Why is it called the Virginia Creeper Trail?
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 was called the Virginia Creeper?
Technically the railroad was the Abingdon Branch of the Norfolk & Western Railroad, but locally it was known as the Virginia Creeper. The curves, steep 7% grade, and 108 bridges required trains to move slowly over the 77 miles of track. Diesel locomotives replaced coal-fired steam engines in 1957.
When did the Virginia Creeper Trail open?
The Virginia Creeper Trail had its beginnings as a Native American footpath and was later used by pioneers and explorers such as Daniel Boone. The trail itself runs on a rail right-of-way that dates to the late 1880’s. The railroad began in Abingdon, Virginia as the Abingdon Coal and Iron Railroad Company.
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.
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.
Can you ride up the Virginia Creeper Trail?
The Va Creeper Trail is open year round for trail runs, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
What is Virginia creeper good for?
Virginia creeper is extremely useful to wildlife. A variety of birds feed on the berries and many animals (squirrels, mice, deer, chipmunks, etc.) feed on the stems and leaves. The thick foliage provides shelter for wildlife.
Where did Virginia creeper come from?
Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a deciduous, woody vine that is commonly called Virginia creeper or Woodbine. It is native to eastern and central North America south to Mexico.
Who owns Virginia Creeper Trail?
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.
How hard is the Virginia Creeper Trail?
Get to know this 17.2-mile point-to-point trail near Damascus, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 9 min to complete.
Who maintains the Creeper trail?
Three agencies manage the Virginia Creeper Trail: Damascus and Abingdon administer the trail from Abingdon to Damascus (mile 0-15); and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area manages the trail from Damascus up to the NC line (mile 15-34).