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About the Virginia Creeper Trail: Creeper Trail Campground is conveniently located at the head of one of Virginia's most scenic hike, bike and horse trails, the Virginia Creeper Trail. The trail runs from our campground to Abingdon, VA for 34.3 miles total. The trail began as an Indian footpath. In the early 1900's a railroad was constructed along the route. After the railroad closed in 1977 the route was converted to a hike and bike trail. The trail winds through wonderfully scenic and remote countryside. You'll go through forests and farmland and the country villages of Whitetop, Greencove, Taylor's Valley and Damascus. The trail is adjacent to creeks and rivers along most of it's length with plentiful swimming holes for those hot summer days. Along the way you'll encounter many restored Train stations with historical information, refreshments and restrooms. The trail has a very gentle decline as you descend from Whitetop Station to Damascus. From Damascus to Abingdon the trail is fairly flat. The trail is very well kept and requires no previous mountain biking experience. It's a great activity for the whole family. Bike Shuttling Services: The Bike Station - Damascus, VA Adventure Damascus - Damascus, VA Blue Blaze - Damascus, VA Other Creeper Trail Links: Guide to the Virginia Creeper The Virginia Creeper Trail Club History of the Virginia Creeper Trail: "The Virginia Creeper Trail began as a Native American footpath. Later, the European pioneers, as well as early explorer Daniel Boone, used the trail. Shortly after 1900, W. B. Mingea constructed the Virginia-Carolina Railroad from Abingdon to Damascus. IN 1905, the Hassinger Lunber Company extended the line to Konnarock and Elkland, North Carolina. In its day, the line hauled lunber, iron ore, supplies, and passengers. It's nickname, Virginia Creeper, came from the early steam locomotives that struggled slowly up the railroad's steep grades. The Vrirginia Creeper engine and tender are now on displya at the Abingdon trailhead. Virginia Creeper is also the name of a vine tha grows prolifically in this area." "With 100 trestles and bridges, sharp curves, and steep grades, the Virginia Creeper was the typical mountain railroad. Train crews faced wash-outs, rock slides, and other hazards, but it was economics that sounded the line's death whistle. Having failed to run a profit since the Great Depression, the Creeper ran its last train on March 31, 1977." "Less than a century after the railroad arrived, the Virginia Creeper once again became a quiet trail. Through the work of volunteers and with help fro local and federal governments, the Creeper becam a National Recreation Trail." "Between Abingdon and Damascus, the trail right-of-way belongs to the two towns. Although the public legally has the right ot use the trail, most of the actual land between Abingdon and the Iron Bridge east of Damascus is privately owned. The 15.9 miles of the trail between Iron Bridge (Mile 18.4) to the state line are part of the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest. Except for a short stretch through Taylor's Valley, thepublic owns both the right-of-way and the actual property." "The Virginia Creeper Trail traverses through some of the most rugged and picturesque scenery in the Eastern United States and is widely lauded as one of the most beauriful trails on the continent. Enjoy you visit." |