abingdon then back to Damascus where we stopped for lunch. Took the shuttle to Whitetop and "coasted" back down to Damascus. Again, another 51 mile trip, and yes, it was cool in the early morning, but the wild flowers were blooming, the creeks were full, the birds were singing, the sun was shining.....need I go on and on? We've met lots of really nice folks on the trail, both locals and visitors

We ride Trek hybrids and have had no problems whatsoever. Oh, and did I say we drive over 100 miles to do this, and that we're "seniors?"
A few helpful tips
By awargo on July 16, 2010
The trail looks flat, but it has several different grades. From Abingdon to Alvarado (7mi) is gradually downhill. From Alvarado to Damascus (7mi) is gradually uphill. From Damascus to Whitetop (15mi) is a strong uphill. Most people park in Damascus and take a shuttle to the top, and then coast most of the 15 mi back to Damascus. A great family outing. Going uphill from Damascus to Whitetop is a real thigh burner only for the athletic. But don't overlook the other half of the trail. Park in Alvarado (follow signs to the winery off US58, then about 1/2 mi past) and take the gradual ride uphill 7mi to either Abingdon or Damascus. Then when you turn around, it is an easier ride back to the car. In 2010 and 2011, they will be working on some of the bridges. Call a local Chamber or one of the bike shops in Damascus to find out if there are any detours before you head out. Path is not paved, but the small gravel is very easy for a hybrid bike.
Browse Trails by Activity: