Things to remember on the Virginia Creeper Trail:

1-  Learn a little bit of history about the VA Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail is part of the Appalachian Trail and Jefferson National Forrest

The Virginia Creeper, as it was called by the locals, referred to the steam engined that ‘creeped’ eastward up the mountain.  You can still see old trestles along the trail.

Railroad trestles from the old railroad.

2-  Go during the week.  We had the trail almost all to ourselves on a Monday morning!  One bike rental offers a 20% discount Tuesday through Thursday.

‘And miles to go before I sleep’

3-  Bring Band-Aids.

Bring Band-Aids!

4-  Make sure small children stay in middle of trail especially at the beginning when chances of falling off the mountain are better and higher!…freaked this momma out.

Elevation 3500 ft

5-  The first 3 miles down you will not pedal.

Wheeeee!

6-  Stop and enjoy the sights.  We had differing times that were told to us of how long it would take to finish the trail leisurely; from 2 1/2 hours to 3 1/2 hours…..  We took 4 hours and 15 minutes! (That included eating lunch too.)

Be mindful of where you are.  We saw some families in such a hurry to get down.  Pull over and let these people get ahead of you.

7-  Remember to call out when you are passing.  One boy almost gave me a heart attack.  Really, it is just biker etiquette to mention when you come up behind another biker.

8-  If renting bikes, make sure your rented bicycle is working properly and ask for refund if it is not.  We had a problem with one of the bike seats.  Adventure Damascus gave us a full refund of that bike rental.  I highly recommend them.

Bring your own bikes if you are able.  You just know your own bike, you know?

My middle daughter says my bike seat is the size of a couch.  Who wouldn’t want to ride down on a couch? 🙂

9-  Don’t miss stopping to see and hear the water.

10-  Take lots of pictures!  Even ones with you in it!  We met some really nice people along the trip.  Many wanted family photos too.  I asked some if I could take a picture for them (when I saw them taking a picture of their family) and other times I asked if they would take a picture of all of us.  Most people were happy to do it.  We made friends everywhere!

All 4!

I had wanted to do this trip for several years.  My best advice is to just go!

Any other things you would add? … Things you wished someone had told you or tips or suggestions?  Please share!