Virginia Creeper Trail — Local services in Damascus

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 35-mile (one way) path that starts at White Top, VA and ends in Abingdon, VA, and is part of the Rails to Trails system. The trail travels down the side of the mountain, along and over a stream with waterfalls, and through small villages and even crosses the Appalachian Trail. It is an absolutely lovely place to explore.

Bicycle shops have popped in Damascus and Abingdon that offer bicycle rentals and shuttles to the top of the mountain, and from there, riders can travel down to Damascus (17 miles) or to Abingdon (35 miles). The first leg of the trip that ends in Damascus is almost all coasting. There are children as young as 4 years old and seniors as old as 75+ riding the trail. It's a great family-friendly adventure with the old train depots turned into museums and small ice cream and sandwich shops along the way, and places to pull off and explore the stream and waterfalls and maybe enjoy a picnic lunch. The trail is almost completely covered in shade from the large trees. There are numerous bridges that were converted from railroad trestles into bicycle and walker-friendly passes.

Can't wait to ride the Virginia Creeper...

I ran while my husband biked with our kids from Whitetop to Damascus. I knew people loved to bike on this trail but I really was surprised to see that I was literally the only person on foot. It's a beautiful trail with lots of places to pull over and jump in the water, a couple of cafés along it, and Appalachian trail crossings. Also loved that there was a bathroom at the parking in whitetop as well as bathrooms occasionally along the trail!! And the route starting at Whitetop and ending in Damascus is 17 miles completely downhill (truly like 1500 ft elevation loss with only 24 ft elevation gain). I'd like to come back on a weekend that's less busy (we came over labor day weekend) because I really did love the trail but it gets congested with narrow paths every now and then and with a lot of visitors who don't call out "on your left" when passing.

Also, there is no service for most of the trial so plan accordingly if you split up...

Great trail that's over loved. One of the busiest times we have ever seen last weekend. Three groups of people who ride it. The wannabe hard core dudes who act like it's a race track. Seriously people it's a easy trail full of kids....chill out.. not impressing anyone. Second group is the family with kids and boy scouts. These kids will cut you off even when announcing on your left. They are kids...they are excited...their parents are overwhelmed patience and encouragement for the kids. Third group are the people just riding, staying spaced out and trying not to get run over by the wannabe hard core dudes (on a easy trail) and not wrecking kids. Avoid during leaf season. To crowded...not enjoyable. Off season and...