Over the last 24 years we have answered a lot of calls and answered millions of questions. Most people ask similar questions, many of which are listed here. Some people look at this page and read the questions off to us over the phone. And, some people ask questions that make you say "WHA!?" Here is a few:
The most common entry point Damascus. Visitors plan to drive to Damascus to begin their day. Spend the night and walk to the shop to take the shuttle to the top of the trail, Whitetop Station, and ride downhill, an easy 17-mile ride down to Damascus.
The typical shuttle ride will drop you off at Whitetop Station (3576' elevation) and you will downhill 17 miles downhill to Damascus (1952') then on to Alvarado (1900'), half the way between Abingdon and Damascus, then up to Abingdon (2087').
Yes, there are vault toilets at the trailhead at Whitetop Station, 3 miles down the trail at Green Cove Station, and 13 miles down at the Straight Branch Parking Lot. They are also available for customers at Hellbender's Cafe in Taylor's Valley. There are numerous breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices in Damascus.
Our shuttles depart for Whitetop Station (the downhill ride) each hour on the hour from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (earlier and later with prior reservations). Our shuttles run from both our Adventure Damascus and Sundog Outfitter locations. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your shuttle departure for check-in and bike fitting. Please call for available times for an Abingdon pickup or delivery shuttle. Just call us to book a shuttle (and bike rental) reservation 276-475-6262 or 888-595-2453. We shuttle all year round. For off season shuttle schedule (Nov-March) just give us a call.
Crushed limestone and cinders left over from the train days. Firm in most places on the Whitetop to Damascus end, some rocky places on the Abingdon to Damascus end.
Nope, even people who haven't ridden in years can do this ride from Whitetop to Damascus. That's what makes is so great!
The are highly recommended! They keep your brains safe. A helmet is provided with each rental bike (be sure to pick one up before you leave the store).
Of course. It's a very pleasant ride with grades not exceeding 5%.
Umm, maybe you better not be out on the trail by yourself...Buddy system!!!
Yes it is.
?????????
Well...considering 34 is longer than 17...
CALL US! 888-595-2453
The trail travels 34 miles from Whitetop Station downhill through Damascus (the halfway point) and back up to Abingdon.
The downhill section between Whitetop Station and our shop in Damascus is 17 miles.
From 2 1/2 to 3 hours depending on how leisurely you want to be about it. We suggest that you take your time because there are many beautiful places to stop and "take it all in".
The most popular "Combo Package" (bike rental/shuttle) is $39.99. You can bring your own bike andget the Shuttle Only to Whitetop for $24.99. There are special rates for Kids 12 and under, military, groups of 12 (or more must pay as a group to receive discount), and middle of the week discounts are available.
74 degrees and sunny (Ok, not really, click the weather link above;-)
830am to 6 pm, 7 days per week. Off season (Nov-March) hours 9 am to 6 pm. Call us toll free for hours and for reservations 276-475-6262 or 888-595-2453.
Not on the upper section. You are in a gorge and in the middle of the forest most of the time. Thank goodness we don't have cell towers out there! They sometimes work on the Abingdon to Damascus section depending on your carrier. Damascus has service provided by Verizon. AT&T only works in Abingdon and does not work along the rest of the trail (can you hear me now?). Wi-Fi is available at Hellbender's Cafe in Taylors Valley.
Camping along the trail is fine as long as it's not on private property. The US Forest Service/Mt Rogers National Recreation Area also maintains some nice campgrounds. Look at them at USDA Forest Service or click here.
Try this lodging link or this one to find other places to stay while you're visiting the Damascus and Abingdon area.
Outdoor recreation galore as well as many cultural activities can be had in our region. Follow this link for more Creeper Trail Information and this link for area activities like Heartwood or Barter Theater information, Bristol Motor Speedway, country and bluegrass music and much more. A better plan would be to call us and let us help you plan your adventure.
We can help you better when you call 888-595-2453. (ext. 1 - reservation line, ext. 2 - address & hours, ext. 3 - Adventure Damascus & Sundog Outfitter store, ext. 4 - Damascus Outfitters store)
SHUTTLE SERVICES TO PORTIONS OF THE VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL ARE AUTHORIZED UNDER PERMIT FROM
THE US FOREST SERVICE, GEORGE WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS.
ADVENTURE DAMASCUS, INC./LAUGHING DOG SHUTTLE CO., INC./SUNDOG OUTFITTER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROVIDER.