If you’re looking for a bike trail with unforgettable scenery, the section of “The Virginia Creeper Trail” from Abingdon to Alvardo Station in Virginia is truly a gem!
The scenic landscape and trail are unlike any bike trail I’ve been on before. The bike trail is a Rails to Trails Conservancy project that opened in 1987 and attracts both locals and tourists alike.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Abingdon, VA, and Buzz Bicycles and contains affiliate links.
Why is it called “The Creeper Trail?”
With a name like “Creeper Trail,” you’re mind may go to the scene of a horror movie, but it’s actually quite the opposite in the best way.
“Creeper” refers to how the early steam locomotives used to creep up the inclines through the mountains.
How Long is “The Virginia Creeper Trail?”
The entire trail is 34 miles from Abingdon to Whitetop.
Unfortunately, 18 miles of the bike trail, including 18 trestles from Damascus to Whitetop near the Virginia/North Carolina border, were destroyed/damaged by unprecedented flooding from Hurricane Helene.
This was devastating to trail enthusiasts and the local communities impacted nearby.
The good news is that you can still use a section of the trail from Abingdon to Damascus, and there is still hope of the damaged section being restored in the future.
Diverse and Scenic Landscape on “The Virginia Creeper Trail”
The variety of landscape along this section of the trail is what truly sets this trail apart from other Rail to Trail bike paths I’ve experienced.
We started our journey at the Virginia Creeper Trail Welcome Center in Abingdon, VA. We biked from where we were staying and enjoyed dinner in town afterwards.
Another option is to start in Damascus which is the center of the trail or take a shuttle from Damascus to Abingdon and bike back to Damascus.
I also have to give a shout out to Mercer Street Bicycle Co op and Mercantile in Princeton, WV where I purchased my “Life Behind Bars” t-shirt.
Proceeds help fund their mission to provide bikes at a low cost or at many times free to those in need in their community.
You’ll travel over several wooden trestles along the way, through the woods, over South Holston Lake 2000 feet above sea level, over farmland on two tracks and past rock formations.
We saw a handfull of cyclists on the trails that day. The trails are mixed use for non motored traffic only and very family-friendly.
You may see hikers, bikers, or people using it as an equine recreational trail.
I felt confident on every surface on our foldable Buzz Centris e-bikes with fat tires.
The trail is on a retired railroad bed. It’s not paved but it’s still smooth because of fine gravel, crushed cinders and hard packed dirt.
Abingdon is at an elevation of 2050 ft and Alvarado is at an elevation of 1750 ft which makes for a pretty gradual incline.
All of the inclines were easy for us because we also had the option to use our pedal assist whenever we wanted to/needed to.
It’s hard to narrow down a favorite section of the trail. Traveling on the bridges over water and rolling farmland was definitely memorable.
In fact, we pulled over to take a moment to pause and admire the rolling hills of the scenic farmland.
The sections of the trail with the rock formations always drew my curiosity about what landscape was waiting for us around the corner.
Each bridge was also fun to cross over and pick up some speed.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is open year round which gives you an excuse to come back and experience it in another season.
I’d love to come back in the fall when the leaves are turning.
Trail Parking in Abingdon, VA
- Virginia Creeper Trail Welcome Center – Abingdon Trailhead- 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, VA
- Watauga Trailhead – 24350 Watauga Road, Abingdon, VA
Trail Parking at Alvardo Station
21198 Alvarado Road, Abingdon, VA
We biked from Abingdon to Alvardo Station back to Abingdon as a 18-mile round trip ride.
The station has restrooms, parking and a scenic view of the river across the street.
Trail Parking in Damascus, VA
- Damascus Town Park – 301 S Beaver Dam Ave, Damascus, VA
- Straight Branch Trailhead – Near 25738 Jeb Stuart Highway, Jefferson National Forest, Damascus, VA
- Taylors Valley Trailhead – 23530 Taylor Valley Road, Jefferson National Forest, Damascus, VA
- Creek Junction Trailhead – 21285 Creek Junction Road, Jefferson National Forest, Damascus, VA
- Green Cove Station – Green Cove Community Center, 41221 County Road 600, Jefferson National Forest, Damascus, VA
Bike Shops/Shuttles in Damascus, VA
I loved having our own e-bikes with us and many companies offer shuttle services for both bike owners and renters.
More About The Bike Station
401 E 3rd Street Damascus, VA
I’m sharing a little more info on The Bike Station because we experienced great customer service when I needed my bike tire tube replaced.
It’s open 7 days a week from 8 AM until 5:30 PM from March through November and offers shuttle services, bike rentals, and repairs.
They have 6 shuttle vans to accommodate families and both small and large groups. Each van pulls a custom-built trailer to transport your personal bike or rental bike.
The Bike Station shuttle takes passengers from Damascus to Abingdon, where they’ll start their 17-mile bike ride that concludes in Damascus.
The ride takes 2.5- 3 hours on average, and shuttle riders are requested to arrive 30 minutes before their shuttle.
- Shuttle (with Bike Rental): 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Every hour on the half-hour)
- Shuttle (Own Bike): 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Great Places to Eat and Drink in Abingdon, VA
There are so many great places to eat and drink in Abingdon before or after your bike ride.
Where We Stayed in Abingdon, VA
We stayed in an Airbnb in The Greenway Trigg Building in downtown Abingdon, a short bike ride to “The Virginia Creeper” trailhead and downtown shops and restaurants.
The historic building was built in 1894. The loft design is a great fusion of style and function.
Our suite was on the second floor of the 4-story building with a door keypad keyless entry.
The kitchen is equipped with everything you’d need to make a meal, or in our case, make coffee and store our leftovers.
If you’re traveling with a pet, there’s an additional pet fee, and pets are not allowed on the furniture.
This loft-style unit has a queen-sized bed in a large bedroom.
If you have 5 guests sleeping in the loft, one could sleep on the couch, and a queen-size air mattress must be requested. Pack n’ Play portable cribs can also be requested.
There is one bathroom in the unit equipped with a shower filled with hair products that can be purchased at the store below.
If you like the products in the bathroom, you can purchase the same brands at the SONDER home + travel shop below the loft.
You can compare prices on hotels and vacation rentals in Abingdon, VA, here.
We loved this bike trail so much and we can’t wait to come back. Until then we’ll be unofficial ambassadors letting the secret out on this gem.
