virginia creeper trail

This is by far the best maintained trails I have ever seen. Clean, flat trails perfect for biking, hiking, horseback, etc.. The river is running alongside for fisherman, or if you prefer kayak. Keep in mind that there is not much cellphone reception. So before you head out, put together a small first aid kit, it will come in handy quicker than you think.

This was our first time riding the Creeper Trail as a family. Children aged 9 and 12 were able to ride without difficulty. I would advise everyone to dress warm (jacket) even in summer months due to trail being very shaded by trees. Plenty of places to pull over for photos. Food and beverage stops are seasonal so check times before you go. I would pack water and a snack as a back up. Trail is mostly coasting down hill, minimal amount of pedaling required for majority of trip. We did the first 17 miles from very top. There are several bike shops available to transport you to top. We have used 2 different companies and have been pleased with both.

This trail is such a pretty part of the US. VA is one of the most scenic states. We went to Damascus and stayed several days at a rental home. The people in that area are really friendly. My grand daughters who are 12 & 6 loved it as well. Great recommendation for young and old!

We rode the 17-mile section from Whitetop Station down the mountain to Damascus in early October. The early fall weather was perfect, and the almost unbroken downhill grade makes the trip easy, even if you're not accustomed to riding. Your main concern is to slow down so you can enjoy the scenery and not break your neck. Bike rental (which includes shuttle service) is available in nearby Damascus. Lunch is available at a trail-side cafe in Taylor's Valley. There is also a small Forest Service visitor center along the way with rest rooms. Plan for the ride to take half a day, including your lunch stop, although if you're the impatient type, you can probably blow through in about two hours. But why would you?

This is my favorite rail/trail thus far. Buy a shuttle in Damascus to Whitetop Station and ride the 17 miles back down to Damascus. The scenery is beautiful and the ride is excellent!

Being from Orlando, with its plethora of theme parks, really wasn't expecting much when the Virginia Creeper was suggested as an outing. Could not have been more mistaken!The Virginia Creeper is a MUST-DO for young and old alike. Don't allow lack of biking experience scare you away from the Creeper as it's a very easy, gentle, downhill ride from the mountain top to Damascus (the more hearty in your group can continue for several more miles on the trail but is more labor intensive). Will come back to do the Creeper in different season to take advantage of Spring blooming in the Appalachians as well as the turn of foliage in the Fall.

I have biked the Virginia Creeper many times and in many different seasons. Four of us just came back (November). There had been a snow storm prior to our arrival but the trail was fine. We could see that several trees had fallen but the crews had removed them and cleared the way. There was still some bridges with snow that we had to walk our bikes but no problem doing so.The Creeper is just a fun, fun time.

We planned this trip a couple of weeks in advance, obviously hoping the weather would cooperate - well it didn't. Went on to Damascus, despite the rain. I can't wait to go back on a clear day, because the ride in the rain was still wonderful. The color of the leaves were almost at their peak. Great little train stops along the way give a look at the history of the railroad. Next time I will wear black shorts! There is not a fee to ride on the trail, but the cost for the shuttle service was well worth it.

We are 65 and 69 years old and friends wanted us to do this. We were very skeptical but we gave it a try. And we are sure glad we did. For 3 1\2 hours we were looking at beauty everywhere. We stopped at Green Cove station and had a snack. The trestles, farms and streams were so amazing. I can't wait to bring our grandchildren to enjoy. Simply some of the most fun we've had.

I just got off the 17 mile upper portion with the wife and our twins. In fact we loved the White Top to Damascus run so much we did it two days in a row. The boys are 2 and loved the trip as there are lots of places to stop and play. It took us about 3.5 hours and the Creeper Trail Cafe is a great mid-point stop for lunch. We used The Bike Station for the shuttle ride to the top. We didn't rent any bikes but I had some last minute maintenance items and the fine folks at The Bike Station got me fixed up quickly for a very fair price.

Did this the other day with my 9 and 11 year old......wow, what an amazing day!! The scenery was sensational - the fall colors at their peak. And the family memories we made...priceless! Don't hesitate - do it!

We're from TN and in our 50's. Had no idea the Creeper existed and we can't wait to do it again. We went down late October with another couple and had a great day. Definitely stop at the Creeper Trail Cafe and have some of their famous chocolate cake! Thx to Steve at The Bike Station in Damascus for hooking us up with great bikes and shuttle.

Well maintained and beautiful trail. We rode both up and back on our bicycle. There are plenty of bicycle stores that will drive you to the top and then you ride back. We divided the trail in two and rode the whole thing in two days. A great way to get out an enjoy Mt Rogers Nat'l Forest/Rec Area. Lots of places to stop to take pictures. Remember to close the cattle gates on the lower portion of the trail.

Just came back from my second ride on this rails to trail conversion. It is a magic carpet ride, 34 miles one way. First 17 miles are all down hill thrills. Last 17 are essentially level. Then I turned around and came back. Crosses many trestles, farms, and streams. Photo heaven.I did not bother with bringing my own bike or helmet either time. One can get a shuttle, bike, and helmet for the price of a good pizza. Lots of good bike shops in Damascus. There is no fee to use trail if you have your own bike. At the west end of the trail is Abingdon which is one of the coolest towns I've been in and I've been in a couple thousand of them in 52 countries. Great place to have dinner and Barter theater show after a day on the trail.

This was a terrific time for the whole family. Whether you are athletic or not, this gently sloped bike ride through the lovely mountains of VA is a thrilling time. You can rent bikes in the town of Damascus from one of the many rental stops or pay them to haul your bike, either way they wil take you and a bike up the mountain about 30-45 min drive, drop you off at the trail head and you - for the most part - coast and gently pedal back down to town around 17 miles. It took us (with a dog in a pull behind rented carrier) and a 9 year old about 3 hours. We stopped once and while to take in views and have a snack. Pack a lunch if you want, there are places to stop. Most of the time you are along a creek and in the national park. There are times you are on private property, but not very often. There is a great ice shop at the bottom, just before town. We went at the peak of leaf changing on a saturday and it still was not overly crowed. There is no 'fee' to be on the trail, but you do pay to be dropped off if you want. (By the way, if you want to pass say "passing on left" if you are moving slower or traveling with others, be courteous and let those behind you pass.)