Bikers and Hikers Follow the Virginia Creeper Trail
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One of Washington County’s greatest natural treasures is the Virginia Creeper Trail‚ a 35-mile multipurpose rail trail that stretches from Abingdon to Whitetop near the North Carolina state line.
“The Creeper Trail has been one of our richest assets and continues to draw people here‚” says Greg Kelly‚ Abingdon’s town manager. “On any given day in warm weather‚ you will encounter hundreds of people using the trail for biking‚ hiking and horseback riding.
“The Creeper Trail can take you to so many wonderful places‚ such as South Holston Lake‚ Green Cove Station‚ local wineries‚ unique shops‚ trail-side dining and picnicking‚ fishing holes‚ the Appalachian Trail and many off-road mountain biking and hiking trails.”
The Virginia Creeper Trail traces its history to the 1880s when it began as a railroad owned by the Abingdon Coal and Iron Railroad Co. The railroad company changed hands several times over the next century‚ and the track was eventually removed in 1977 after it was damaged by hard rains and flood. Today‚ the recreation trail is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service‚ the town of Abingdon‚ the Town of Damascus and area property owners.
Part of the Virginia Creeper Trail’s appeal is its outstanding scenery‚ which encompasses two geographic regions of Virginia. The Blue Ridge Mountains are situated east of the trail‚ and the ridge and valley province of Virginia extends to the west.
Bike rentals and shuttle services are available in Abingdon and Damascus. Passenger vans and trailers take people and their mountain bikes or back packing gear to the trailhead at Whitetop‚ allowing them to hike or bike the scenic 17 miles downhill to Damascus or 34 miles back to Abingdon. Several inns and bed and breakfasts are situated near the trail‚ offering a relaxing place to unwind.
A new Farmers Market facility under construction by the town of Abingdon will be linked directly to the Creeper Trail. It will be completed in summer 2007.
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Brian McCord
