One of the best outdoorsy things to do in southwestern Virginia, biking the Virginia Creeper Trail offers laidback adventure with natural beauty and cool experiences to soak up along the way.
The Creeper Trail in Virginia is famous for being family friendly, providing an easy descent from Whitetop to Damascus – the most popular route.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to bike Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damasus, Virginia.
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Why bike Virginia Creeper Trail?
The Virginia Creeper is a 34-mile long bike trail that goes from Whitetop to Abingdon, Virginia. Its elevation change is considered moderate and it passes through tons of natural scenery and quaint villages.
Expect to see fields and farmlands, leafy forests, Christmas tree farms, streams with rapids, and calm creeks.
It’s mainly a downhill descent, meaning not too much pedaling. However, the descent is gradual enough that it’s very family friendly and suitable for just about any age or fitness level.
There’s a Virginia Creeper Trail shuttle that takes you from Damascus up to the top of Whitetop Mountain. These shuttles also have bike rentals that make for an easy and convenient day of exploration.
Plus, along the trail (that usually takes 2-3 hours) there are different restaurants and shops that add to the experience.
You can stop for a beer, ice cream, or lunch while also stocking up on any supplies or souvenirs you might want.
Getting Started – Choosing a Virginia Creeper Trail Shuttle
Once you’ve decided you want to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damascus (17 miles), the most popular route, you will want to arrange a Virginia Creeper Trail shuttle service.
These are professionals who drive you from the small town of Damascus up to Whitetop where you can begin the ride down the mountain.
The companies also offer bike rentals for an added few. However, if you have your own you are welcome to use it. Just make sure your bike is in good riding condition.
We have been using Blue Blaze Bake and Shuttle. They are very friendly, know a lot about both bikes and the Creeper Trail, and have great prices for getting up to the mountain.
The shuttle service costs $24 a person. If you are also renting a bike, the price is $38. You just need to return the bike before they close up for the day.
Blue Blaze Bike and Shuttle offers different departure times from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
They also offer an Abingdon shuttle if you want to do the shuttle from Abingdon to Whitetop (to do the whole 34-mile trail which takes about 6 hours), but those are only available from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Whitetop to Damascus on the Virginia Creeper Trail
After you disembark the shuttle bus over to Whitetop Mountain, you will be at the Whitetop Station where the trail begins.
There are toilets there, but oftentimes there is not toilet paper or sanitizer, so bring your own.
The path will be straight for just a moment before very gradually descending toward Damascus, Virginia.
There are numerous stops and viewpoints along the way. So, allow your curiosity to run wild as you cycle past Christmas tree farms, flowing streams, and tiny towns.
You’ll also cross over numerous wooden bridges, which feel very picturesque.
About a quarter of the way, you’ll come across a viewpoint. You can leave your bikes by the trail and walk up the path that overlooks rolling hills and Christmas trees.
Green Cove Station
Eventually, you’ll reach the Green Cove Station, with remnants of the old train track and station still intact.
There is a shop here, but since the pandemic, it isn’t open as regularly. However, there are toilets available.
At Green Cove, you’ll also be able to see the map of the trail that provides more information on nearby campgrounds, telephones, picnic areas, etc.
Tip! There is very little signal you bike the Virginia Creeper Trail. However, several of the stops have WiFi points – like Hellbender’s Cafe.
Green Cove Collective
This is a charming little shop along the Virginia Creeper Trail. It beautifully looks over the stream and they sell all sorts of artisan items like merino wool socks, gloves, handmade soaps, friendship bracelets, and more.
They have a cozy patio as well as indoor city with a furnace on the colder days. Green Cove Collective also serves coffee with alternative milks available as well as assorted teas, moon pies, ice cream, and other snacks.
You’ll see signs for it when you approach the shop on the path, so it’s hard to miss. You will need to cross over a small bridge to reach it.
Hellbender’s Cafe
This place to stop along the Virginia Creeper Trail is a great spot to cool off and unwind. They have many picnic-style tables with umbrellas for shade and a menu of drinks, cakes, sandwiches, fries, and other bites.
Break spot
My boyfriend has a ritual of stopping right after Bellbender’s Cafe where Taylor Valley Road meets turns. The stream is nice and accessible there and there’s a nice tree to sit under and enjoy any snacks you’ve brought.
What my boyfriend likes to do is go down to the water and stick his face in it. Apparently it’s nice and refreshing 🙂 So feel free to adopt his ritual!
Back at Damascus, Virginia
After that 17-mile ride, you’ll arrive back in Damascus. You can hold onto your bike a little longer (as long as it’s before 6 p.m. when the bike shuttle services closes shop for the day) if you’d like to explore around Damascus.
Wicked Chicken Winghouse & Tavern
There are several places to eat in Damascus. One of the most popular lunch spots is Wicked Chicken Winghouse and Tavern. They have an eclectic menu of Southern food (think fried deviled eggs & fried mushrooms), wings, nice salads, as well as sandwiches/wraps.
You’ll actually find plenty of vegetarian options, despite it being a winghouse.
Sometimes they have live music going on and there’s even an ice cream shoppe attached.
Coffee at Wilson’s Cafe and Grill
For coffee either before or after your ride, stop by Wilson’s Cafe and Grill. They also serve breakfast.
Their sister cafe, Main Street Sweets & Eats, used to be the place to go for coffee in Damascus. However, their espresso machine is now at Wilson’s. They only have drip coffee at Main Street Sweets & Eats.
Also, I wasn’t a big fan of Main Street Sweets & Eats. I paid $9 for a veggie quiche and a side of fruit. I thought, “$9 – that quiche must be a pretty good size.” I was wrong. It was the tiniest piece of quiche I have ever seen. LOL. The fruit bowl was also tiny. To sum it up, skip the Main Street location and grab coffee from Wilson’s. I haven’t eaten there though.
Visit Abingdon, Virginia
If you’d like more variety for lunch near Damascus, please do yourself a favor and go to Abingdon. It’s one of my favorite small towns in the USA. It’s super charming with a beautiful Main Street, historic buildings, cool breweries and ciders, and lots of places to eat.
See my guide on the best things to do in Abingdon, Virginia to make the most of your trip after you bike Virginia Creeper Trail.
Where to Stay
I recommend staying the night in Abingdon over Damascus, unless you are camping.
Hotels & Homes
Abingdon Tiny Home: Stay on a 10-acre property when you book this adorable 2-person tiny home just outside of Abingdon.
Riverfront Cabin: The last time I visited, we stayed in this cute cabin-style place right on the river. It’s very rustic and charming with a small balcony and comfy swing chairs. Full kitchen as well!
Three-bedroom family home: Perfect for those traveling as a family or group. Beautiful property and sleeps up to 8.
Hampton Inn: If you want to stay downtown, the Hampton Inn is very close by and within walking distances to many of the best places to see in Abingdon.
Camping
If you prefer to camp, there are several options. You can stay at the beginning of the trail at Whitetop’s at Creeper Trail Campground Inc or the Beartree Campground, for example. There are others.
FAQ - Bike Virginia Creeper Trail
Here are answers to some of the most common questions regarding biking the Creeper Trail.
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail dog-friendly?
Yes, 4-legged friends are welcome on the trail. However, there are a few rules dog owners will need to follow: All dogs must be on a leash 6-feet or shorter. All dog owners are required to clean up after their pets, so bring a bag to clean up after them.
Are there toilets along the Virginia Creeper Trail?
Yes, there are several places to use the bathroom, particularly at the Whitetop Station, Green Cove Station, Creek Junction parking lot, and Straight Branch parking lot.
How long does the Virginia Creeper Trail take to cycle?
The entire trail is 34 miles from Whitetop to Abingdon. If you’re doing the whole thing it’s around 5.5-6 hours.
However, if you are doing the most popular route, from Whitetop to Damascus, the trail is 17 miles and takes around 2-3 hours.
Is there cell service on the VA Creeper Trail?
Not really, it’s spotty at best. So, don’t expect to take any important calls during your day on the trail. However, some of the restaurants and stops do have WiFi, such as Hellbender’s Cafe.
Is it free to bike the Creeper Trail in Virginia?
Yes, the trail is completely public and open 365 days a year, day and night. However, you will need to pay for the shuttle service for bike rentals.
Thank you for reading my guide about how to bike Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damascus. Drop any comments or questions below and I will do my best to get back to you ASAP. 🙂
