The VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL
Fast Facts and Safety & Etiquette

FAST FACTS

• Location: 126 miles northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee and 131 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia.
• Route: Trail begins in Abingdon, Virginia and travels for 15.5 miles east to Damascus, Virginia. It then enters the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area for 17.9 miles before ending at the Virginia-North Carolina border.
• Schedule: The Creeper ran it's last train on March 31, 1977. The rail bed was converted to recreational use in 1984. Planning is underway to extend the trail an additional 45 miles into North Carolina.
• Length: 33.4 miles
• Surface: Most of the trail is hard packed gravel. Some short sections are single track dirt with a few pasture crossings.
• Welcome: Cyclist, hikers, walkers and horseback riders are welcome on the entire trail. Camping is allowed in most of the U.S. Forest Service area.
• Open: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Full moon night rides are organized by local outfitters.
• Current Info & Conditions:
• Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau
  540-676-2282
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
  800-628-7202
• Virginia Creeper Trail Club
  www.vacreepertrail.org  

TRAIL SAFETY & ETIQUETTE

The Virginia Creeper Trail has a reputation for becoming pretty crowded on nice summer weekends. While most folks are just enjoying themselves on the trail, a few simple rules have proven necessary to protect the environment and insure everyone has a great time while they enjoy the trail.

• The trail is for non-motorized traffic only.
• Bicycle and equestrian helmets are not required but are highly recommended.
• Bicyclists and hikers meeting horses should yield the trail. Horseback riders should allow bicyclists overtaking them to pass.
• Horseback riders should dismount and lead their mounts across bridges and trestles. Bicyclists should use caution crossing bridges and should dismount and walk their bikes if conditions dictate.
• Pack out all litter including cigarette butts.
• Camping is allowed in most of the U.S. Forest Service area but only well off the trail. Camp on private land only with permission.
• Hunting or carrying of firearms is prohibited at all times on the Abingdon to Damascus section of the trail.
• Firearms and bows may be carried on the U.S. Forest Service portion of the trail only during hunting seasons. Shooting across or from the trail is prohibited. Target shooting is prohibited at all times.
• Fireworks are not allowed.
• Do not block gates or park on the trail.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.