The VCT; A Haven for Biker’s and Hiker’s

The Virginia Creeper Trail is part of the "Rails To Trails" project where the railroad tracks are removed and replaced with a hiking and biking trail. The trail is 34.5 miles long and extends from historic Abingdon, Va. to the North Carolina border near Whitetop Mountain.

The trail begins in Abingdon and running southwardly to the Virginia—North Carolina line. It meanders through Alvarado, Damascus, Green Cove, Taylor's Valley, Watauga, and Whitetop.

Damascus is thought of as a hiker's and biker's delight primarily because it has three other trails including the Appalachian Trail, not to mention the Virginia Creeper Trail.

The trail was originally a Native American footpath, later used by Daniel Boone and other explorers in their explorations into the western wilderness. Later, at the beginning of the 20th century, a railroad was placed along the path to transport timber and iron ore, as well as other goods. Now the Virginia Creeper Trail is a place for recreation, as well as, a place where people can relax in a beautiful environment.

NOTE: The Virginia Creeper Trail passes through a lot of privately owned property and you would do well to respect the respective land owners and stick to the trail.

Directions:

Finding the Creeper Trail is not difficult. Interstate 81 runs right through Abingdon. The Creeper's Trailhead is positioned between Exits 17 and 19, and parking is available off Green Spring Road, accessible from Main Street (where it is called Pecan St.) and Cummings, which also crosses Main Street.

There are other parking areas along the Trail that can be reached via Hwy 58, which runs east from Abingdon.

Image from Virginia Creeper Trail.com.

You can find more information about the trail at Virginia Creeper Trail.com.


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