 Trail Info
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a scenic 34 mile trail that runs
from Whitetop Station, Virginia to Abingdon, Virginia. This multi-use trail is open to bicycle riders,
horseback riders, and hikers. The section from Whitetop Station to Damascus is the most popular with cyclists
since the gentle descent that makes up most of this section requires less effort than the lower section of
the trail. The trail follows the Whitetop Laurel Creek for most of the ride. This creek provides ample
opportunity for swimming and fishing (fishing permits are required). The Abingdon to Damascus section is also
a beautiful ride, however it is generally used less because the terrain is fairly level and requires a bit
more effort. For those who are looking to avoid the crowds on a busy weekend, the Abingdon to Damascus
section of the Creeper Trail may be a very appealing option.
For most people, a ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail starts out at a bicycle rental and shuttle
shop in Damascus, Virginia. There are several bicycle rental and shuttle
shops available in Damascus. These shops will rent bicycles and provide a shuttle to the trailhead at Whitetop
Station. From here, you’re bikes will be unloaded and you’re on your way down the Creeper
Trail. The first three miles are probably the easiest on the
trail. The grade is steep enough that the average rider won’t have
to pedal at all. After travelling approximately three miles, you’ll
be in Green Cove, Virginia. Here in Green Cove you’ll find Green
Cove Station. This station houses an exhibit on the Creeper Trail, it’s worth taking some time to check it
out. From Green Cove it’s a little over three miles to the next big
landmark, Creek Junction. Creek Junction is really just a parking
lot, but from here you’ll be riding beside Whitetop Laurel Creek for most of the ride. It’s about four more miles to Taylor’s Valley. When you reach Taylor’s Valley you’ll be coming out of the woods riding through this
community for a short distance. If you’re hungry by this point, you
should stop in and have lunch at the CafĂ© located in Taylors Valley. They welcome cyclists and there chocolate cake is legendary! From Taylors Valley you’re just a little over four miles from
Damascus. You’ll want to take your time on the next stretch of the
trail. If you keep your head up and look around you’ll see plenty
of great places along the creek to stop and rest. As you near
Damascus, you’ll notice that the trail begins to level out. About a
mile outside of town you’ll have to start pedaling, but you’re nearly finished. Once you enter Damascus, it’s really just a matter of returning the bikes to the
rental and shuttle company and you’re all done. Damascus has some
great dining and shopping establishments. Unless you’re just in a
hurry to get home, it’s worth taking some time to check out what this beautiful mountain town has to
offer. If you’re planning on staying overnight you’ll find plenty
of rental cabins and B&Bs in town. This is what a typical ride
on the Virginia Creeper Trail consists of. It’s important to note
that there are also rental and shuttle shops available in Whitetop, Virginia as well as Abingdon,
Virginia. Also, many of these shops will shuttle to either the
trailhead at Whitetop, or Abingdon.
For answers to
Frequently Asked Questions and other trail info, click here
To check out some gear that
could make your ride more pleasant, click here
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