Virginia Creeper Trail
A 34-mile former rail corridor links Abingdon, Damascus, and Whitetop through farms, forest, streams, and more than forty restored trestles.
Artwork inspired by O. Winston Link
The Virginia Creeper Trail is more revealing when understood as a former railway rather than simply a long downhill bicycle ride. Its steady grade, cuts, fills, depots, creek crossings, and restored trestles show how transportation engineering shaped both the corridor and the communities linking Whitetop, Damascus, and Abingdon.
Choose the segment only after confirming current closures and bridge access, because storm damage can interrupt the expected connection. Even on open portions, gravel, walkers, children, blind curves, and changing weather reward controlled speed and attentive riding. A shuttle resolves the return journey, but it does not replace preparation for trail conditions.
- Length
- About 34 miles
- Structures
- More than 40 trestles
- Allow
- 3–8 hours by segment
Quick guide
- Confirm
- Current open segment
- Reserve
- Shuttle and bicycle if needed
Make the visit count
- Read the grade
- Railway geometry explains the steady descent.
- Control speed
- Gravel, walkers, children, and blind curves demand braking.
- Stop at trestles
- Structure and creek are the trail’s main story.
- Respect closures
- Storm-damaged sections are dangerous, not shortcuts.
Good to know
Major storm damage has affected continuity and bridge access. Conditions and shuttle destinations must be checked immediately before travel.
Notice these
- Whitetop descent
- Damascus
- Historic trestles