Virginia Creeper Trail wilderness guide
Trail · VA

Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a renowned multi-use rail trail stretching through Southwest Virginia, celebrated for its scenic views and vibrant outdoor recreation opportunities.

TrailNot Applicable3+ Trails

Designation

Trail

Total Wilderness Area

Not Applicable

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a renowned multi-use rail trail stretching through Southwest Virginia, celebrated for its scenic views and vibrant outdoor recreation opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Virginia Creeper Trail serves as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life. Stretching 34.3 miles from Abingdon to Whitetop Station, this trail features a splendid mix of rolling countryside, rushing streams, and picturesque mountain views. Originally a railway route built in the early 20th century, it was transformed into a trail in 1987, preserving the historical essence while offering modern recreational opportunities. The trail meanders through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, providing insights into the native flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Biking is the most popular pursuit, drawing thousands annually for downhill rides from Whitetop to Damascus. This trail also offers excellent hiking, bird watching, and photography options. With several access points, it accommodates a variety of outdoor activities for families and individual adventurers alike.

Field Guide · Trail
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Virginia Creeper Trail

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The scenic ride from Whitetop Station to Damascus, known for its exciting downhill bike journey.✦ The rich history of the trail, with its roots as an early 20th-century railroad.✦ Beautiful views of the Appalachian landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers.✦ Numerous access points offering varying trailhead experiences and levels of challenge.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Virginia Creeper Trail

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Virginia Creeper Trail
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Virginia Creeper Trail
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Virginia Creeper Trail
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Virginia Creeper Trail
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Virginia Creeper Trail.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Virginia Creeper Trail

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Damascus, Virginia
⌖ 0.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Damascus, Virginia

Damascus, VA is a trail lover's paradise, offering outdoor enthusiasts a gateway to premier hiking, biking, and fishing adventures in the heart of the Virginia mountains.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee
⌖ 4.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee

Laurel Bloomery, TN, is a peaceful Appalachian town perfect for hikers, backpackers, and paddlers seeking quiet mountain trails and pristine waters in the scenic Clinch River region.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Whitetop, Virginia
⌖ 9.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitetop, Virginia

Whitetop, Virginia, is a quiet mountain gateway to rugged hikes, scenic mountain biking, and peaceful camping near the state’s highest peaks. Explore the Appalachian landscapes, wild ponies, and rich wildlife from spring through fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Glade Spring, Virginia
⌖ 10.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Glade Spring, Virginia

Glade Spring offers a quiet outdoor gateway with hiking, biking, and paddling amid Appalachian foothills. It’s ideal for travelers seeking peaceful nature trails and backcountry experiences without crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Shady Valley, Tennessee
⌖ 11.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shady Valley, Tennessee

Shady Valley, TN, is a serene mountain retreat boasting scenic hikes, cycling routes, and prime bird watching spots. This tranquil location is perfect for wildlife photography, ATV riding, and fishing in pristine settings.

Saltville, Virginia
⌖ 16.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saltville, Virginia

Saltville, VA, offers a mix of history and adventure with hiking, fossil hunting, and kayaking amid beautiful Appalachian landscapes. It's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Virginia Creeper Trail

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Camp on the New River: Tent, Tube and Launch from Your Campsite
ADVEXPEDITION
Elizabethton, Tennessee
River TubeADV Bookable

Camp on the New River: Tent, Tube and Launch from Your Campsite

Riverside campsites on the New River let you pitch a tent with direct access to tubing, canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, with nearby showers and grills—this guide summarizes what to expect and how to plan.

River TubePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip