Trail Run Project Logo

A former railroad converted into multi-use running and biking trail.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

34.7

Miles

55.9

KM

100%

Runnable

3,629' 1,106 m

High

1,753' 534 m

Low

1,118' 341 m

Up

2,599' 792 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a multi-purpose rail trail. This trail runs from Whitetop, Virginia, near the North Carolina state line through National Forest and crossing numerous restored trestles and crossing the Appalachian Trail at several trail junctions through Damascus, VA (Trail Town USA) and onto its end point in Abingdon, VA.

Need to Know

The trail is multi-use and is popular with cyclists. There are shuttle services provided by several outfitters in Damascus, VA to several points along the trail.

Description

This trail follows the former Virginia Creeper railroad bed. The trail descends steadily from the NC State line near Whitetop Station, VA to Abingdon, VA. The trail surface is wide and paved with cinders.

The trail passes several of the original stations of the Virginia Creeper Railroad which are now visitors centers for the trail. Several restored trestles have been incorporated into the trail on the many crossings of Whitetop Laurel Creek and Holston River along the route.

The town of Damascus, VA is 17 miles into the route and is known as Trail Town USA, home of the annual Trail Days celebration. Beyond Damascus, the trail follows river banks and goes through pastoral field as the trail crosses through the Great Valley. The terminus of the trail is in Abingdon, VA.

Flora & Fauna

The trail passes through the Appalachian Mountain forest. In spring there are numerous rhododendrons, azaleas, and mountain laurels in bloom along the route.

History & Background

This trail follows the path of the Virginia Creeper Railroad. There are several of the old stations that can be visited along the route.

Contacts

Shared By:

Thomas Birch

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 14 votes

#763

Overall
  4.7 from 14 votes
5 Star
86%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#25

in Virginia

#763

Overall
8 Views Last Month
3,445 Since Jan 22, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
17%
50%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Virginia Creeper Trail in the fall.
Jan 27, 2016 near Glade S…, VA
One of the many Trestles you'll cross on the Creeper.
Aug 13, 2019 near Glade S…, VA
Whitetop Laurel Creek
Jan 22, 2016 near Chilhowie, VA
Long Trestle on the Virginia Creeper Trail
Jan 22, 2016 near Chilhowie, VA
Virginia Creeper trail.
Apr 5, 2018 near Chilhowie, VA
Karst formation along the Creeper Trail
Jan 27, 2016 near Abingdon, VA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.