Virginia Creeper Bike Trail: What You Need to Know

The Virginia Creeper Bike Trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia, through the town of Damascus, and ends at Whitetop Station. Originally a rail line, it was converted into a recreational trail in 1989.

The name comes from the slow-moving steam engine that once “crept” along the route, alongside the native Virginia Creeper vine that still grows along the trail.

The most popular way to experience the trail is to start at Whitetop and coast downhill to Damascus.

It’s an easy, scenic ride. So gentle that even kids and grandparents can do it. I expected to pedal a bit, but it was all downhill.

In fact, you’ll spend more time braking than pedaling, like tubing down a lazy river on two wheels.

No need to worry about getting back. If you rent your bike from the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop in Abingdon, they’ll meet you at the red caboose in Damascus and shuttle you back to the shop at a set time.

Thinking of continuing your ride from Damascus to Abingdon?

This stretch is slightly uphill and does take some effort, but it’s totally manageable if you’re moderately fit. For context, this was my first bike ride in over a year, and I handled it just fine.

If you’re in great shape and more of the Lance Armstrong type, feel free to tackle the trail in reverse from Abingdon to Whitetop.

And if you manage a full roundtrip, major kudos to you!

• Total biking distance: 17 miles
• Total time: 2 hr. 15 min.

* We stopped a few times for photos. If you stop more frequently, estimate 2.5 – 3 hrs.

• Total biking distance: 17 miles
• Total time: 2 hr. 30 min.

• Total biking distance: 34 miles
• Total time: 4 hr. 45 min. + 30 min. for lunch = 5 hr. 15 min.

You have two options for renting bikes: Abingdon or Damascus.

We chose the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop in Abingdon and had a great experience. Be sure to book early, especially if you’re going on a holiday weekend. We reserved a few weeks in advance.

Just a heads-up: they don’t have online booking. It’s all done the old-fashioned way over the phone. We crossed our fingers after giving our info, but everything went smoothly and the staff was super friendly.

We highly recommend them. Solid 4.5-star ratings on both Google and TripAdvisor.

Here is a list of all the bike rental shops if you choose to rent in Damascus.

The Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop offers a great selection of comfort bikes, mountain bikes, and bikes for kids.

We opted for comfort bikes, and they were in excellent condition. I rode a Cannondale, and my husband got a Marin. Both well-known, reliable brands.

• Comfort bike + shuttle fee: $45 + tax
• Mountain bike + shuttle fee: $40 + tax
• E-bike rental + shuttle fee: $99 + tax
• Shuttle fee only: $28 pp (you can bring your own bike and use their shuttle service)

I highly recommend choosing a comfort bike. The padded seat will be a lifesaver by the time you hit mile 20.

We parked at the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop, checked in, paid for our rentals, and got fitted for our bikes. Then we waited outside until the rest of the group was ready.

There were quite a few people with the same reservation time, but no need to worry. The shop has several vans and custom bike trailers to transport everyone and their gear.

We hit the road around 9:30 a.m., drove for about an hour, and were on the trail by 10:30.

I’m not a fan of crowds, especially during outdoor activities like biking or snorkeling. So, I was a bit nervous when our large group was dropped off at the trailhead in Whitetop.

I pictured a slow, crowded ride down the trail.

But to my surprise, that wasn’t the case at all.

Everyone naturally spaced out as they started riding at their own pace. The trick is to skip the first few scenic stops and cafés, where most people tend to linger. We did that and enjoyed a peaceful, relaxing ride for the rest of the trail.

Whitetop Station, the starting point, is located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Fun fact: Mount Rogers is the highest peak in Virginia at 5,729 feet.

Later that weekend, we hiked Mount Rogers and even spotted wild ponies along the trail. A pretty unique experience!

You’re definitely up there!

Whitetop Station sits at an elevation of 3,500 feet, and by the time you reach Damascus, you’ll have dropped to about 1,900 feet. But don’t worry, it’s all downhill from Whitetop to Damascus.

This section of the Virginia Creeper Trail is absolutely stunning. The path is mostly crushed cinders, gravel, and dirt, winding through dense forests and alongside cold mountain streams and babbling creeks.

Keep in mind, the trail is shared with hikers, horseback riders, and fishermen. Whitetop Laurel Creek, which runs alongside the trail, is actually one of Virginia’s largest wild trout streams.

One heads-up: the trail near Whitetop is pretty rough and bumpy, so take it slow to stay safe and in control.

You’ll also cross several beautiful bridges along the way. Some of my favorites were near mile markers 18 and 17, just before you reach Damascus.

Just a heads-up: there’s no cell service between Whitetop and Damascus. Be sure your bike is in good working order before the shuttle leaves.

The second stretch of the Virginia Creeper Trail runs from Damascus to Abingdon.

Unlike the first section’s dense forests and mountain streams, this part opens up to wide views of rolling farmland and peaceful cow pastures.

One of my favorite bridges was in this section (mile marker 8.1), where it crosses over South Holston Lake. 

Fun fact: you’ll cross a total of 47 trestles and bridges between Whitetop and Abingdon!

Another great stop along the way is Alvarado Station, located right beside the river.

It’s the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a snack, and relax on the porch swings while taking in the river views.

We stayed at a beautiful Vrbo rental located right at Alvarado Station, and it was perfect.

Being able to bike straight to our place, take a quick bathroom break, and grab a snack (yes, even a leftover eclair from Anthony’s Desserts we picked up the night before… no judgment) was incredibly convenient.

If you’ve read any of my blog posts, you know I almost always cap my outdoor adventures with a tasty treat!

More on the rental later!

Another favorite detour along this stretch is Abingdon Vineyards, just 0.8 mile (about a five‑minute ride) off the trail.

We skipped the vineyard during the ride and planned to visit later in our long‑weekend getaway. When we showed up the next day, a popular band had the place packed, and the parking was chaotic. So, we decided to save it for another trip.

Thirty‑four miles after setting out, we rolled triumphantly into Abingdon. A fantastic day all around!

Nicknamed “Trail Town, USA,” Damascus is a perfect place to pause for a bite. Each May it hosts Trail Days, a festival honoring Appalachian Trail (AT) thru‑hikers.

The Virginia Creeper Trail runs straight through town and crosses the AT in several spots, so we passed plenty of backpackers on our ride.

Fun fact: Virginia contains more AT miles than any other state!

As you wander around, look for the colorful murals celebrating the trail’s heritage.

Mojo’s offers breakfast, lunch sandwiches, and wraps.  I love that they serve breakfast all day!

I refueled with a hot egg‑and‑cheddar sandwich on an English muffin paired with a steaming chai latte, while my husband chose the breakfast burrito.

Both were excellent.

Everything was flavorful, served hot, and made for the perfect pit stop.

Wicked Chicken offers wings, burgers, and sandwiches. We did not eat here. Check the reviews to see what you think.

Our shuttle driver pointed us to Damascus Diner, a local favorite with strong Yelp reviews.

The menu features classic Southern comfort foods. Think biscuits with gravy, meatloaf, collards, and mac ’n’ cheese along with a wide selection of sandwiches and salads.

Abingdon offers endless food possibilities. USA Today even crowned it the nation’s Best Small‑Town Food Scene.

Beyond the fantastic eateries, the area is packed with activities.

Check out my Top 10 Favorite Things to Do in Abingdon for inspiration.

Right next to the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop, 128 Pecan is a cozy, casual spot serving seriously tasty fare.

Start with a quintessential Southern appetizer: fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese!

Hands‑down, my favorite place to eat in Abingdon is The Girl & The Raven. I’d happily dine there every day. Just note they’re closed on Sundays, so plan ahead if you’re in town for the weekend.

Their breakfast sandwich, the Big Pimp, is phenomenal: a flaky biscuit packed with egg and pimento cheese. As a pimento‑cheese fan, I could eat one daily. Order it and enjoy pure foodie bliss.

They’re equally serious about coffee, and their cappuccino is top‑notch.

Of course, I am going to be biased because we stayed here, but we loved this charming Vrbo rental. I would highly consider this option if you are biking the Virginia Creeper Trail for 2 reasons:

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa sits in the center of downtown Abingdon. It started as a private residence, later became a women’s college, and eventually opened its doors to guests.

Inside, you can expect an elegant, stately atmosphere and plenty of amenities, including an indoor pool, a gym, tennis courts, and complimentary bicycles.

A Tailor’s Lodging was the third accommodation option we considered.

The original owners were tailors, and this theme is thoughtfully reflected throughout the property’s decor.

It’s an intimate space with just three bedrooms, so reservations tend to fill quickly. The location is excellent, right in the heart of Abingdon’s Historic District.

My husband and I have been lucky enough to experience some amazing bike rides, including the Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand, the Rice Paddy Bike Trail in Bali, and the Burgundy Vineyard Trail in France.

The Virginia Creeper Bike Trail absolutely earns a spot on that list. It’s a beautiful, laid-back ride with stunning scenery and plenty of charming stops along the way.

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Questions about our Virginia Creeper Bike Trail experience?

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