What is the Virginia Creeper Trail and how long is it?
But I’ll repeat: the Creeper Trail was entirely my idea. What is the Virginia Creeper Trail? The Creeper Trail is a 34-mile long bike ride in southwestern Virginia from the top of Whitetop Mountain to the town of Abingdon.
What is the history of the Creeper bike trail?
Today’s Creeper Bike Trail runs on an old rail path, belonging to the Abingdon Coal and Iron Railroad in the 1880s. The US Forest Service secured the land in 1977 and began work to remove the old railroad tracks and turn it into a recreational area.
Do I need a helmet to ride the VA Creeper Trail?
Is a helmet required when riding on the va creeper trail? No, helmets are not required. But we highly recommend them! Can I bring my own bike to ride the creeper trail?
Who made the decision to reopen the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The Virginia Creeper Trail Reopens! Who made the decision to reopen the trail? The decision to reopen the trail was made jointly between the trail owners/managers – the US Forest Service and the towns of Abingdon and Damascus in consultation with the Mount Rogers Health District. What facilities/services along the trail are closed at this time?
How long does it take to go down the Virginia Creeper Trail?
approximately 2.5 to 3 hoursView Elevation Profile. Heading down from Whitetop to Damascus takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace. Add another 2 hours or so to travel from Damascus to the trail head in Abingdon.
How long is the Virginia Creeper Trail bike Ride?
34 milesHow long does it take to ride the entire creeper trail (34 miles) from Whitetop back to Abingdon? The average time is 5.5 hours. This includes taking time for lunch and taking in all the scenery!
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail difficult?
It is fairly easy until you get to the next to the last Station. from there to whitetop (3 miles) is fairly steep. Keep in mind this was a railroad grade. If it was too steep, the train would slide back down the hill on the rails.
How much does it cost to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The most popular "Combo Package" (bike rental/shuttle) is $39.99. You can bring your own bike andget the Shuttle Only to Whitetop for $24.99.
What type of bike is best for Virginia Creeper Trail?
Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and cruisers work very well, as do cyclocross bikes, "gravel bikes" and other such adventure and touring bikes. Skinny road bike tires are best saved for another day (28 millimeter and larger road bike tires should be fine, however).
Do you have to wear a helmet on the Virginia Creeper Trail?
As the trail traverses private and public property, we ask that all users exercise respect and courtesy. The trail is for non-motorized traffic only. Though helmets are not required, they are highly recommended and are standard issue with bike rentals.
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail worth it?
As the trail meanders down the mountain you get plenty of opportunities to see the river and cross over many bridges. The scenery is pretty and worth it doing it for that. The Appalachian Trail shares the Creeper Trail for a short ways.
What is the grade of the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The Virginia Creeper Trail is the retired corridor of the Virginia - Carolina Railroad. This 17-mile section of the trail runs from Damascus, VA to Whitetop Station. The trail is a steady climb the entire way, gaining 1600 feet in elevation. However, the grade is gentle and never exceeds 5%.
Is Virginia Creeper Trail safe for kids?
The Virginia Creeper Trail is an easy cycling trip for the family, even a family with a baby. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 35-mile rail trail in southwest Virginia.
How many miles is Virginia Creeper Trail?
34.3-mileThe Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is a 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail, traversing through two counties from Abingdon, Virginia, through Damascus, and ending just past Whitetop Station in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, at the Virginia-North Carolina border.
Are bathrooms open on Virginia Creeper Trail?
For the protection of trail users and employees with limited personal protection equipment (PPE), all restroom facilities, visitor and welcome centers and certain picnic shelters are closed.
Where should I start on the Virginia Creeper Trail?
Where should i start the Va Creeper TRAIL? The most common entry point Damascus. Visitors plan to drive to Damascus to begin their day. Spend the night and walk to the shop to take the shuttle to the top of the trail, Whitetop Station, and ride downhill, an easy 17-mile ride down to Damascus.
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail paved?
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail paved? No. The trail is a smooth hard packed surface of dirt, crushed cinders, and fine gravel. The trail drains well in most places so there are just a few muddy spots.
How steep is the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The most accessible portion of the trail is the first 5 miles heading westbound. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (5% or less) except for steep to very steep (over 8%) uphill and downhill sections at about 5.4, 7.5, 14.3, and 28.2 miles when going northwest.
How do you bike the Virginia Creeper Trail?
Start at one of the Creeper Trails bike shops in Damascus for a bike rental and shuttle services to the top and take a leisurely ride downhill 17 miles to town. On this section of the trail (Whitetop to Damascus) you will ride your rental bike from Whitetop Station down to historic Green Cove Station.
What is the best part of the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The most popular secton of the Virginia Creeper is the eastern section that goes from Whitetop Station, which has an elevation of 3500 feet to Damascus, Virginia which is about 1900 feet. That means you get to ride downhill for 17 miles.