Virginia Creeper Trail
- Naomi McLaurin Riley
- Aug 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Easy | 33.7 Miles | Virginia Creeper Trail | RAIL TRAIL | Gravel
I never knew there was a mecca of wonder in Virginia until people told me I needed to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail on FB. I looked it up and saw it was on a mountain. Um, that is a heck no. But there was something that kept making me go back to it. Why are people so obsessed with it? Why are people renting bikes? Why don't they take their bike? Why are all these people in so much better shape than I am? Can they ride a bike on a darn mountain? The questions kept coming.
I then did what I do best: I asked many questions—hence the "curiosity" part of my blog. I had to figure out why so many people were excited about this trail. The excitement was like the lottery-winning ticket at the random gas station in Tim Buck 2. OK, that was an exaggeration, but you get the point.
In typical Naomi form, I dove deep into the rabbit hole. A tornado could pass my house, and I would still be focused on the laptop as I researched the Creeper Trail.
I then called in the troops. Girls, get your tires pumped up. We are heading to this mecca trail. Wait, you don't need your bike on this one. Bag it. Just pack your bag! We head to Abingdon, Virginia. As we rode, we may have gotten lost on a farm and almost knocked on the door to Aunt Lucy's house for supper, but we made our way to our Airbnb, never less. GPS is overrated. The Naomi-ism-ish routes never disappoint.
We always try to stay in an Airbnb during our bike weekends. We also like to click the "woman-owned" button because why would we not? Our little bungalow was the perfect spot for the weekend. It was super cute, comfy, and within walking distance of downtown Abingdon.
Bike Weekend Tip #1:
Stay close to downtown if you can.
Don't do it if they want an arm and a leg for you to put your head on a pillow.
Toss an Uber driver some change and help them support their family but explore the downtown.
Keep the money you would have spent on the crazy-priced home in your travel fund.
Abingdon Downtown | Laid Back Exploring Day
We spent the first day wandering around downtown Abingdon, which has a history dating back to the Revolutionary War. The Town was established by an act of the Assembly of Virginia in 1778. Two short years later, Abingdon played a role in helping the young nation gain its independence. Patriots from Virginia and North Carolina gathered at the Muster Grounds to begin a 300-mile march to Kings Mountain, South Carolina. The ensuing battle was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. (visitabingdonvirginia.com/about)
Today, it is thriving with local businesses, amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and architecture that leaves you standing in awe. It is THAT kind of architecture.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
Downtown & History | Learn More
Damascus | Virginia Creeper Trail Day
We started our day at the local coffee shop, which was amazing! In typical small business owner fashion, it was unique and quirky and brought life into an old space. The name ... The Girl and the Raven. Opened by NYC transplants due to COVID-19, it was the perfect spot to load up on carbs, which are a bonus of bike riding days.
We then headed to Damascus, where we had our appointment to get our rental bikes and jump in the shuttle to head up to "White Top ."Now, if you go and you are lucky enough to be in a van full of people from Tennessee, then consider yourself LUCKY. They were hilarious and kept us needing a restroom as we went up the winding hills at what we all felt was a rapid speed. We didn't want to leave them. We felt like we bonded as a family as we leaned on each other and held onto our seats.
We then got to White Top. The unknown of what we were about to do was then right in front of us. We had just gone up a mountain ... I started asking myself, what in the heck am I doing here? But then I saw the kids on their bikes. If a CHILD can do it, it can't be that bad. I pulled up my big girl pants, and I started pedaling.
Then it happened. I finally understood why so many said I must ride the Creeper Trail. It was a gentle glide down the mountain on smooth, compacted terrain. There were no bumps, limbs, or crazy mountain bike stuff. It was just a gentle trip down the mountain, full of wooden bridges, streams, and people embracing the blessings of the day. We stopped on the bridges and took our time. We took in the beauty. We were able to breathe....
Grab your friends and GO. It is that good ....
The first 17-mile stretch heading west from Whitetop to Damascus travels downhill through terrific scenery, from Christmas tree farms and grazing cattle to river views and deep forestland. It includes four access points, some of which are housed in restored railroad depots.
Damascus | Learn More
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