Outbound Collective logo

Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail

Damascus, Virginia

5.0/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

17 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Sarah Giek

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.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Cycling
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Scenic

Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail Reviews

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”.

Biking down the Virginia Creeper Trail gives you a front row seat to the beauty of the Appalachian region. I you get to see the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as well as vast fields of farmland. The trail itself is well maintained and easy to access from numerous trailheads along the way. There are no major steep inclines or drops, but the trail itself is basically one long gradual incline. If you plan to go it the fall be prepared, as that is the most busy time and parking can sometimes be hard to come by.

This is a great trail I have been going here for many years and have fun every time. The trail has a nice slope downhill which is nice especially if you have kids in tow.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Backbone Rock and Falls

Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock

Mount Rogers Loop

Twin Pinnacles via Big Pinnacles Trail

Wilburn Ridge and Massie Gap Loop

Hike and Fish Cabin Creek Trail