Your Complete Guide to Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail

Southwest Virginia's premier outdoor recreation area

Let the Good Times Roll on the Virginia Creeper Trail!

Let's talk about one of the most incredible bike rides you can experience in the good ol' U.S. of A.: the Virginia Creeper Trail! This isn't just any old path; it's a former railway that has been transformed into a national recreation trail, winding its way through the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Seriously, it captures the heart and soul of Appalachia, from fascinating railroad history to the peaceful sound of mountain streams trickling by. 

What makes this 34-mile stretch so special? It's all about the ease of the ride. While the natural beauty will captivate experienced riders, its gentle downhill slope and wide path make it super accessible for even the newest bikers. It's no wonder over 200,000 people hit this trail every year!

Planning you Creeper Trail Adventure

While you can certainly hike the Virginia Creeper Trail, the absolute best way to experience it is on two wheels. You've got a couple of popular biking routes to choose from, both kicking off in Damascus.

The most common way to bike the Creeper Trail is by taking advantage of a shuttle service. You'll find these shuttles readily available in Damascus (which is about halfway on the trail). They'll take you and your bike right up to the trailhead at Abingdon or White Top Station, so all you have to do is enjoy the back to Damascus!

Abingdon to Damascus, VA – 17 Miles

This beautiful part of the trail takes you through lovely rolling countryside between the two towns. You are likely to see some pretty spectacular scenery on this section. You will cross the longest trestle on the Virginia Creeper Trail near the midpoint along the trail. Don't be surprised if you spot a curious cow or a majestic bald eagle on this section! You'll also be a bit more exposed in this section, traversing through the valley looking up at the Holston Mountain range. Be sure to pack your sunscreen (and maybe even a rain poncho just in case!).

White Top to Damascus, VA – 17 Miles*

*This piece of the trail is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene 9-27-24. Work is already being done to rebuild and restore this world famous section of trail.

This is where the magic (and most of the downhill action!) happens. The first half of the trail, from White Top Station to Damascus, is an easy, downhill ride. You'll glide past beautiful mountain laurel and cross numerous old train bridges – it's incredibly scenic. Keep an eye out for the iconic Green Cove Station about halfway through this section.

Hellbender's Cafe
Adventure Damascus Bicycles

Where to Grab a Bike

The town of Damascus is your go-to spot for bike rentals. You'll find rental shops on nearly every corner in Damascus, and most of them offer similar bike services. Bring your own bike or rent one and take the shuttle to the trailhead.

Here are a few highly recommended spots to pick up your ride:

Adventure Damascus Bicycles - 331 Douglas Drive, Damascus
  Great selection of t-shirts, souvenirs, and Va Creeper Trail maps

Blue Blaze Bicycles - 226 W. Laurel Ave., Damascus

The Bike Station - 504 E. 3rd St., Damascus

Good to know: You're totally welcome to bring your own bike on the Virginia Creeper Trail! However, you'll still need to pay for the shuttle service to the trailhead. If you are expecting a late day return shuttle to where you started the day, you will need to call ahead and make a reservation. Any of the shops listed above can provide this service for you. Check out their websites for more details.

Essential Gear for Your Bike Trip

While most rental companies will provide helmets (which are, by the way, the most important biking essential!), here are a few extra items I found incredibly useful on the trail:

Bike Repair Kit: A pocket-sized kit is a lifesaver for fixing loose screws, punctured tires, or squeaky seats. It's an absolute must to keep you safe on the trail.

Rain Jacket: This is the number one "what to wear on the Creeper Trail" list.  Unexpected summer storms or lingering puddles? No problem! A lightweight rain jacket will keep you warm and dry. It weighs next to nothing, so just toss it in your bag!

Lightweight Backpack: You'll want something to carry all your essentials without weighing you down. I've used this exact backpack on countless trips, including my Creeper Trail adventure!

A Water Bottle: Hydration is key! I used to swear by my Nalgene, but now I'm a huge fan of Water-To-Go filtered bottles. They let me literally drink from any mountain stream along the way – how cool is that?

Bike Gloves: Save your hands from blisters with a pair of anti-slip bike gloves. They're perfect, especially for beginner riders.

Virginia Creeper Trail with kids: Trust me on this one – bring extra snacks and extra water.

When is the Best Time to Ride?

The Virginia Creeper Trail is open year-round – even in the rain and snow! However, at this time, only Adventure Damascus Bicycles' shuttle service is the only one open year-round. So, if you're planning a winter ride, give them a call.

Each season offers its own unique charm on the Creeper Trail:

Fall: This is prime time for stunning changing leaves, turning the mountains into a breathtaking sea of red and orange. It's incredibly popular for a reason, but that also means the trail can get crowded and shuttle availability might be limited so plan ahead.

Spring and Early Summer: You'll get to witness the beautiful blooming of local flora and fauna. Because of the elevation changes along the trail, you'll have an extended window to catch these seasonal shifts – you might see buds at the top and vibrant blooms by the bottom!

It can be cold in the winter, but we have many winter days with above-average temperatures.  The trail is quiet and quite beautiful in the winter.  Plan ahead, come prepared for changing weather.

Riding the Trail: What to Expect

The moment the shuttle dropped us off at White Top Station, I knew I was in for an adventure. Moments later, I was zipping past delicate mountain laurel, with the trees opening up to reveal the beautiful blue hues of the Appalachians. You can expect to see an abundance of wildlife from deer, black bear, otter, beaver, to eagles and trout (sometime both at the same time). 

Trail Etiquette for Bikers

There are a few rules of bike etiquette that are super important to know before you hit the Virginia Creeper Trail. 

First and foremost, always bike on the right side of the trail and pass others on the left. Before you pass, make sure the other bikers know you're coming by calling out "on your left" or ringing a bike bell.

While most folks are riding downhill, you might encounter a few riders heading uphill. It's crucial to remember that bikers heading uphill have the right of way. The trail is wide enough that you likely won't need to get off your bike to let them pass, but it's your responsibility to ensure there's enough room.  Ride in single file when passing bikers in either direction.  Be cautious of those walking and dogs.  When folks are walking they cannot hear the bikes coming up behind them (Call Out!)

Finally, as with any outdoor adventure, please stick to Leave No Trace principles. Let's leave these beautiful areas as good (or even better!) than we found them.

What Natural Wonders Will You See?

The Virginian Appalachians are teeming with diverse flora and fauna, from delicate mountain laurel to twisting tunnels of rhododendron. And true to its name, the Virginia Creeper Trail is home to plenty of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), a climbing vine often recognized by its small purple berries.

Spotting wildlife can be a bit rarer, as the trail's popularity tends to keep many species watching from afar. Still, keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer hiding in the bushes and listen for woodpeckers high up in the trees. If you're cooling off in a mountain creek, you might even be lucky enough to spot a Hellbender – North America's largest salamander!

As always, remember to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and take only photos – you're visiting their home, after all.

Where to Stay for Your Creeper Trail Trip

The two best places to base yourself if you're planning to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail are Damascus (the Heart of the Trail) or Abingdon (near the interstate). On our trip, we stayed in Damascus and absolutely loved its mountain-town vibe and the abundance of breweries and restaurants. It's a true trail town (the Appalachian Trail even passes right along the main street!), with a down-home feel that's authentic to the region.  The town is the crossroads of 12 national, regional, and local trails.

Abingdon, on the other hand, has a distinct old-world charm, with historic buildings nestled among the mountains. The oldest building in Abingdon dates back to 1779 and is still standing on the main road, welcoming visitors every day!

You can find many lodging options here or here, or check out some of my recommended spots below.

Where to Stay in Damascus, VA

MY TOP PICKS:
No. 112 East Laurel House
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath house, built in 1886, was fully renovated in 2022 is located on the main street in the middle of town and within walking distance of most everything in Damascus.  It has one of the largest front porches in the area.  Perfect for people watching and coffee drinking.

Rambo House
4-bedroom, 2-bath two-story house located on the towns main street.  Close to everything. And don't forget the sizable back deck – perfect for unwinding after a long bike ride!

Olive's Cottage
Small 2 bedroom cottage located downtown.  Convenient and cozy.  Walk to everything.

Where to Stay in Abingdon, VA

The Martha Washington Inn
This historic hotel and spa has been a fixture in Abingdon since 1832, and much of its original architecture remains. 

Hampton Inn
This classic hotel is conveniently located just up the road from the end of the Virginia Creeper Trail.


No. 112 East Laurel House No. 112 East Laurel
Backbone Rock

Beyond the Creeper: Exploring Southwest Virginia

If Appalachia is calling your name, there's so much more to see and do beyond a day soaring down the Virginia Creeper Trail. You can spot wild ponies at Grayson Highlands, wander through the ice-carved Channels Nature Preserve, or simply spend a relaxed day sipping your favorite beverage with your feet in a cool mountain creek.

I truly believe Southwestern Virginia is an often-underrated destination, home to some of the most extraordinary adventures in the world. Looking for more East Coast adventures?

I'm a firm believer that outdoor adventures can be found anywhere in the world, but especially right here at home in Appalachia.

Do it in Damascus!

Contacts

128 W. Laurel Ave., Damascus, VA 24236
Mon - Sun 8.00 - 18.00

Get out and explore!