Trailhead - Virginia Creeper Trail - Abingdon, VA
Posted by: vhasler
N 36° 42.555 W 081° 58.298
17S E 413218 N 4063059
The Abingdon trailhead also has the "Virginia Creeper" locomotive
Waymark Code: WM6GCJ
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 05/31/2009
Views: 10
The Virginia Creeper Trail was converted in 1977. The railroad has roughly 100 trestles and bridges as it winds from city of Abingdon, VA through Damascus, VA up to Whitetop Mountain. The 30+ years of upgrades now has a solid trail surface, including planking and solid rails across the high trestles, through forest regrowth and open country. During our long hike we saw young families on bikes pulling kid carriers, dog walkers, joggers, groups of bikers ranging from elementary children to senior adults, and several horse riders. Per a 2004 study, the economic benefit of the Virginia Creeper Trail for the area economy is roughly $2-4 million annually.
There are two parking lots which service the Mile 0 trailhead. One is provided by the Light Milling Company as shown in the gallery. The other is on the far side of Trestle 1 and has the ONLY public bathroom for the next 16 miles.
Country: USA
State/Province/etc.: Virginia
Trail Start (town): Abingdon, VA
Trail Finish (town): Whitetop Mountain
Trail Length: 33
Trail Surface: Gravel/Stone
Pack Animals Allowed: yes
Fees: no
Internet Link(s): http://www.vacreepertrail.org/
http://www.vacreepertrail.com/
Rail-to-Trail Sign: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
A Trail Review
Please tell about the trail conditions the day you were there, If you used the trail please share your experiences. Things to see and do, possible problems etc.
If possible please post a photo of you OR you and interesting things along a trail OR just interesting things along the trail.
Also if you know of any additional Internet links not already mentioned about this rail trail please include that in your log.