The first 17-mile stretch to Damascus allows for numerous restroom breaks at its many trailheads, some of which are housed in restored railroad depots. Green Cove Station in particular is a standout it's the oldest station on the trail and was once the center of the community. Riding in the reverse direction would be a challenging uphill climb for inexperienced riders, so many visitors park in Damascus, take one of the numerous shuttle services up to Whitetop Station, and then ride down to their cars. Westward from there to the trail's midpoint at Damascus, is an easy downhill ride. (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.)Īt nearly 3,600 feet, Whitetop Station, the trail's eastern terminus, is its high point. The trail officially begins at the Virginia–North Carolina border, but the easiest place to start the Creeper is from the Whitetop Station trailhead. Some are quite short, less than 100 feet long, but the longest are more than 600 feet. Originally, there were more than 100 along the railroad over the region's web of picturesque creeks and rivers 47 trestles remain on the rail-trail today. There are so many trestles along the route that each is numbered with an identifying plaque at either end of the bridge. Cyclists and equestrians love the length of the Creeper, and many local walkers and joggers take advantage of the pleasant opportunity for a little exercise. The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail offers scenic wonders from dense forests, open fields and lush waterways to railroad relics and delightful small towns.