The Virginia Creeper Trail Experience

The Virginia Creeper Trail is one of America's great rail-trail adventures — a 34-mile path through the mountains and river valleys of Southwest Virginia, running from the historic town of Abingdon through Damascus and up to Whitetop Station near the North Carolina border. Whether you come to bike, hike, run, fish, bird watch, or simply breathe in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Blue Ridge, the Creeper Trail delivers.

✅ Open Now — Abingdon to Damascus (16 miles)

The western section of the Virginia Creeper Trail is open, beautiful, and ready for your 2026 adventure. Shuttles depart daily from Adventure Damascus in the heart of Damascus, Va — drop your bike at the Abingdon trailhead and roll through the South Fork Holston River valley back to town. This is a genuine Creeper Trail experience: scenic countryside, historic trestles, wildlife around every bend, and a cold drink waiting for you in Damascus when you arrive.

⚠️ Temporarily Closed — Damascus to Whitetop (17 miles)

Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the eastern section of the trail in September 2024. The US Forest Service is leading the rebuilding effort and the eastern section is estimated to reopen in September 2026. See current trail advisories →

Riding the Abingdon to Damascus Section

Don't let anyone tell you this is the "lesser" half of the trail. The western section has its own distinct beauty — wide open farmland views, the meandering South Fork of the Holston River, rolling countryside that opens up in a way the forested eastern section never does. At just over 300 feet of net elevation change across 16 miles, it's a genuinely easy ride that the whole family can enjoy. Most riders complete it in 2 to 2.5 hours — though stopping to watch the herons fish, or grabbing a snack in Damascus, tends to stretch that out pleasantly.

Adventure Damascus has been shuttling riders to the Abingdon trailhead since 1998 — 27 years of knowing exactly how to make your Creeper Trail day go smoothly. When you call to book, you're not just reserving a bike. You're getting local knowledge about the best stopping points, what the weather tends to do in the afternoon, where to eat when you roll back into Damascus, and which bike fits your style. That's the difference between a good day and a great one.

Choose Your Ride

⭐ Most Popular

Abingdon Valley Combo

Shuttle to Abingdon, ride 16 miles through the valley back to Damascus. The classic Creeper Trail experience on the open section — easy grades, beautiful scenery, all downhill finish.

Distance: 16 miles | Time: 2–2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Easy

🔋 E-Bike Option

E-Bike Valley Ride

Prefer a pedal-assist? Rent one of our e-bikes and glide through the valley with ease. Great for riders who want to cover more ground, keep up with faster companions, or simply enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.

Distance: 16 miles | Time: 1.5–2 hrs | Difficulty: Very Easy

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Ride

Valley Kids Combo

Kids 12 and under ride on specially sized bikes with the same great shuttle service. The western section's gentle grades make this the ideal family trail day — no steep descents, no technical terrain, just pure fun.

Ages: All ages | Difficulty: Easy | Kids bikes: 20" & 24"

💪 Yo-Yo Ride

Damascus Out & Back

Ride your bike from Damascus up to Abingdon and back — 32 miles total. E-bikes available to make the uphill climb more manageable. A great option for riders who want to earn their miles.

Distance: 32 miles | Time: 4–5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate

Damascus — The Heart of the Creeper Trail

Damascus, Virginia sits at the crossroads of seven trails — the Virginia Creeper, the Appalachian Trail, the TransAm Bicycle Route, the Iron Mountain Trail, and more. With a population of around 800, it punches well above its weight for dining, lodging, outfitting, and general trail town hospitality. After your ride, you'll find cold drinks, good food, comfortable beds, and a gift shop or two with something worth bringing home. Plan to stay a night — there's more to Damascus than a single afternoon can hold.

What to Bring

The Creeper Trail is one of the most accessible bike adventures in the country — you don't need to be a cyclist to enjoy it. A water bottle is the one essential. Dress in layers in spring and fall; the valley can be 10 degrees cooler than Damascus. Helmets are provided with every rental. Bring cash for Damascus — some of the best local spots are still cash-preferred. And leave the road bike tires at home; 28mm and larger work fine on the trail's packed gravel surface.