Why do they call it the Creeper Trail?
In 1905 the line was extended by Hassinger Lumber Co. to Konnarock and Elkland, N.C. It hauled lumber, iron ore, supplies and passengers. The nickname “Virginia Creeper” came from the early steam locomotives as they slowly struggled up the mountains. Depression, the Creeper ran its last train on March 31, 1977.
Who owns Creeper Trail?
Jerry Camper
Jerry Camper, co-owner of the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop, has been onboard from the start. In 2002, he and his brother risked their savings to open up their shop with just a handful of rental bikes. Today, with 200 bikes out at a time, they can barely keep up with demand.
When was the Creeper Trail built?
In the mid-summer of 1989, repairs and construction from Abingdon to Whitetop Station were finally complete and, following the winding, breathtaking path to the upper reaches of the second highest mountain in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Creeper Trail was opened.
How old is the Creeper Trail?
By the 1970s, many railroads were abandoned so the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy began converting old railroad beds into trail systems for hikers and bikers. After the last train ran the route in 1977, the idea for The Creeper Trail was born, and it was completed in 1984. Much of the trail goes through private land.
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail Hard?
The path is easy in terms of the degree of difficulty and would be an enjoyable ride for bikers of all skill and fitness levels. The trail is well marked and easy to navigate. Typically, biking the Virginia Creeper trails takes about 2 to 3 hours to bike from Whitetop down to Damascus.
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail all downhill?
Virginia Creeper Trail 34 Miles of Fun and Adventure. Suitable for any age, the Virginia Creeper Trail can be enjoyed by all! For those unsure about biking the trail, the 17-mile stretch from Whitetop to Damascus is almost all downhill – which may be the perfect introduction before taking on the full 34-mile trail.
Where does VA Creeper Trail start?
Whitetop Station trailhead
The trail officially begins at the Virginia–North Carolina border, but the easiest place to start the Creeper is from the Whitetop Station trailhead. (However, to cover the entire trail, simply ride the extra mile from Whitetop to the North Carolina border before turning around to begin your journey.)
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail in a national park?
The “Creeper” is a nationally recognized rail trail in southwest Virginia. People of all riding abilities can ride parts of this trail; it’s downhill from Whitetop to Damascus and you can get a shuttle to the top of the mountain!
How steep is the VA Creeper Trail?
History of the Virginia Creeper Trail At the trail’s lowest point, where it crosses South Holston Lake on a huge curving trestle, it is 2,000 feet above sea level, but, by the time it reaches Whitetop Community, it has ascended 1,600 feet, some of it at nearly 7 percent grade!
What is the best part of the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The most popular secton of the Virginia Creeper is the eastern section that goes from Whitetop Station, which has an elevation of 3500 feet to Damascus, Virginia which is about 1900 feet. That means you get to ride downhill for 17 miles.
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail worth it?
Virginia Creeper Trail People of all riding abilities can ride parts of this trail; it’s downhill from Whitetop to Damascus and you can get a shuttle to the top of the mountain! There are 46 bridges or trestles along this 34 mile pastoral ride between Whitetop and Abingdon, Virginia. Definitely worth a visit.
Is the Virginia Creeper Trail easy?
The trail is well marked and easy to navigate. Typically, biking the Virginia Creeper trails takes about 2 to 3 hours to bike from Whitetop down to Damascus. If you stop along the way to take photos, allow more time. Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, view of the trail and scenery along the way.