Things You
SHOULD KNOW

 Cell Phones

Cell Phones

Whitetop to Damascus section of trail does not have cell coverage.
Damascus to Abingdon section has some coverage, but depends largely on the carrier you use.

Helmets

Helmets

Helmets are not required by law but are strongly recommended for all bike riders on the trail.

Dogs

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Camping

Camping

Camping is allowed on the Forest Service portions of the trail.

Private Property

Private Property

Always respect private property and remain on the trail at all times when using private property sections of the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Trail Hours

Trail Hours

The trail is open to the public 24 hrs. a day 7 days a week, year round.

Restrooms

Restrooms

Restrooms are maintained by the U.S. forest service on the upper section of trail, and the towns of Damascus and Abingdon on the lower end. The upper section which is more widely used by the public has restrooms every few miles.

Trash

Trash

There are some trash cans placed at parking areas along the trail, please pack out any trash and help us keep the Virginia Creeper Trail as clean as possible.

Wildlife

Wildlife

It is not uncommon to see deer, turkey, bear, and other smaller forest animals while riding on the creeper.
Never attempt to feed or make contact with any wild animal on the trail, especially bear!

Fishing

Fishing

Fishing is allowed on the Whitetop Laurel Creek which runs adjacent to the Virginia Creeper for much of the way down on the upper section of trail. You must obey all fishing regulations and purchase the proper fishing licenses to fish any section of the creek.

Trail Use

Trail Use

The trail is a multi use trail, bicycles, hikers, and horseback riders share the trail, please respect other trail users.

Trail Surface

Trail Surface

The entire 34 miles of trail is made up of dirt, gravel, and old railroad cinder, there are bumps, small rocks, and debris from the thick forest canopy on the trail. High pressure or thin profile tires are not recommended.

Children

Children

Please keep your children within sight at all times on the trail, the trail is surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest. There are also several places where roads intersect with the trail. Obey all stop signs.