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Families getting ready to walk and bike the Virginia Creeper Trail
ABINGDON CVB
Exploring the
Virginia Creeper Trail
Following Hurricane Helene, the 17-mile Abingdon to Damascus segment is open for business.
Winding through the heart of Southwest Virginia, the Virginia Creeper Trail is more than just a path—it's a journey through time, nature and community. Considered one of the top rail trails in the country, the Virginia Creeper Trail was built on an 1880s rail line that once delivered iron ore and timber. Transformed into a multi-use trail that opened in 1989, the Creeper Trail is ideal for biking, walking, running, horseback riding, fishing, cross‑country skiing and wildlife observation. The path crosses nearly 50 wooden trestles, navigates through forests, farmlands, streams and quaint towns, intersects the Appalachian Trail in Damascus, and includes ample trailheads, access points, restrooms, picnic shelters and interpretive signage.
Downtown Damascus, Virginia
Town of Damascus
When Hurricane Helene hit the Appalachian Mountains last September, many of the communities along the Virginia Creeper Trail were significantly impacted—families were displaced and many small businesses suffered severe damage. Although the segment of the trail between Whitetop Station and Damascus is currently closed for repairs, the 17-mile stretch between Abingdon and Damascus—called “The Start to the Heart”— is fully open, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for beginners and avid cyclists alike.
Trestle 12 near Alvarado spans 620 feet over South Holston Lake.
JULIE KROLL
Bicycling
Bike outfitters in Damascus and Abingdon offer complete rental and shuttle services, making it easy to enjoy the ride. This section of the trail features gentle grades—a light pedal effort from Abingdon to Alvarado, followed by a steady, less-than-1% grade from Alvarado to Damascus—ideal for active beginners and families looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure. Depending on the speed of the group, the ride from Abingdon to Damascus is typically two to four hours.
Visitors enjoy beautiful scenery when traveling the Virginia Creeper Trail.
richard smith
Pedal through rolling hills, peaceful farmland and riverside landscapes along the South Fork of the Holston River. At its lowest point, the trail crosses a dramatic, curving trestle over the headwaters of South Holston Lake. Along the way, you'll find plenty of spots for fishing and swimming in Laurel Creek and the South Fork Holston River. Plan to take your time—there are great places to eat, beautiful scenery and interesting historic sites worth stopping for.
Don't forget to protect your vacation investment with travel insurance, even if you've already booked. Visit AAA.com/TravelInsurance for a free quote.
Friends preparing to ride their ebikes on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
THERESA GUEST
For a shorter route, consider riding from Abingdon or Damascus to the midpoint of Alvarado Station, where you can visit the old train station, equipped with restrooms and an outpost that offers ice cream, snacks, rain ponchos and Virginia Creeper Trail merch. Here, you can enjoy a picnic with views of the river and surrounding natural setting. Most shuttle services offer a ride back from Alvarado Station if you don’t want to do the full 17 miles. As of December 2024, ebikes are now permitted on the Virginia Creeper Trail and available at most local outfitters, making the ride even easier.
Visit Abingdon, Virginia
Small Town Charm
Beyond the trail, explore the charming towns of Abingdon and Damascus along the way. Abingdon’s 20‑square‑block historic district features beautifully preserved architecture spanning from the late 1700s to the mid‑20th century, with must‑see landmarks like The Tavern and Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Catch a show at the Barter Theatre—America’s longest-running professional theatre—and explore the William King Museum of Art and the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace. Downtown Abingdon’s brick sidewalks lead you past independent boutiques, galleries and a farmers market before inviting you to savor farm-fresh eats.
TOWN OF Damascus
Proudly known as “Trail Town USA,” Damascus serves as a vibrant hub where seven nationally recognized trails—including the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail—cross paths. Visitors can stroll or bike the pedestrian-friendly History Trail that winds past historical markers, old mill sites and a charming red caboose, offering a rich glimpse into the town’s heritage. Anglers can cast for trout in Laurel Creek or the South Fork Holston River; hikers, horseback riders and campers can explore nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands, where wild ponies roam. With year-round festivals—including the massive Appalachian Trail Days each May—and a welcoming community that earned the nickname “Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail,” Damascus delivers Southern hospitality, natural beauty and small‑town charm.
Autumn leaves along the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus
Matt Holman
Seasons
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a year-round destination, with shuttles and access available in every season. From April to May, the trail comes alive with colorful spring wildflowers. In mid-June, the rhododendrons bloom in full glory. June through September are perfect for cooling off in the trail’s many swimming holes. By mid-October, the area is ablaze with peak fall colors, drawing leaf-peepers. Even in the colder months, the trail offers wide-open views and peaceful winter scenery.
For more information about the Virginia Creeper Trail, go to Visit Abingdon Start to the Heart and Visit Damascus.
Visit AAA.com/TripCanvas for hotel accommodations near The Virginia Creeper Trail, plus access TripTiks, maps and more.
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