The Virginia Creeper Trail
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Region
Southwest Virginia
Type
Multi-use rail-trail
Length
About 34 miles
Currently open
Abingdon to Damascus; check current conditions
The Virginia Creeper Trail follows a former railway corridor through Southwest Virginia, connecting Abingdon, 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. [1][2]
Plan a trip to The Virginia Creeper Trail
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. [3][4]
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. [5]
Highlights
Start or finish the open western section in this historic Southwest Virginia town.
The trail passes through downtown Damascus, a convenient base for local trail services and nearby outdoor adventures.
The trail’s upper corridor enters this mountain recreation area; check closure notices before planning to visit.
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. [6]
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. [7][8]
The trail’s name refers both to the native Virginia creeper vine and to the historic locomotives that slowly climbed the steep railway grades. [9]
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. [10][11]
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. [12]
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. [13]
Explore nearby
Abingdon, Virginia
The trail’s western gateway, with town attractions and services.
Damascus, Virginia
A trail town where the Creeper passes through downtown.
Grayson Highlands State Park
A mountain park to consider for a broader Southwest Virginia outdoor trip.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ FAQs, Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail – Damascus, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail – Damascus, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ History of the Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ FAQs, Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
- ↑ Virginia Creeper Trail, Visit Damascus. Retrieved 2026-10-25.