Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail
A fan favorite, the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is one of the most famous biking trails in the United States. The trail is family-friendly and great for active beginners. In total, the trail stretches for 34 miles, from Whitetop Station to Abingdon, and it passes right through the heart of downtown Damascus along the way.
The origin of the name “Virginia Creeper” is two-fold, named both for the colorful native vine Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and the historic train engines that used to “creep” their way along the steep train tracks up and down the mountain. At the time, Whitetop Station was the highest train station in the United States, east of the Rockies. The last train ran on March 31, 1977, and then the rail-trail opened to the public ten years later in 1987. In 2014, the Virginia Creeper Trail joined the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.
Open From the Start to the Heart
The Virginia Creeper Trail is currently 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. The Virginia Creeper Trail is now open to e-bikes, too!
Trail Amenities
We have everything you need for your next adventure! The Virginia Creeper Trail is highly accessible and several locally-owned outfitters in Damascus offer bike rental and shuttle services to Abingdon and Alvarado year-round. The 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 historic sites.
Visitor Center: Damascus Trail Center
Visit the Damascus Trail Center
The Damascus Trail Center is open daily, 10am to 5pm, in downtown Damascus. Pick up trail maps, check on trail conditions, and learn more about outdoor recreation and additional activities in the Damascus area.
Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Virginia Creeper Trail
Free public parking is available along the Virginia Creeper Trail at the following trailheads:
- Abingdon trailhead: 303 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.
- Watauga trailhead: 24350 Watauga Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.
- Alvarado Station trailhead: 21180 Alvarado Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.
- Damascus Town Park trailhead: 202 South Beaverdam Avenue, Damascus, VA 24236.
Overnight parking is available at the Wilson Street and Trestle Street lots in Damascus, first come, first served. Registration required.
Restrooms on the Trail
Restrooms on the Virginia Creeper Trail
Public restrooms can be found at the Abingdon trailhead, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park. Year-round restrooms are also available at the Damascus Trail Center and Damascus Library during operating hours.
Rest Stop: Alvarado Station Outpost
Rest Stop: Alvarado Station Outpost
The Outpost at Alvarado Station is managed by the Town of Abingdon and stocked with drinks, snacks, and merch. Open daily 10am to 4:30pm from April through October.
Rest Stop: Damascus Caboose
Rest Stop: Damascus Caboose
The historic Caboose at the Damascus Town Park is run by the Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy. Open Friday to Sunday starting in May.
An Award-Winning Trail
- Rail-Trail Hall of Fame (2014), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
- Best Biking Trail of the Blue Ridge (2022-2026), 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
- Best Kid-Friendly Adventure (Runner-Up, 2026), Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
Book Your Next Trip!
Damascus has several local bike outfitters in town ready to assist with bike rental and shuttle services year-round. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a family-friendly rail-trail, suitable for active beginners, and great for groups of all ages. There’s an adventure for everyone here!
Note: The upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, from Whitetop Station to Damascus, reopens on March 31, 2027! Make plans now for the 2027 season!
When is the Best Time to Visit?
- 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
Upper Half Trail Closure
The upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, from Whitetop Station to Damascus, saw significant damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The trail remains closed until it is rebuilt and is set to reopen on March 31st, 2027. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time.
Work Zone: Please be alert to signage and barricades on the trail. Respect trail closures for the safety of both the public and work crews.
Upper Half set to reopen March 31, 2027
Virginia Creeper Trail to fully reopen on March 31, 2027
The Town of Damascus is thrilled to share the announcement of the reopening date for the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, set for March 31, 2027. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a backbone of the local outdoor economy, bringing thousands of riders, families and visitors to Damascus, Abingdon and communities throughout Southwest Virginia each year. This announcement gives residents, outfitters and nearby businesses a clear timeline so they can plan ahead for next year’s tourism season.
Virginia Creeper Trail Groundbreaking
Virginia Creeper Trail Groundbreaking
The Town of Damascus, Virginia was delighted to celebrate the groundbreaking of the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail alongside the US Forest Service, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., the Commonwealth of Virginia, and many regional partners and community members, on Thursday, December 18th. This day marked a significant milestone in our recovery from Hurricane Helene in September 2024. As Mayor Lamb says, “We’re coming back better than we’ve ever been!” A year from now, we look forward to celebrating the ribbon-cutting with you. In the meantime, join us in enjoying the beautiful half of the Virginia Creeper Trail that remains open, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus.
Check our Damascus Area Trail Updates for the most current information on the Virginia Creeper Trail:
Virginia Creeper Trail Map
Abingdon to Damascus
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.
Elevation Profile of the Virginia Creeper Trail – Abingdon to Damascus to Whitetop
Take on a challenge and bike up from Damascus in either direction (the trail is bowl-shaped!). Ride up as far as you’d like, then enjoy the reward of cruising downhill back to town. It’s 34 miles round-trip to either terminus, whether you head toward Abingdon or Whitetop Station.
Bike Safety on the Virginia Creeper Trail
- The Virginia Creeper Trail crosses both private and public property. Respect private property by staying on the trail and camping only where permitted.
- Share the trail. Keep to the right; pass on the left. Pass only when safe, and call out before passing with a friendly, “On your left!” or a bike bell.
- Groups: Ride single file when passing and whenever the trail is busy. Keep your group together so that no one gets lost. Maintain a safe speed.
- Helmets are not required but are HIGHLY recommended.
- Control your speed and be on the lookout for other trail traffic and on-trail hazards, including rocks, sticks, washouts, and wildlife.
- Do not block the trail. Pull off the side of the trail whenever stopped.
- Always stop and look before crossing any roads.
- Pack out all litter – including snack wrappers, water bottles, cigarette butts, and pet waste.
Hit the Trails Responsibly
Be kind, be aware, and be prepared while out on trail. Here’s some local advice:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile multi-use rail-trail open to bikes, e-bikes, horseback riding, hiking, and running. Right-of-way: Bikes yield to all other users and pass only when safe to do so. Slow down when approaching horses, young children, and congested areas. Equestrians, please dismount to cross trestles.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs on the trail
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Virginia Creeper Trail. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and kept under control. Pick up any waste.
What is not allowed on the trail?
not allowed on trail
No motorized vehicles on the Virginia Creeper Trail. Prohibited: electric scooters, one-wheels, electric unicycles, electric skateboards, golf carts, and all other motorized uses. By exception, the trail is open to electrically powered wheelchairs operated by handicapped persons.
Alcohol prohibited. Fireworks prohibited. No firearms, except off-trail in designated areas in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and during hunting season only. Camping in designated areas only.
How do I report a maintenance issue or an emergency?
maintenance issue and emergencies on trail
In case of emergency, call 911. If there is no cell service, ask another trail user to go call from the nearest location available.
- For a non-emergency, call Washington County dispatch at 276-676-6285. Please include any reference you have for your location (nearest mile marker and/or bridge number).
- Please report any vandalism, storm damage, or unsafe conditions:
- From Whitetop Station to Damascus, call Mount Rogers Headquarters – (800) 628-7202.
- From Damascus to Drowning Ford Road, call Damascus Town Hall – (276) 475-3831.
- From Drowning Ford Road to Abingdon, call Abingdon Town Hall – (276) 628-3167.
Where can I find AEDs and first aid kits?
AEDs and first aid kits
Find defibrillators (AEDs) and basic first aid supplies at Whitetop Station, Green Cove Station, and Alvarado Station (when open).
How is the trail managed?
trail management
- The Town of Damascus, Town of Abingdon, and the US Forest Service – Mount Rogers National Recreation Area manage joint ownership of the Virginia Creeper Trail
- Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy is dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the Creeper Trail corridor. VCTC partners with other trail stakeholders to support a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users. The Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepts tax-deductible donations.
- The US Forest Service has authorized all listed Bike Outfitters to operate bike rentals and shuttles under commercial-use permits for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
How can I host an event on the trail?
hosting an event on the trail
Reserve the Damascus Town Park gazebo in advance, on a first-come, first-served basis, at Damascus Town Hall. Please contact Abingdon Town Hall for park reservations by the Abingdon trailhead and Alvarado Station. Commercial uses (outfitters, shuttles, guides, special events) on the national forest must have a special use permit.
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