Va. Creeper

Waterland Farm

Land between the Hazel and Hughes Rivers

in Rappahannock County Virginia.

Va. Creeper

The Virginia Creeper Bicycle Trail

What It Is

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a Rails-to-Trails trail. That means that it is an abandoned railway bed from which the rails, sleepers and ballast have been removed and which has been resurfaced to accommodate non-motorized uses (hiking, jogging, biking etc.).

Where It Is

It is located in the far southwest corner of Virginia. It starts in Abingdon (Exit 17 of the Interstate 81) and runs in a predominantly eastern direction to the North Carolina border as follows:

	The first part runs for about 8 miles to the trail's lowest point on the Holston River. This section has a slightly downward gradient. There are no facilities (restrooms, water, pick nick sites etc.) in this section.
	The next section of 8 miles leads to the small town of Damascus. This part has a small upward gradient. At Damascus there are restrooms and water. There is also an information center about the trail and other attractions and facilities in the area.
	The following section is upward. Over a distance of 17 miles the trail climbs from 1930 feet to 3576 feet at Whitetop Station. This represent a gradient of about 1.8 percent or 97 feet per mile. The climb is rather uniform. About 3 miles from the top there is a restored railway station where water is available and a small store sells snacks and miscellaneous items. There is also a pick nick site. Remember, apart from a parking lot and the foundation of an old railway station, there is nothing at Whitetop Station.
	The last mile is downward (also at a 1-2 percent slope) to the end of the trail at the North Carolina border. One could go further, but the trail and especially the trestle bridges are in dubious condition. It is advisable to stop here and return. There are no facilities at trail's end, not even room for a pick nick.

How Did It Get Its name

The sign at the trail head in Abingdon tells the trail's story. Click on the thumbnail to read the text. Originally, the railway was named the Virginia-Carolina, or, abbreviated, VC. Soon the initials were associated with the line's nick name of Virginia Creeper, a reference to the train's slow pace during its tortuous climb up the mountains.

The name Virginia Creeper also applies to a plant, which is abundant along the trail. It is a climbing plant that can cover large areas of trees and shrubs, generally along roads or open areas. You can see a picture of the other Virginia Creeper at right.

Some Details

The 16 miles stretch from Abingdon to Damascus is primarily located on private land. The trail's condition varies. In most places it is nice and well maintained, but in other places it is less so. Still it is everywhere easy to bike. It is cattle country, so there are gates to open. They have simple but ingenious closing devices to make sure that no gates are left open. Your trail may also be blocked by a herd of cattle including bulls and bull calves. That makes the ride more interesting.

Closer to Damascus the trail runs close to US Route 58, a busy highway. In some places the trail is a mere 6 inches wide (through a lawn), still enough for the tires of a mountain bike.

From Damascus the trail runs primarily over publicly owned land. The trail's surface is rocky at times. This is not much of a problem when you are climbing to the top. However, when descending at higher speeds, one needs to look out for protruding boulders and other hazards.

When climbing from Damascus to Whitetop, one encounters numerous descending bikers, more than are apparently going up. This is made possible by a ferry service that transport riders and their bikes on a bus with flatbed trailer to Whitetop for an easy ride down.

Accommodation

There is a good selection of motels at Abingdon. Campgrounds are not in evidence, but may exist near town. A good place to enquire would be the:

Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau
tel.:         (800)-435-3440 or (540)-676-2282
fax:          (540)-676-3076
e-mail:     acvb@abingdon.com
web:        http://www.abingdon.com/tourism

In Damascus motels are not in evidence, although lodging may be available in private homes. However, there are several campgrounds, both private and public. There are some very attractive campgrounds in the George Washington Jefferson National Forest, near the trail. These also offer attractions like swimming, fishing and hiking, so that it is possible to alternate biking with other activities. For details call the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, tel.: (800) 628-7202 0r (540) 783-5196.

Overall Appreciation

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a varied and attractive trail. It offers challenges of various degrees from biking from Abingdon all the way up to Whitetop and back to going the ferry-up way and freewheeling down to Damascus.

Whatever you chooses, do bike the trail. Be cautious. Take plenty of water on your climb to Whitetop, especially on warm days. Be careful when descending. Don't go too fast and keep your bike under control.

Have a pleasant ride.

   The VC Loco on Display                            Baby VC Loco on Display
          in Abingdon                                              in Damascus