The VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL
Suggested Trips

Whitetop to Abingdon

	A group of riders gather at Green Cove Station for the first rest stop of the day.

Eat a good breakfast early on the morning you plan to take this 33-mile trip on the Virginia Creeper Trail. The trip will take most of the day. You will begin your trip at the Abingdon Trailhead (point #8 on our map) with a shuttle ride to Whitetop Station. Only a couple shuttle services offer rides from Abingdon to Whitetop, so make sure you visit our Bike Rental and Shuttle Services page to help you reserve a ride from Abingdon to Whitetop.

Make sure you dress in layers, the temperature can vary greatly as the elevation drops nearly 1600 feet. After you have completed the first half of your ride most people like to sample some local flavors at one of the many restaurants in downtown Damascus. Try to store up plenty of energy because the last 7 miles of this final 15 mile leg is all uphill. The slope is only a 1.3% grade but it is a constant climb.

	The small gate on the right is for trail users and closes automatically.

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.

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. As you enter Abingdon you will probably encounter several local folks walking the gentle slopes, they love to talk about their trail.

Before loading your bike on the car for the trip home, stop, rest and pause for a moment. It is hard to imagine a more pleasurable 33-mile bike ride. The scenery is gorgeous, the whole trip and the ride is easy for the experienced rider.