How to Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail

My husband and I decided to take a weekend to admire the fall foliage by visiting Abingdon and biking the Virginia Creeper Trail. This was such a fun getaway and a great way to experience something new. I highly suggest visiting around mid October during peak season to see the fall foliage.

About the Virginia Creeper Trail

History

The Virginia Creeper Trail has a long history, starting with its use by Native Americans and later by explorers like Daniel Boone. In the 1900s, the Virginia-Carolina railroad operated between Damascus and Abingdon, primarily for timber production. The train earned the nickname “Virginia Creeper” for its ascent of the Iron Mountains.

Distance

The trail is 33.4 miles long from the top of the mountain to Abingdon. We chose to stop at Damascus, which is halfway, because it started to downpour about 5 miles out from Damascus. The trail is quite easy as it is mostly downhill. Click here for a map of the trail.

When To Visit

I believe the best time to visit is in the fall, so you can enjoy the picturesque scenery as you cruise down the mountain. This usually occurs around mid to late October when you can experience the vibrant colors of the leaves.

How to prepare for the Virginia Creeper Trail

Where to Stay

• Damascus
  • Damascus is a great place to stay near the VCT. I recommend choosing a cabin along the trail so that you can easily bike back to your accommodation. This also offers a fun opportunity to relax and watch the bikers go by.
    • Brinkwaters
    • Airbnb
      • Trailside Home
• Abingdon
  • My husband and I decided to stay in Abingdon, Virginia because it is a charming historic town. There are many lovely apartments available on Airbnb, and that’s our first choice.
  • The convenience of being able to stroll around downtown is unparalleled in my view. Linked below are a few options:
    • Where we stayed
    • Downtown Apartment (same building where we stayed)
    • Historic Downtown Home

Rentals and Transportation

There are several bike rental companies that make it super easy for your trip. The majority of bike rentals include shuttle service to take you to the top of White Top Mountain. Helmets are also included with rentals and are highly recommended for riding down the Virginia Creeper Trail.

You can also bring your own bikes and only purchase the shuttle to the top of the mountain. Note: e-bikes are prohibited on the trail as only non-motorized traffic is permitted

What to Bring

• Rain Jackets
  • I highly suggest bringing a rain jacket as the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Even though we experienced rain at the end of the trail, we powered through and were thankful we brought rain jackets!

• Lunch
  • I loved that we packed a lunch and were able to enjoy it along the trail. There are so many pull-off points where you can enjoy a picnic and admire the natural scenery.
  • However, If picnicking is not your thing, you can also opt to enjoy a meal in Damascus as there are several restaurants right off the trail. Listed below are some restaurants that make for a great stop
    • 7 Trails Grill
    • Wicked Chicken
    • Mojo’s Trailside Cafe and Coffee
• Water
  • Very obvious, but worth mentioning- make sure you have enough water as you cruise down the trail!

THANK YOU

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article by Squeeze with Louise. I’m very passionate about sharing my travel tips and recommendations with you. I would love to know your thoughts on how I can enhance my blog. Please feel free to comment below regarding this itinerary or general questions about Squeeze with Louise.

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