The Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a rail trail popular for biking, hiking, trail running, and horseback riding. The Creeper Trail starts at Whitetop Station and runs through downtown Damascus VA.
View of Beaverdam Creek from Trestle 16 of the Virginia Creeper Trail in downtown Damascus
The Virginia Creeper Trail is now open to e-bikes!
The Virginia Creeper Trail is OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Bike outfitters are providing full rental and shuttle services from their Damascus storefronts to the Abingdon trailhead.

Bike through the valleys and rolling hills along the South Fork of the Holston River. Virginia's finest rail-trail, the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, occupies the bed of what was once a rugged mountain railroad connecting the two towns. At its lowest elevation, the trail crosses South Holston Lake on a huge curving trestle.

Although this section of trail requires some light pedaling, it is downhill from Abingdon to Alvarado and maintains less than a 1% grade from Alvarado back to Damascus - suitable for active beginners and families.

Open Parking: Abingdon trailhead, Watauga, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park.
Open Restrooms: Abingdon trailhead, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park.

For over 100 years the Virginia Creeper has been a vital connection between our communities. We are open for business and our trail communities are eager to welcome you back to town.

TRAIL CLOSURE: Whitetop Station to Damascus
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 US Forest Service has completed the initial assessment of trestles on the upper half of the trail and has identified 18 destroyed trestles and 13 standing/damaged, as well as large sections of missing treadway. The US Forest Service has a webpage for sharing project updates with the public: Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail Reconstruction Project.
Damascus, Virginia is open for business and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Named after the native vine Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2014, the Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the most famous biking trails in the United States. 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.

The section from Whitetop Station back to Damascus is by far the most popular for biking. The trail flows downhill on a relaxed railroad grade for 17 scenic miles through Jefferson 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.

The trail is highly accessible and several outfitters in Damascus offer bike rental and shuttle services to Whitetop Station and Abingdon year-round. The Virginia Creeper Trail also offers abundant access to fishing and swimming holes along Whitetop Laurel Creek and the South Fork Holston River. Be sure to take enough time to stop along your ride for food, scenery, and historical sites.
An Award-Winning Trail
Rail-Trail Hall of Fame (2014), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Best Biking Trail of the Blue Ridge (2022, 2023, 2024), Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
#3 Best Recreational Trail, USA Today Reader's Choice
Best of Virginia: Hiking or Biking Trail, Virginia Living Magazine
Best Biking Trail, Best Rail-to-Trail System, Blue Ridge Country Magazine
When is the best time to visit the Virginia Creeper Trail?
(Anytime! The trail is open and shuttles are available year-round!)
April to May: Spring Wildflowers
​Mid-June: Rhododendron Bloom
June to September: Swimming Holes
Mid-October: Peak Fall Color
November to March: Wide Open Winter Views

​Book your next trip with one of our local Bike Outfitters & Shuttle Services:
​All of the listed Bike Outfitters and Shuttles operate under commercial-use permits with the US Forest Service for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
​For more info about the Virginia Creeper Trail, check out the official VA Creeper Trail Conservancy website:
Virginia Creeper Trail Etiquette and Safety
  • The Virginia Creeper Trail is a multi-use trail open to bikes, e-bikes, horseback riding, hiking, and running. No motorized traffic. 
    NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail is now open to e-bikes as well, as of December 2024.
  • The trail crosses both private and public property. Please be respectful. Camp only where permitted. Never camp on private land without permission.
  • Share the trail. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users until it is safe to pass. When passing others, bicyclists are encouraged to call out, “Passing on your left!”. 
  • Horseback riders should allow bicyclists overtaking them to pass and dismount and lead their horses across trestles and bridges.
  • Helmets are not required but they are HIGHLY recommended.
  • Travel single file and keep to the right. When passing other users, call out, "Passing on your left!".
  • Bicyclists are expected to keep their speed under control, especially when traveling downhill. Keep your eyes on the trail and trail surface. Watch out for oncoming traffic, rocks, washouts, and other hazards.
  • Pull off to the side of the trail when taking a break or enjoying the scenery. Do not stop on the trail or block gates.
  • Obey all stop signs at road crossings. Vehicular traffic will not yield.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.
  • Pack out all litter - including cigarette butts and pet waste. 
  • No fireworks. No firearms, except off-trail in designated areas in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and during hunting season only. 
  • Find defibrillators (AEDs) and basic first aid supplies at Whitetop Station, Green Cove Station, and Alvarado Station (when open).
  • In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 with your location (nearest mile marker and/or trestle number). If cell service is not available, ask another trail user to go to the nearest house or station to call emergency services.
To make the most of your time on the trails around Damascus, Virginia, it's important to be kind, be aware, and be prepared. Here's some local advice: