Experience Virginia Creeper Trail This Fall

For fall leaf-peeping in the Appalachian Highlands, look to Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34.3-mile rails-to-recreation trail, accessible via Abingdon, Virginia, where you’ll find the trail’s Mile Marker 0.0.

© Visit Abingdon

The trail offers opportunities for both hiking and cycling, with e-bikes permitted, and rentals and shuttle services available. Additionally, along the trail, you’ll find opportunities for further recreation, including fishing and camping. All the while, if you base camp in Abingdon, you can enjoy the town’s culinary and craft beverage scene, as well as cultural activities.

It’s worth noting, though, this trail was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. As such, about 18 miles of the trail are in dire need of repair — and while that might seem like a deterrent to some, it’s actually all the more reason why travelers might want to visit this area this fall.

© Visit Abingdon

The trail has acted as an economic driver for the region and communities rely on visitation. So, consider a visit, enjoy the parts of the trail currently open for business and spend your travel dollars with local businesses, too — and, while you’re at it, you might consider donating to Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy’s recovery campaign to support the trail’s rebuilding.