Bike Outfitters & Shuttles in Damascus
Notice on Hurricane Helene Impacts:
The Virginia Creeper Trail is NOW OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Let’s reverse the ride! Bike outfitters are providing shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section while the assessment and restoration of the upper half of the trail continues.
NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
The upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail remains closed under US Forest Service Order from Whitetop Station to Damascus; there is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time due to impacts from Hurricane Helene in fall 2024.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is NOW OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Let’s reverse the ride! Bike outfitters are providing shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section while the assessment and restoration of the upper half of the trail continues.
NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
The upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail remains closed under US Forest Service Order from Whitetop Station to Damascus; there is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time due to impacts from Hurricane Helene in fall 2024.
A fan favorite, the Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the most famous biking trails in the United States and was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2014. The trail is family-friendly and great for beginners. The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Whitetop Station to the Abingdon terminus, passing through downtown Damascus along the way. We have several local bike outfitters in Damascus ready to help you plan your perfect trip on the Virginia Creeper Trail:
The Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Station back to Damascus is by far the most popular section for biking. The trail flows downhill on a relaxed railroad grade for 17 scenic miles through national forest along Whitetop Laurel Creek. Stop by the historic Whitetop and Green Cove Stations, grab some food in Taylor's Valley, and end your ride back in Damascus for the evening.
To take the path less traveled (or if you just can't get enough!), book a shuttle to Abingdon and ride back 17 miles to Damascus through rolling hills and farmland.
If you're up for the challenge, bike up from Damascus in either direction (the trail is bowl-shaped!) and enjoy the reward of cruising downhill back to town. It's 34 miles round-trip to either terminus, whether you head toward Abingdon or Whitetop Station.
How long does the trail take? Generally, the ride from Whitetop or Abingdon back to Damascus takes 2-4 hours, depending on your group's pace. Be sure to take enough time to stop along your ride for food, scenery, and historical sites.
When is the best time to visit the Virginia Creeper Trail? Anytime! The trail is open and shuttles are available year-round! Fall weekends are the most popular; be sure to book your rental and shuttle early.
The Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Station back to Damascus is by far the most popular section for biking. The trail flows downhill on a relaxed railroad grade for 17 scenic miles through national forest along Whitetop Laurel Creek. Stop by the historic Whitetop and Green Cove Stations, grab some food in Taylor's Valley, and end your ride back in Damascus for the evening.
To take the path less traveled (or if you just can't get enough!), book a shuttle to Abingdon and ride back 17 miles to Damascus through rolling hills and farmland.
If you're up for the challenge, bike up from Damascus in either direction (the trail is bowl-shaped!) and enjoy the reward of cruising downhill back to town. It's 34 miles round-trip to either terminus, whether you head toward Abingdon or Whitetop Station.
How long does the trail take? Generally, the ride from Whitetop or Abingdon back to Damascus takes 2-4 hours, depending on your group's pace. Be sure to take enough time to stop along your ride for food, scenery, and historical sites.
When is the best time to visit the Virginia Creeper Trail? Anytime! The trail is open and shuttles are available year-round! Fall weekends are the most popular; be sure to book your rental and shuttle early.
Stop and stay awhile! Drop by the Damascus Trail Center for area maps, must-do activities, and local advice. Walk around downtown and shop for new outdoor gear and handcrafted goods, find indoor + outdoor seating at most restaurants, enjoy live music downtown on most weekends, grab a drink or a hand-dipped ice cream, and more. Take the time to explore all that Damascus has to offer.
Blue Blaze Bike & Shuttle Service
226 W. Laurel Avenue Damascus, VA 24236 (800) 475-5095 or 276-475-5095 Email Blue Blaze |
More Bike Outfitters in Damascus
All of the Bike Outfitters and Shuttles listed above operate under commercial-use permits with the US Forest Service for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
Learn more about Event and Commercial Permits for the National Forest.