Can You Camp Along The Virginia Creeper Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Virginia Creeper Trail has a number of places to stay along the way, but you never have to go far to find somewhere to camp. There is a 25-foot right of way on both sides of the trail in the Jefferson National Forest that allows for one night of free , but you must stay off private property.

How long does it take to go down the Virginia Creeper Trail?

How long does it take to ride the entire creeper trail (34 miles) from Whitetop back to Abingdon? The average time is

5.5 hours

. This includes taking time for lunch and taking in all the scenery!

How hard is the Virginia Creeper Trail?

The Virginia Creeper Trail is

hard-packed clay and gravel

, making it more suitable for mountain bikes than road bikes. Some sections can be muddy if it has been raining. The trail is also open to hikers and horseback riders.

Where should I stay when visiting Virginia Creeper Trail?

  • damascus cabins. Relax and enjoy a private getaway in one of our Damascus Cabins or bring along a group. …
  • virginia creeper lodge. 702 N. …
  • creeper trail cottages.

Is the Virginia Creeper Trail all downhill?

It was an invitation even teenagers who had hoped to be watching college football or playing video games couldn't resist: a mountain bike ride –

all downhill

. Visitors to the Virginia Creeper Trail will find a remarkably family-friendly ride, adaptable to any skill level, and with scenery to hold anyone's attention.

What do you wear to the Virginia Creeper Trail?

Well, a 6 minute mile is 10 mph, probably a typical speed on the trail. At the very least, I would recommend

a helmet

. Next, riding gloves may make it easier on your hands should you have to break your fall. And if you go during cooler weather, there's nothing wrong with wearing jeans.

What is the best part of the Virginia Creeper Trail?

The best section of this trail is from

White Top mountain to Damascus Virginia

, so just stay in Damascus and take a few rides from there. Get a shuttle to White Top stop for lunch, swimming or fishing in the creek. Later on, or even same day, you can ride from your vacation house to the Abingdon winery.

Can you ride up the Virginia Creeper Trail?

A destination for visitors from across the US and a cherished asset for local residents, the Virginia Creeper Trail is best known as a biking trail, but in reality,

the VCT is a multi-use trail with opportunities to bike, walk, run, fish, horseback ride, people watch, cross country ski and geocache

, along with chances …

Can you ride a road bike on the Virginia Creeper Trail?

Forty-seven trestle bridges provide scenic views of the region's creeks, farmland, and mountain forests. While technically considered a mountain biking trail, the Virginia Creeper is well-maintained and consists mostly of crushed stone, so

it can be easily navigated on a hybrid or road bike

.

Are Ebikes allowed on Virginia Creeper Trail?

Golf carts and electric bikes are

not permitted

on the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Is Virginia Creeper Trail safe for kids?


The Virginia Creeper was a great bike ride for a baby riding along

. At a little more than two hours, it was just long enough for my wife and I to enjoy the long ride, and short enough that our daughter's attention span could handle it.

Where is the best place to start the Virginia Creeper Trail?

The 34-mile multi-use trail begins in

Abingdon, a popular access point at Mile 0

, and then carries on through rolling farmland to Damascus at Mile 15.5. From there, the Virginia Creeper winds up to its highest point at Whitetop Station, offering plenty of amenities and activities along the way.

What town is Virginia Creeper Trail?

Virginia Creeper Trail Guide

The Virginia Creeper stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia down through to the lovely town of

Damascus, Va

(known as the Heart of the Va Creeper) along the Whitetop Laurel River and up to its highest point Whitetop Station near the NC State Line at Whitetop, Virginia.

Where does the Virginia Creeper Trail start and end?

The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is a 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail, traversing through two counties from

Abingdon, Virginia, through Damascus, and ending just past Whitetop Station in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, at the Virginia-North Carolina border

.

How long is the Virginia Creeper Trail shuttle?

The

17 mile

ride from Whitetop to Damascus is a beautiful and non-strenuous one almost everyone can enjoy!

Which way is downhill on the Virginia Creeper Trail?

WHAT IS THE ELEVATION OF THE TRAIL? The typical shuttle ride will drop you off at Whitetop Station (3576′ elevation) and you will downhill

17 miles downhill to Damascus (1952′) then on to Alvarado (1900′)

, half the way between Abingdon and Damascus, then up to Abingdon (2087′).

Why is it called the Virginia Creeper Trail?

The nickname “Virginia Creeper”

came from the early steam locomotives as they slowly struggled up the mountains

. Depression, the Creeper ran its last train on March 31, 1977.

How many bridges are on the Virginia Creeper Trail?

The official Virginia Creeper Trail map is printed by the Virginia Creeper Trail Club. One side details the Abingdon to Damascus section and the reverse side maps out the trail corridor from Damascus to Whitetop. All 34 mile markers are indicated along with each of the

47 trestle bridges

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.