Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail

Damascus, VA
5.0
10 Reviews
Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail
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Details

Distance
17 miles
Route Type
Point-to-Point

Features

Family Friendly
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Dog Friendly
Food Nearby
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Sarah Gooch

This family-friendly, historic trail takes visitors on a scenic trip through Southwest Virginia.

This multi-use (hiking, biking, horseback riding) rail-trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia to Whitetop, Virginia, passing through forests in the Blue Ridge Mountains, small farming communities in the countryside, and small historic towns.

While you can pick up the trail at any point, the most popular option is to take a bike shuttle from Damascus to Whitetop and cycle back down the mountain. This portion of the trail is a 17-mile trip, however, the majority of the journey will be downhill, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. Continuing on past Damascus towards Abingdon will require a little more effort as the grade flattens out.

If you choose to rent a bike or take a shuttle from one of the many shops in Damascus, be sure to call ahead for reservations.

The complete trail passes over 47 bridges and trestles. There are several rest stops along the way for bathroom breaks, refreshments, and snacks, and two visitor centers can be found at Whitetop Station and Green Cove. While the trail is open year-round, use extra caution during the winter months when snow can make the bridges and trestles slippery. Please be respectful of private property and follow all rules of the trail.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
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Check-ins
Matthew Acord
6/14/2025
Great Conditions
Well Maintained
Not Crowded
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Michael Bowie
9/1/2022
Lose yourself
I just like to walk the trail to lose myself and appreciate what is around me. I guess it really is my “stop and smell the roses time”.
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Betheny Keller
4/19/2022
Pure Appalachian Beauty
Biking down the Virginia Creeper Trail gives you a front row seat to the beauty of the Appalachian region. I you get to see ...
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Jared Beeler
9/10/2020
Fun for all ages!
This is a great trail I have been going here for many years and have fun every time. The trail has a nice slope ...
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Stephen Catalano
8/10/2020
Easy ride
Came here in late June of 2019 and it was fantastic. The ride is easy going, mostly flat. There are a number of different ...
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Ryan Smedley
9/6/2018
Great ride
This is great to do in late September. Went with friends and family and it was great
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Brian Little
12/18/2016
great trail for anyone
My wife and I enjoyed this beyond imagine great scenery and experience.
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Jake Sells
8/2/2016
relaxing ride
Taken my bike out here for a few rides and never seems to disappoint, love the scenery.
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Eric Yates
6/6/2016
Avoid the crowds.
This is a great ride especially in the fall of the year. It's best to ride the trail during the week to avoid the ...
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Trey Sawyer
2/21/2016
Simple And Serene
Crazy amounts of gorgeous river crossings. The bridges are even beautiful. Very nice downhill bike ride that all fitness levels will enjoy.
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