Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail: Planning A New Adventure [2024]

Are you a biking enthusiast seeking a new adventure? Consider Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, a picturesque and serene trail nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia.

Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the most fun outdoor experiences! Whether you visit for the day or a weekend getaway, there is so much natural beauty and history. It’s a great activity for families of all ages.

We’d recommend some previous biking experience. When we say “experience,” we equate that to mean you can ride a bike down gradual terrain without training wheels.

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What is the Virginia Creeper Trail?

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34.3-mile trail that spans two counties from Whitetop (right on the border with North Carolina), through Damascus, then back up to Abingdon. Don’t let the 34.3 miles deter you because the biking trail is predominately downhill with some mild incline changes. Be prepared to see some of the most iconic scenery as you bike past open farmlands, creeks, and dense forests- perfect photo opportunities!

Biking down from Whitetop to Damascus takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your speed and pace. If you plan on continuing further down to the trailhead in Abingdon, Virginia, it is best to plan an additional 2 hours.

Virginia Creeper Trail History

The Virginia Creeper Trail has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Originally a railroad built to transport lumber and other goods, the trail was named after the steam engine that chugged up and down its tracks, spewing smoke and resembling the long, gangly legs of a spider. As the need for rail transportation decreased, the railroad eventually shut down, and the tracks were removed in the 1970s. In the following years, the land was repurposed into the Virginia Creeper Trail, a recreational trail enjoyed by bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Today, the trail is considered one of the most scenic and popular trails in the country, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and rich history.

Getting To The Virginia Creeper Trail

Driving

Getting to the Virginia Creeper Trail is relatively easy, with several access points available depending on where you want to start your journey. If you’re driving, the most popular access points are located in Abingdon, Damascus, and Whitetop Station. Abingdon is located about 20 minutes from the trailhead at Watauga Road, while Damascus is just a few minutes away from the trailhead at Creek Junction. Whitetop Station is the northernmost access point and can be reached via Route 58.

Flying

If you’re coming from out of town, the closest airports to the Virginia Creeper Trail are Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Tennessee and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia. Both airports are about an hour and a half away from the trailhead at Abingdon. If you don’t want to drive, there are also shuttle services available that can transport you and your bike to the trailhead.

Train

Additionally, Amtrak’s Virginia Creeper train runs from Abingdon to Damascus and back, offering a unique way to experience the trail. The train departs from the Abingdon station and travels through scenic countryside before arriving in Damascus, where you can disembark and begin your journey on the trail.

Planning Your Virginia Creeper Trip

Before you embark on your journey, it’s important to plan accordingly.

Step 1

Start by selecting the appropriate bike for the terrain, as the trail is a mixture of crushed limestone and dirt. A mountain bike with wider tires is recommended (see below for rental options!) Ensure that you have the appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and reflective clothing, as portions of the trail are shared with hikers.

Step 2

You must also decide what portion of the trail you want to do, and in which direction.

For example, Whitetop sits at the highest point (nearing 4,000ft), while Damascus sits at a lower elevation (under 2,000ft). Whitetop actually sits on the second-highest mountain in Virginia and offers the highest public road in the state! While biking from Abingdon, VA to Damascus can be relatively flat, Damascus to Whitetop is definitely not.

The most common trip for first-timers (and the one we always do) is to take the bike shuttle to Whitetop and bike down to Damascus. This trip is mostly downhill with some great picturesque places to stop.

If you prefer a more challenging bike ride and choose to ride uphill towards Whitetop, the bike shops offer shuttle service down the mountain as well. Plan for about a 20-minute shuttle ride.

Time To Bike The Trail

The time it takes to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail depends on several factors, including your fitness level, the number of stops you make along the way, and your starting point. However, on average, most people can bike the entire 34.3-mile length of the trail in about 4-6 hours.

If you’re a beginner or prefer a more leisurely pace, you may want to plan for a full day on the trail, allowing plenty of time to stop and take in the scenery, have a picnic lunch, or explore some of the local shops and restaurants.

Who Can Bike The Trail

The Virginia Creeper trail is a family-friendly outdoor activity. Babies, kids, and small dogs can bike down the trail (with a supervising adult, of course!) Bike shops offer a “baby buggy” or “trail-a-bike” for rental.

The “baby buggy” is appropriate for little ones up to 90 pounds. A smaller dog could also ride in this “buggy” as you pull it behind you.

The “trail-a-bike” is a pull-behind attachment that only fits the rental bikes. These are perfect for children 4 years-old and up.

Best Time To Do Virginia Creeper Trail

Check the weather before biking the trail and dress appropriately! Make sure to factor in the wind chill as you bike downhill. One year we took a friend biking the Virginia Creeper Trail and, my goodness, all I remember was how cold we were the entire ride.

Spring and fall would be our personal recommendations to visit the trail. Not only is the weather nice, but either the leaves are changing colors or the flowers are blooming. Virginia weather can be tricky! There are some fall days that can be quite chilly and some spring days that can be very warm. Monitor the weather and be prepared.

What To Wear

When biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. As the trail is a mixture of crushed limestone and dirt, you’ll want to wear comfortable and breathable clothing that won’t restrict your movement. Opt for clothing made of moisture-wicking materials that will keep you dry and comfortable during your ride. It’s also important to wear closed-toe shoes with a sturdy sole, such as athletic shoes or hiking boots, to protect your feet from rocks and debris.

As the trail can be quite shaded, especially in the early morning and evening, you may also want to bring a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt to keep you warm. Finally, don’t forget to wear a helmet and reflective clothing to ensure your safety on the trail. By dressing appropriately for your ride, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the beauty of the Virginia Creeper Trail.

What To Pack for the Virginia Creeper Trail

1. Water Bottles: Make sure to refill any empty water bottles before departing on your biking adventure! There’s no place to refill until you arrive in Damascus.
2. Basic First Aide Kit: Not that you’re planning on needing any supplies, but it’s good to have bandaids, Neosporin, etc. just in case. The bandaids have come in handy during my clumsy moments.
3. Sunscreen: A bunch of the trail is under tree cover. There are times when you’ll be riding directly under the sun and, let’s face it, you don’t want to remember this wonderful experience with a painful sunburn!
4. Lunch/Snack: If you plan to eat lunch in Damascus (2.5-3hr from Whitetop), then you may want to just pack a snack. Trail-mix is always good to eat when outdoors. Otherwise, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy nature as your backdrop!
5. Camera: Trust me, you’ll want to take some photos!
6. Light Jacket: Biking downhill can get chilly, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the beginning. If you question the possibility of being cold, bring a jacket.

Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Rentals

If you don’t have a mountain bike, you can still ride the Virginia Creeper Trail. While some people bring their own personal bikes, many people rent bikes from a shop in town. Most bike shops are priced competitively and we’ve always found the locals very friendly and accommodating.

There are bike shops located in Abingdon and Damascus, Virginia. The local bike shops offer shuttle service to the Whitetop Trailhead where the Virginia Creeper Trail begins.

We recommend a reservation in advance to ensure you have a bike set aside for your trip! To see a list of the local bike shops, click here!

Damascus Bike Shops

• SunDog Outfitter-Bike Rental & Shuttle
• Creeper Trail Bike Rental-Shuttle
• Bicycle Junction
• The Bike Station
• Shuttle Shack
• Adventure Damascus Bicycles
• Blue Blaze Bike & Shuttle Service

Abingdon Bike Shop

• Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop

Where To Eat

There are numerous dining options in both Damascus, Virginia, and Abingdon, Virginia. Most likely you’ll want to eat in Damascus when biking the Virginia Creeper trail since it’s the halfway mark, or, for many, the final stop.

We usually take a picnic lunch because biking for 2.5-3 hours works up an appetite. And when I get hungry, I get hangry!

But no worries, I’ve researched some of the local favorites for restaurants in the area.

• Mojo’s Trailside Cafe & Coffee: 331 Douglas Dr, Damascus, VA 24236
• Wicked Chicken: 409 Fritz St, Damascus, VA 24236
• Damascus Diner: 109 S Shady Ave, Damascus VA 24236

Where To Stay

Abingdon, VA is a town that is filled with history and artistry. A visit to Virginia would be incomplete without a stay in the Martha Washington Inn & Suites. Many famous guests have frequented the inn, including Eleanor Roosevelt, President Harry Truman, Lady Bird Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Elizabeth Taylor.

If you are looking for something more rustic and casual, there are several cabins in the area that are available for rent. We can’t speak on personal recommendation, but a few cabins that are close to the trail include Damascus Cabins, Laurel Run Cabins, and Virginia Creeper Lodge.

Other Activities on/around the Virginia Creeper

There’s no shortage of things to do around the Virginia Creeper Trail, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

The nearby town of Abingdon offers a variety of attractions, including art galleries, museums, and historic sites such as the Barter Theatre, located directly across from the Martha Washington Inn. It is also known as the “longest-running professional resident theatre in America.”

For those seeking adventure, the region is home to numerous hiking trails, including the famous Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where you can hike to the highest peak in Virginia. You can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the nearby rivers and lakes, or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you’re interested in learning more about the area’s rich history, be sure to check out the Virginia Creeper Trail Story, an exhibit located in Abingdon that showcases the trail’s fascinating past. Whatever your interests may be, there’s no shortage of fun and exciting things to do around the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Conclusion

Overall, this trip is an affordable day trip or weekend getaway. It is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and capture nature’s stunning beauty. Have you biked the Virginia Creeper before? Let us know what you think!

Virginia Creeper Trail FAQ’s