The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, VA through Damascus, VA to the NC stateline near Whitetop, VA..  It began as a native american footpath.  Later the European Pioneers, as well as early explorer Daniel Boone, used the trail.  Shortly after 1900, W.B. Mingea constructed the Virginia-Carolina Railroad from Abingdon to Damascus.  In 1905, the Hassinger Lumber Company extended the line to Konnarock and Elkland, NC.  In it's day, the line hauled lumber, iron ore, supplies and passengers.  It got it's nickname, "Virginia Creeper", from the early steam locomotives that struggled slowly up the railroad's steep grades. 

 

The Virginia Creeper Trail, a cinder and crushed gravel trail, travels through some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in the Eastern United States!  Many believe it to be one of the most picturesque rail-trails in the country!