The Virginia Creeper Trail
Note: In Damascus, please WALK bicycles on the sidewalks or ride on the roads. When riding on the roads, cyclists must follow traffic patterns and obey all traffic laws. It is a violation of Damascus Town Code, Ordinance 50.5 to ride bicycles on sidewalks.
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 Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Whitetop to Abingdon, passing through downtown Damascus along the way. The section from Whitetop Station 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.
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 Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Whitetop to Abingdon, passing through downtown Damascus along the way. The section from Whitetop Station 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.
An Award-Winning Trail
Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, 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
Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, 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
(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:
Rules of the Virginia Creeper Trail
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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: