 |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
The VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
| Trestle #48 is the last one to cross before reaching Whitetop Station. |
|
If you love to ride your bike and camp in the wilderness
then the Virginia Creeper Trail should be at the top of your travel
list. Pack plenty of gear and food for this two day trip. Make sure
you are in good enough shape for a 17.5-mile climb
to finish your first day's ride.
Begin this trip at the trailhead in Abingdon (point #8 on our map).
The first 15.5-miles into Damascus will be just a warm-up for the climb
into the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. It is a good idea to
take a lunch break in Damascus and rest a little before you tackle the
climb ahead. Once you leave Damascus the grade begins increasing with
the last 3 miles from Green Cove to Whitetop being a 6% grade. You'll
pass many riders headed in the opposite direction. Most people take
the easy road and just ride downhill. It takes a special dedication
to climb these mountains pedaling a loaded bicycle.
|
|
| A trail rider pulls in for a rest stop at Straight Branch trailhead. |
|
Camping is permitted in nearly all of the Mount
Rogers Area. Visit our Lodging and Camping
page for all the details you need to plan your trip. If you love to
climb mountains on your bike but need a real bed to sleep in there are
several nice B&B inns in the area around Green Cove Station.
After a good nights rest the 33-mile ride back to Abingdon will be a
breeze. Repack all your gear including trash and leave early. Take your
time on the return trip. Stop and enjoy some of the great views you
pedaled past yesterday as you were pumping up the mountain. The natural
beauty of the area never seems to end.
 |
||