VISIT DAMASCUS, VA
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    • Virginia Creeper Trail
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    • Events Calendar
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      • Event Info
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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.
Voted Best of the Blue Ridge: Best Biking Trail (2022, 2023)
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 country’s most famous biking trails.  The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Whitetop Mountain to Abingdon, VA, passing through downtown Damascus along the way. The section from Whitetop to Damascus is by far the most popular for biking and flows downhill on a relaxed railroad grade for 17 beautiful miles through Jefferson National Forest.

The Whitetop to Damascus section is family-friendly and beginner-friendly. The trail is highly accessible and several bike rental companies offer shuttle services to Whitetop. 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!)
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

​For more info about the Virginia Creeper Trail, check out the official VA Creeper Trail Conservancy website.
Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy
Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Best Biking Trail of the Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
#3 Best Recreational Trail, USA Today Reader's Choice
Best of Virginia: Hiking or Biking Trail, Virginia Living Magazine
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Rules of the Virginia Creeper Trail
  • The trail crosses both private and public property. Please be respectful. Camp only where permitted. Never camp on private land without permission.
  • Non-motorized traffic only.
  • Share the trail - bicyclists and hikers should yield to horses on the trail. Horseback riders should allow bicyclists overtaking them to pass. Horseback riders should dismount and lead their horses across trestles and bridges.
  • Helmets are not required for bicyclists and horseback riders, but they are HIGHLY recommended.
  • Travel single file and keep to the right. When passing other users, call out "passing on your left!".
  • Keep your 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 in the trail traffic lanes.
  • Please do not block gates or park on the trail.
  • 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.

Bike Outfitters & Shuttles

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Adventure Damascus Bicycles
331 Douglas Dr
Damascus, VA 24236
​Toll free 888-595-2453
Open Year Round: Rentals, Sales, Service and Shuttle Service
www.AdventureDamascus.com
info@adventuredamascus.com

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Bicycle Junction
425 Douglas Dr
Damascus, VA 24236


276-475-5727
Open Year Round: Sales – Service – Rentals – Shuttle Service
www.Bicycle-Junction.com
bicyclejunction@gmail.com

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The Bike Station
​504 E. 3rd Street (Main St.)
Damascus, VA 24236
​
​​Toll Free (866) 475-3629
Rentals – Shuttle Service
www.TheBike-Station.com
smannva@yahoo.com

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Blue Blaze Bike & Shuttle Service
226 W. Laurel Avenue
Damascus, VA 24236

​
​Toll Free (800) 475-5095
or 276-475-5095
Rentals – Shuttle Service
www.BlueBlazeBikeandShuttle.com
info@blueblazebikeandshuttle.com

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Creeper Trail Bike Rental and Shuttle Service
227 Douglas Drive
Damascus, VA 24236
Phone: (276) 475-3611

​
​Rentals – Shuttle Service
www.CreeperTrailBikeRental.company
creepertrailbike@aol.com

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Damascus Bike Rentals
​744 N. Beaver Dam Avenue, Suite 5
Damascus, VA 24236

​
​276-475-5646
Rentals, Sales, Service and Shuttle Service
www.DamascusBikeRental.com
damascusbike@aol.com

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Shuttle Shack
112 Douglas Drive
Damascus, VA 24236


​​Toll free 855-259-6567
or 276-475-3773
Rentals – Shuttle Service
www.ShuttleShack.com
info@shuttleshack.com

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Sundog Outfitter
​Douglas Drive
Damascus, VA 24236



​
​​Toll free 866-515-3441
Open Year Round: Rentals, Sales, Service and Shuttle Service
www.SundogOutfitter.com
info@sundogoutfitter.com

ADDRESS

P.O. Box 576
208 West Laurel Avenue
​Damascus, VA 24236

PHONE

(276) 475-3831

EMAIL

info (at) damascus .org

​Copyright 2023 ​©
  • Home
  • Adventure
    • Local Highlights
    • Virginia Creeper Trail
    • Appalachian Trail (AT)
    • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    • Highlands Horse Trail
    • Motor Routes
  • Downtown
    • Damascus Trail Center
    • Town Parks
    • Farmers Market
    • Coolest Pool on the Trail
    • History Tour
    • Dining & Drinks
    • Shopping
    • Damascus Business Group
    • Live in Damascus >
      • Real Estate
      • Damascus Library
      • Schools
      • Healthcare
      • Religious Organizations
  • Stay
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Campgrounds & RV Parks
    • Inns & Lodges
    • Vacation Rentals
  • Events Calendar
    • Events Calendar
    • A Trail Town Christmas
    • Contra Dance: Trail Town Twirl
    • Appalachian Trail Days Festival >
      • Event Info
      • Sponsors & Vendors
      • Trail Days Schedule
      • Music Lineup
  • FAQ
  • Parking
  • Media
  • Merch