A Simple Guide to Virginia Creeper Trail Planning
There are so many questions to work through when you start Virginia Creeper Trail planning. Do you stay in Abingdon or Damascus? Which section of the trail should you bike? And how in the world did the trail get its creepy name?
Fortunately, we’ve got all those answers ready so that you can start your Virginia Creeper Trail planning!
What is the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use recreational path in southwest Virginia. Depending on the direction you take, it runs north from Whitetop Mountain to the town of Abingdon, Virginia, or south from Abingdon to Whitetop. It’s been recognized as part of the National Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame, which recognizes the top recreational trails that have been repurposed from old railroad lines!
Why Should You Start Planning a Virginia Creeper Trail Trip?
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a beautiful pathway that winds through Appalachian forests and picturesque agricultural valleys while crossing over 47 former railroad trestles. On the trail, you pass babbling mountain streams, sprawling hillside Christmas tree farms, and quaint mountain communities.
While it’s an active adventure that is mostly low key and remote, there are trailside bathroom facilities, restaurants, and shops. The trail also occasionally merges with the Appalachian Trail so you can tell all your friends that you biked the AT!
Who Would Enjoy the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The Virginia Creeper Trail is perfect for cyclists of all skill levels, especially for those who begin at Whitetop Mountain. You’re basically cycling down a mountain for the first 17 miles!
When we visited, we saw people of all ages enjoying the trail. There were even families, accompanied by who we could only presume were grandparents! It’s a very manageable bike ride.
We also saw runners and dog walkers on the trail. And for those looking for a workout, we saw cyclists heading up Whitetop Mountain on the trail!
Where to Start and End the Virginia Creeper Trail
Technically, the Virginia Creeper Trail begins at its northernmost point at Abingdon and runs southbound through Damascus before ending at Whitetop Mountain. However, the most popular segment of the trail runs from Whitetop to Damascus. The entire 17-mile ride heading north is downhill as you coast down Whitetop Mountain and into Damascus!
From there, some choose to continue on to Abingdon. However, our bike rental company recommended we shuttle to Abingdon and then ride the second half of the trail back to Damascus. That direction gives the ride a downward grade and allows cyclists to finish the ride back at their rental shop (assuming they used a Damascus-based rental service – more on that below).
Rebecca’s Rec: Don’t discount the stretch of trail between Damascus and Abingdon! It features some of the largest trestles, including a long one that crosses over South Holston Lake.
How to Get a Rental Bike
Most bike rental services are in Damascus, but there is one in Abingdon too. Book your rental reservation directly through one of the eight rental companies in the area. Your rental company will be able to provide information regarding shuttle services as well.
For those who bring their own bikes, you can arrange shuttle services with one of the bike rental companies!
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing varies based on which company you use and whether you plan on cycling the full 34 miles or not. We rented two bikes for the entire 34 miles through Bicycle Junction for about $180 in August 2021.
When we took a little too long on the first half of the trail, because we were so enchanted with the scenery and the cutest trailside shop called Green Cove Collective, the folks at Bicycle Junction were incredibly gracious. We were worried that we wouldn’t be able to finish the second half of the ride before they closed shop for the day. They told us not to worry about it and allowed us to come back the following morning to finish the second half of the trail!
Loran’s Tip: Be sure to give yourself a full day if you plan on riding the entire trail! You’re going to want to soak everything in and not feel rushed.
Where Should You Stay?
Because the Virginia Creeper Trail passes through several communities, it can be a bit confusing trying to figure out where to stay when you visit! We recommend choosing either Damascus or Abingdon as your home base. Regardless of which town you choose, you will be able to access bike rental companies and shuttle services!
Damascus
Damascus is known as Trail Town, USA. In total, seven nationally known trails intersect there, including the Virginia Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail. Damascus is much smaller than Abingdon, so it’s perfect for those looking for a more low-key home base.
The Virginia Creeper Lodge and Dragonfly Inn are both charming options in Damascus. There’s also Damascus Old Mill Inn, where your balcony view includes the town waterfall and LOVE sign.
We highly recommend exploring Damascus on foot. You can walk the AT right through the center of town, admire several town murals, and check out local shops. All the while, unique painted bricks recognizing decades of AT thru-hikers line the sidewalk under your feet. For more on Damascus, check out our list of 15 Amazing Things to Do in Damascus, VA!
Rebecca’s Rec: For those looking to explore Damascus, be sure to visit between Thursday and Saturday. It’s very much a weekend town and many shops are closed earlier in the week.
Abingdon
Abingdon, only a 20-minute drive from Damascus, is a historic town with no shortage of charm. According to legend, it was originally named Wolf Hills after Daniel Boone had an encounter with a pack of wolves near modern-day downtown!
For visitors who desire a more upscale and boutique stay, we recommend the Martha Washington Inn & Spa. The grand building was previously a women’s college and today is the top stay in Abingdon. Its historic architecture and modern amenities combine to make it a must-book in the area. It sits across from a historic theatre and charming downtown district.
Another lodging option that caught our eye as we explored Abingdon was The Gather Inn, a quaint lodging option located in the heart of town. Take a walk down Main Street, admire the Barter Theatre, and dine at The Tavern—Abingdon’s oldest building, which opened as a hotel in 1779 and served as a hospital during the Civil War.
Loran’s Tip: For those in search of a cup of coffee or a nice lunch, The Girl & The Raven is where you need to go!
When is the Best Time to Plan a Virginia Creeper Trail Trip?
Fall is the perfect time to visit the Virginia Creeper Trail. When fall foliage peaks in mid-October, the trail is transformed into a gorgeous mosaic of autumn colors. Leaves fall around you as you coast through the trees and each breath brings cool mountain air into your lungs. The Virginia Creeper plant, which is visible all around the trail, is especially known for its vibrant yellow in autumn.
If you can’t wait until then, summer is also a beautiful time to visit! Wildflowers grow alongside the trail and fields are full with crops yet to be harvested. The ride from Whitetop to Damascus is mostly shaded so it never gets too hot, though the second stretch of the trail provides less shade.
While the trail is open year-round, we do not recommend going during winter.
Why is it Called the Virginia Creeper Trail?
If you’re like us, the name of the Virginia Creeper Trail can be confusing when you first hear it. Why would you go visit some trail in Virginia that is full of creeps?
A trailside historical marker claims the trail got its name from the slow speeds of trains creeping up the steep mountainside. But it’s also likely the name was inspired by the indigenous Virginia Creeper vine, which similarly creeps its way up trees, signs, and buildings.
Other Things to Include When Virginia Creeper Trail Planning
Backbone Rock
Just a few minutes outside of Damascus is Backbone Rock, a man-made tunnel that was blasted through an outcrop of granite to make room for a railroad. A short hike will take you to the top and another will lead to a gorgeous waterfall!
The Great Channels of Virginia
Less than an hour north of Abingdon, hidden among the trees of Channels State Forest, are the Great Channels of Virginia. It’s an ancient labyrinth of sandstone formed by permafrost and ice 400 million years ago. Hike in, explore the Channels, and check out views from the summit of Middle Knob, which features an old fire tower from 1939.
Next Steps for Planning Your Trip
There you have it! Hopefully, you have everything you need to begin your Virginia Creeper Trail planning. Here are some helpful next steps for you to take.
