The Virginia Creeper Trail begins in Abingdon, Virginia and gently winds its way for 34 miles to the crest of Whitetop Mountain 34 miles to the east. Conveniently, the tiny hamlet of Damascus, Virginia is located along the trail at the halfway point.
The Trail and Area Offer much for Nature Lovers
Frequently referred to as “the best biking trail in the Southeast,” the Virginia Creeper Trail begins as a wide and level path in Abingdon and follows abandoned railroad passageways. The trail is well-maintained and most of it is made of well-packed cinders. Horseback riders and hikers are welcome.
Winding in and out of dense forests, the trail crossed numerous study wooden bridges and mountain streams. Visitors who forget to take a camera will miss great photo opportunities in every direction. Autumn is the busiest time with the brisk mountain air and the varied colors offered by a wide variety of changing leaves and wildflowers.
Parts of the path pass through private property, but open gates allow bikers to pass quietly by beautiful farms with old barns and horses grazing on distant hills. The most secluded parts of the trail are home to squirrels, rabbits, foxes, and dozens of species of birds, and an occasional deer.
Access the Trail from Several Points
The Virginia Creeper Trail can be accessed at several points where it passes near highways, but most enjoy the convenience of renting bicycles at one of the several bike rental shops in the area — primarily in Damascus or Abingdon.
From the Abingdon end one can simply rent a bike and quickly gain access to the trailhead. The ride from Abingdon to Damascus is 17 miles and quite level and easy for beginners. Of course, the same can be said for the trip from Damascus to Abingdon.
For the well-conditioned rider, the trip from Abingdon to Whitetop is 34 miles, and the seriously uphill part begins just a few miles east of Damascus. The rise from Damascus to the eastern end of the trail is about 1,600 feet — about 7 percent. The elevation of Whitetop — above sea level — is about 3,700 feet.
Expect a temperature drop of about ten degrees or so from Damascus to Whitetop. This is a pleasant difference in mid-summer, but can be a surprise for autumn riders. A light jacket or easily removed outer layer is a good idea. If the weather is cool in Damascus, it might be cold at Whitetop, but warms quickly as one travels downhill.
The Favorite Ride Begins in Damascus
Although visitors can take their own bikes, most prefer to rent a bike in Damascus. The several rental shops provide a mountain bike, a shuttle in a van to Whitetop, a bottle of water, and a tire repair kit. From Whitetop the ride is all downhill — hence its popularity. After the halfway point, the trail begins to level off somewhat and easy peddling might be required. The path is generally about as wide as a country road. Passing or being passed is easy.
For those in a hurry, the downhill ride from Whitetop to Damascus can be made in an hour, but most riders prefer a leisurely pace slowing or stopping to investigate and photograph the flora and fauna. A picnic along the way is also an enjoyable event. Two hours or more is a good time to allow.
Rental shops offer a variety of bikes and some have bike trailers for small children. Recumbent bikes are available for folks with back problems. Heavy rains can wash gullies across the trail. If rain has fallen recently, riders should be watchful for rough areas, but these are rare as the trail is well-tended. Most rentals are good for the entire day, but shop around for details.
There is a somewhat crude restroom along the path and lots of dense bushes for emergencies. Also, a small,unpretentious, conveniently located restaurant is located about halfway down from Whitetop. If riders are not in a hurry, sandwiches, basic meals, and soft drinks are available inside or al fresco.
There is More to do than Ride a Bicycle
Damascus is a friendly small town of about 1,000 souls. Many are employed by the various bicycle shops. There are a couple of small but interesting gift shops. It is a pleasant community for walking and viewing an eclectic collection of old homes.
Abingdon is only a ten mile drive from Damascus, and is home to about 8,200. Founded in 1778, it was settled decades before. Main Street and adjacent avenues are easy walks and offer interesting history and scenery. Its past is steeped in pre-revolutionary history with connections to Daniel Boone, Martha Washington, and others.
Several modern motels as well as bed and breakfasts are located in and around Abingdon, including the historical Martha Washington Inn. Privately owned gift shops are within a few blocks of the older downtown area.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a great experience in autumn or any season unless snow closes the trail. It is a good challenge for the seasoned biker from the Abingdon end or an easy downhill cruise from Whitetop. As a bonus to the mountain air, photographers will find plenty of photo-opts. Abingdon, VA offers visitors additional interesting places to shop, learn, or just walk along a shady lane.
Sources:
- “Virginia Creeper Trail Guide,” Vacreepertrail.com. “Accessed September 27, 2011”
- “Impacts of Trail and Trail Use,” Americantrails.org. “Accessed September 27, 2011”
- “Virginia is for Lovers — Abingdon,” Virginia.org. “Accessed September 28, 2011”
Harvey Craft - I am a retired educator with diverse experience. I read anything science, education, and history. I write to share what I learn.
