Sun, Fun and Exercise on the Virginia Creeper Trail

June is almost upon us and with it comes the celebration of our great outdoors. Every month should really be great outdoors month, especially during the summer while the kids are out of school. Nothing can invigorate a child's mind like being outside and enjoying nature. My family and I have found the perfect spot to get our daily requirement of fresh air, sunshine and exercise and I would like to share some of the highlights of this place with you. If you are into camping, hiking, biking or even horseback riding then this is a place that you and your family need to check out.

Every summer, we make a point of camping at Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. The campground offers many hiking trails that go deep into the forest, high upon mountain tops and a couple of the trails even lead to beautiful waterfalls, but our best times are found on what is known as the Virginia Creeper Trail.

The Creeper trail stretches 35 miles from Abingdon Virginia through Damascus Virginia to the North Carolina line near Whitetop Virginia. The trail allows hiking, biking and horseback riding. Pets are allowed on the trail but must be on a leash. There are a few rules for using the trail but most of them are just there to help keep everyone that uses the trail safe. A copy of these rules can be found on the website vacreepertrail.com.

The trail began in the early 1900's as a railroad and it ran until 1977. When the railroad closed it was converted to a hiking and biking trail. If you are beginning your journey at the top, as we always do, your trip will start out at the Whitetop Station. The original depot was torn down when the railroad closed but the forestry service in conjunction with friends of the station built a new depot in the year 2000 and this building serves today as the welcome station for visitors as they get ready to start their trek down the mountainside. The Whitetop Station is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm during the month of April and up until May 21. Then from May 22 through October it is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 am until 3 pm.

Another station that you will come upon during your journey on the trail is the Green Cover Station. This is the only original depot station that is left along the Creeper trail. You will find it is a good place to stop for snacks, drinks and souvenirs. The Green Cover Station is open Thursday through Monday from 10 am until 4 pm in April and up until May 21. From May 22 through October it is open 7 days a week from 10 am until 4 pm. The station is a nice place to stop for a little rest and to take some time to enjoy the beauty of the trail. There is a vast array of folage, flowers and trees to see along your journey. For a large part of your journey you will be able to see or hear the gurgling waters in the nearby stream. The trail also offers a great variety of wildlife and many different bird species for the avid bird watcher. As you are traveling along the trail be sure to watch for the many limestone formations and caves that are located on the mountainside. Also, if you are not into camping but are looking for a place close by to spend a few days, you might want to try the Green Cover Bed and Breakfast that is run by the granddaughter of William Buchanan, the original owner of the Green Cover Station.

One other stop that you don't want to miss along the way is the Creeper Trail Cafe. It is located approximately 8 miles down the mountain from the Whitetop Station. It is a wonderful little restaurant that offers a great place to stop for lunch. They have some great burgers, hot dogs and fries. They also offer a variety of desserts and nice cold drinks to cool you off. They have seating inside, on the front porch and also in the back yard next to the creek they have tables set up under shady awnings. You really do not want to pass this place by. We always make a point to save our appetites for this little treasure hidden in Taylor's Valley.

At the bottom of the mountain the trail will lead you into Damascus Virginia. You can choose to end your trip here or continue on for approximately 17 more miles into Abingdon Virginia. If you decide to end your trip in Damascus you can go to one of the many bike rental and shuttle stations for transportation back up the mountain to your vehicle. If you are real adventurous you may choose to turn around and travel back up the mountain by bike. My family and I have only made the trip back up the mountain on bikes one time. Be aware that the trip back up is very strenuous. I suggest doing this only if you exercise on a regular basis. It took us more than twice the time to travel back up the mountain and we had to take several breaks along the way. The upside to this was that it did give us plenty of time to enjoy all the wonders of the trail. If you decide to travel back up, be sure to carry plenty of water along with you so that everyone stays hydrated. This is really true no matter which direction you are traveling but you will find yourself needing it more if you are traveling back up.

Whether it is biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, or just enjoying a nice picnic along a cool stream, this is a great way to get the family outside together and soak up all the many wonders of nature.

Source:
vacreepertrail.com