The VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL
Section by Section and Trail Status
Construction, Detours, Future Plans

Last Update: 08/31/2004

	The new Trestle proudly spans Laurel Creek in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Photo by Tom Horsch of Adventure Damascus

The Virginia Creeper is an excitingly scenic multi-use trail in Southeast Virginia. It is not paved but has a hard packed dirt or gravel surface.

The Virginia Creeper Trail, now a National Recreation Trail, began its life as a Native American footpath. Later, European pioneers and explorer Daniel Boone used the trail. Shortly after 1900 the Virginia-Carolina Railroad was constructed from Abingdon, VA to Damascus, VA. In 1905 the line was extended to Konnarock, NC and Ekland, NC. The train hauled lumber, iron ore, supplies and passengers along its 76-mile route. The railroad ran its last train on March 31, 1977.

Local people still debate how the trail got its name. Some say it comes from the Virginia Creeper vine that grows prolifically in the area. Others say it comes from the slow struggling movement of the early steam engines as they climbed the mountains. The last steam engine, #433, to struggle up the grade is now on display at the Abingdon trailhead.

It, for all practical purposes, is two trails connected to each other. Technically, it goes from the Virginia-North Carolina state line, passing through Damascus, Virginia. to Abingdon, Virginia, some 32.3 miles. However, the terrain is very different from Whitetop to Damascus and from Damascus to Abingdon. From Whitetop to Damascus it is almost entirely downhill, threading through the beautiful Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area.

From Damascus to Abingdon, some 17 miles, it is fairly flat, with some rolling hills and traveling along a river into urban, historical Abingdon.

Many people choose to make a trip to the Virginia Creeper into a two day trip: one day to go from Whitetop to Damascus, and one day to go to Abingdon and back.

In fact, many people make a trip to the Virginia Creeper a multi-day trip, as there are many fine hiking trails in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area. The Appalachian Trail passes directly through Damascus and into the Mount Rogers Recreation Area.

The following listings describe the journey on the Virginia Creeper Trail, from Point 0 at Whitetop to Abingdon, Virginia. These descriptions are for a Westward trip on the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Whitetop to Green Cove (3.0 miles)
This point is one mile to the Virginia-North Carolina State line. Many people walk or ride (very rough road) down to the line, then return. Whitetop has a large parking area, and the old train depot. A visitor center is planned there in the future.

Most people obtain the services of one of the excellent bike shuttle services in Damascus, or Abingdon. See the directory listing page for Bicycle Shuttle services. These services will transport you and your bike (and rent you a bike, if needed) for the trip. Once at the top, you can cruise down, as it is almost all downhill into Damascus.

When starting at this point, make sure you dress in layers, the temperature can vary greatly as the elevation drops nearly 1600 feet.
Green Cove to Creek Junction (2.3 miles)
Snacks and visitor information is available at Green Cove during Summer months.

This continues downhill through the beautiful Taylor’s Valley.

Creek Junction to Straight Branch ( 7.5 miles)

Straight Branch to Damascus (4.0 miles)
Caution: Cross VA 91/ US Hwy 58 at intersection at mile 16.3

Damascus to Alvarado (7.0 miles)
Damascus is an interesting place to visit. It is home to Trail Days in May, celebrating through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. It is home to several Bed and Breakfasts, a hostel, restaurants and several bicycle-shuttle companies (who will take you and your bike to Whitetop).

As you leave Damascus you travel along the banks of Laurel Creek often crossing driveways and well kept front yards. You begin entering dense forest as the creek flows into the South Fork Holston River. There are several privately owned gates that must be opened and closed as you pass through pastures and farmlands.

Alvarado to Watauga (4.5 miles)
When you reach the South Holston Trestle stop and have a drink and snack before tackling the last 7-mile uphill stretch. The view of the River Knobs and the Great Knobs is excellent any time of the year. Wildlife, birds and farm animals are abundant in this area.

Watauga to Abingdon (4.0 miles)
As you enter Abingdon you will probably encounter several local folks walking the gentle slopes; they love to talk about their trail.