Running · Damascus, Virginia
Virginia Creeper Trail
A 34-mile rail-trail from Whitetop to Abingdon, famous for its long gentle downhill and trestles.
- Distance
- 34.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 200 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Typical time
- Not yet verified
About this route
The Virginia Creeper Trail follows a former rail line from Whitetop Station down through Damascus to Abingdon, crossing dozens of wooden trestles above creeks and pasture.
Most visitors ride or walk the upper section downhill from Whitetop into Damascus — about 17 miles of almost continuous gentle descent. The lower half toward Abingdon is flatter and quieter, and better for running.
Damascus, where the Creeper crosses the Appalachian Trail, is one of the best-known trail towns in the eastern United States.
Why this difficulty rating: Rail grade on crushed stone; the upper section is a sustained gentle descent.
Highlights
- Dozens of wooden trestles
- 17-mile gentle descent
- Damascus trail town
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Damascus Trailhead
trailhead
Town parking near the trail junction; shuttles operate seasonally.
Junction of the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Point to point
- Surfaces
- Crushed stone, Gravel
- Setting
- Forest, River, Mountain
- Amenities
- Parking, Restrooms, Water, Shade, Free
- Parking
- Trailhead parking in Damascus, Abingdon, and at Whitetop Station.
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Fees
- Trail use is free; shuttles and bike rental are commercial services.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Firm crushed-stone surface; grades are gentle but trestle decking and some trailheads may present barriers. Verify with the trail managers for specific access needs.
- Stroller friendly
- Yes
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Fall foliage brings heavy shuttle traffic. Trestles ice over in winter.
- Weather exposure
- Not yet verified
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Bicycle traffic descending at speed
- Icy trestle decking in winter
- High water at creek crossings after storms
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- Elevation gain
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