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<div class="vw-place">

{{Text hero
|title=The Virginia Creeper Trail
|subtitle=Virginia travel guide
|kind=destination
}}
<div class="vw-photo-hero-fallback-source" style="display:none">
{{Place header
|name=Virginia Creeper Trail
|image=
|alt=
|kicker=OUTDOORS IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
|summary=A celebrated rail-trail linking Abingdon and Damascus with mountain scenery, creekside stretches, and a living railroad history.
}}
</div>

{{Place quick facts
|label1=Region
|value1=Southwest Virginia
|label2=Type
|value2=Multi-use rail-trail
|label3=Length
|value3=About 34 miles
|label4=Currently open
|value4=Abingdon to Damascus; check current conditions
}}
<div class="vw-place-intro">
The Virginia Creeper Trail follows a former railway corridor through Southwest Virginia, connecting [[Abingdon, Virginia|Abingdon]], [[Damascus, Virginia|Damascus]], and Whitetop. Its bridges, wooded slopes, creek valleys, and small-town trail access make it appealing to cyclists, walkers, and horseback riders. As of October 25, 2026, the Abingdon-to-Damascus section is open, while the upper section from Damascus toward Whitetop remains closed for reconstruction after damage from Hurricane Helene. Check official trail updates before planning a route. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.creepertrailrebuild.com/faqs/
|title=FAQs
|website=Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>
</div>

<div class="vw-commerce-flow">
{{Book destination
|destination=VA-THE-VIRGINIA-CREEPER-TRAIL
|name=The Virginia Creeper Trail
}}
{{Viator maybe
|destination=VA-THE-VIRGINIA-CREEPER-TRAIL
}}
</div>

== Why go ==
The Creeper is a way to experience the landscape between Southwest Virginia’s towns at trail pace. On the currently open section, the route runs through rolling countryside and along the South Fork Holston River, with a gradual grade that makes it a practical outing for active beginners as well as experienced riders. Visitors can also walk or ride horseback on the trail; use and conditions may vary by section, so confirm current guidance before setting out. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/virginia-creeper-trail-damascus/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail – Damascus
|website=Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

The trail’s appeal is not limited to the ride. Damascus is a natural stopping point for food, services, and other outdoor routes, while Abingdon offers a second gateway at the trail’s western end. Rental and shuttle services operate locally; check directly with outfitters for current availability and arrangements. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

== Highlights ==
<div class="vw-place-card-grid">
{{Place card
|title=Abingdon, Virginia
|link=Abingdon, Virginia
|text=Start or finish the open western section in this historic Southwest Virginia town.
}}
{{Place card
|title=Damascus, Virginia
|link=Damascus, Virginia
|text=The trail passes through downtown Damascus, a convenient base for local trail services and nearby outdoor adventures.
}}
{{Place card
|title=Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
|link=Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
|text=The trail’s upper corridor enters this mountain recreation area; check closure notices before planning to visit.
}}
</div>

== History and character ==
The trail occupies the route of a railway built to connect Abingdon and Damascus with mountain communities and resources farther east. The Virginia-Carolina line was extended toward North Carolina in the early twentieth century, carrying passengers and supplies into the mountains and lumber and iron ore out. Its final train ran on March 31, 1977. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/virginia-creeper-trail-damascus/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail – Damascus
|website=Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

After the railway’s closure, public agencies and local supporters worked to preserve the corridor as a trail. Abingdon and Damascus acquired the remaining section between their towns in 1982; the completed trail was dedicated as a National Recreation Trail in 1987 and opened along its full route in 1989. The trail is now managed through partnerships involving the towns and the U.S. Forest Service, alongside conservation and volunteer efforts. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.vacreepertrail.org/the-trail/about-the-trail/
|title=History of the Trail
|website=Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

The trail’s name refers both to the native Virginia creeper vine and to the historic locomotives that slowly climbed the steep railway grades. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

== Planning a trip ==
As of October 25, 2026, the open section runs about 17 miles between Abingdon and Damascus. The upper section from Damascus to Whitetop is closed for reconstruction following Hurricane Helene damage. The Town of Damascus lists March 31, 2027, as the planned reopening date; dates and access can change, so verify the latest official notices before traveling and do not enter closed areas. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.creepertrailrebuild.com/faqs/
|title=FAQs
|website=Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

For the open section, choose a starting point and distance that suit your group, and allow time for stops along the way. Bike rental and shuttle services are available from local outfitters, but schedules and service areas vary; contact providers directly to confirm details. Trailhead parking, restrooms, and other facilities are not identical at every access point, so consult current local information before setting out. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

Share the route with other users, control your speed, and stay alert for road crossings and trail hazards. Respect private property along the corridor, follow signs and barriers, and pack out litter. <ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/
|title=Virginia Creeper Trail
|website=Visit Damascus
|access-date=2026-10-25
}}</ref>

== Explore nearby ==
<div class="vw-place-explore-grid">
{{Nearby card
|title=Abingdon, Virginia
|link=Abingdon, Virginia
|text=The trail’s western gateway, with town attractions and services.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Damascus, Virginia
|link=Damascus, Virginia
|text=A trail town where the Creeper passes through downtown.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Grayson Highlands State Park
|link=Grayson Highlands State Park
|text=A mountain park to consider for a broader Southwest Virginia outdoor trip.
}}
</div>

<div class="vw-amazon-flow">
'''Books and useful gear:''' [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The%20Virginia%20Creeper%20Trail%20Virginia%20travel%20guide%20hiking%20outdoor%20gear&tag=virginiawiki-20 Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon]
<div class="vw-affiliate-disclosure">As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.</div>
</div>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://visitdamascus.org/the-virginia-creeper-trail/ Virginia Creeper Trail — Visit Damascus]
* [https://www.creepertrailrebuild.com/faqs/ Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction — FAQs]
* [https://www.vacreepertrail.org/the-trail/about-the-trail/ Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy — History of the Trail]
* [https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/virginia-creeper-trail-damascus/ Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources — Virginia Creeper Trail]
</div>

[[Category:Virginia attractions]]
[[Category:Outdoor recreation in Virginia]]

The Virginia Creeper Trail - Revision history

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