Damascus, VA - Virginia Creeper (4/2 - 4/5/24)

Another HoF Rail Trail on our bucket list, we rode the Virginia Creeper rail trail in the few days we stayed here. We stayed at the Laurel Creek RV Park in Damascus. This campground was no-frills, but was situated right on the river and the trail with a great view (no picture, sorry).

This trail is only 33 miles long, so we rode it in tw0 days right from our centrally located campground in out and backs.

On day one, we rode east to the top of the mountain to the Whitetop station. This is where most people start on this trail because it is all downhill from here to Damascus at the mid-way point (where we stayed). There are many shuttle companies here that must bring in some big business. We passed many large groups coming down the mountain on our way up. Even though this is a rail trail, there was around a 1,500' elevation change in the 17 miles up to Whitetop.

On day two, we rode west to Abingdon. The distance was just about the same as day one.

This trail is known for the large number (46) of trestle bridges in just 33 miles.

This trail also runs along a white water river most of the way.

This trail is also in the Appalachian mountains and is joined by the Appalachian Trail in some parts.

The trail is not paved, so don't recommend using a skinny tired bike. My bike has 38s and Michelle's are much larger.

Most of the ride is along a river, but there are some parts on the west side that go through farm country.

Here is another long trestle bridge crossing the river.

If interested, here is some history on the how the trail was created.

In Abingdon, we stopped at the 128 PECAN for a rest stop not far from the trail. Our next stop on my next post is another rail trail just east of here near Wytheville, VA.