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 rolling hills and farmland along the South Fork of the Holston River. At its lowest elevation, the trail crosses the headwaters of South Holston Lake on a huge curving trestle. Although the lower 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.
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 National Recreation Trail stretches 34 miles from Whitetop Station to the Abingdon terminus, passing through downtown Damascus along the way.

The trail is highly accessible and several outfitters in Damascus offer bike rental and shuttle services to Abingdon and Alvarado year-round. The Virginia Creeper Trail also offers abundant access to fishing and swimming holes along 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.

TRAIL CLOSURE: Upper Half, Whitetop Station to Damascus

The upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Station to Damascus is in national forest and remains CLOSED until it can be rebuilt by the US Forest Service. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time. The Straight Branch and Creek Junction trailheads are open to fishing access only, no trail traffic. The US Forest Service has a webpage for sharing project updates with the public: ​

​Forest Service News Release: Virginia Creeper Trail Debris Removal Begins, Motorists Advised Caution Along Highway 58. The USDA Forest Service has begun the clean-up of the Virginia Creeper Trail on national forest lands following damage from Hurricane Helene. The initial debris removal is scheduled to last until July 31, 2025, during which time the Straight Branch parking lot on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area will be closed. The public is encouraged to exercise caution and stay alert to construction vehicles along US Highway 58 between Damascus and Konnarock, Virginia. (posted June 10, 2025)
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:
​All of the listed Bike Outfitters operate bike rentals and shuttles under commercial-use permits with the US Forest Service for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus
​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: