This is a 17 mile downhill ride from Whitetop to Damascus along an old rail line. There were 8 of us (4 couples). 4 brought bikes and the rest rented them. The rentals were decent mountain bikes. The Bike Station provided them with the helmets and a bottle of water.For a nominal fee, the 4 with bikes got a shuttle to the top with the rest of the party.At the top, the guys split off to try the zipline while the ladies started the bike trek downhill. The plan was to meet up at the snack bar at mile 10.The trail starts off with a nice downhill slope that requires no pedaling (and some slight braking). It is a beautiful trail (crushed gravel) through the woods. Much of the trail is along a stream. There are about 20 wooden bridges across the stream and most of the trail is shaded. We took our time, stopping at a few scenic spots along the stream along the way. The snack bar at mile 10 was mobbed when we got there. We took a short break but did not care to wait in the long line for ice cream. We took off before the guys got there. We made it to the bottom in about 3 hours.It was a prefect late summer/early fall day. Sunny but not to hot (mid 70's). The leaves were just beginning to change. There were a lot of people out on the trail, but I would not consider it "crowded". We plan to do this again sometime next year.Call ahead for reservations as many trips are fully booked during the late summer/early fall.Also, dress in layers. It can be cool at the top in the shady sections. As you warm up, you can shed layers.
We could not have picked a better day to do the Virginia Creeper Trail; and renting our bikes from The Bike Station made it even better. The owner (Steve Mann) and his staff do everything to make you comfortable and help you have a great trail ride. We have used them twice and will continue to use them when we go back; just super friendly people.
My husband and I just made our first visit to the Virginia Creeper Trail, and we chose The Bike Station to help us. I spoke with Steve when planning our trip, and he was most helpful. We brought our own bikes, so we needed a shuttle to Whitetop for the ride down and a shuttle back to our car after riding the other half of the trail the next day. We arrived early on Thursday, and Steve offered to let us go up with a group that was getting ready to leave. (Thanks, Steve!) On Friday, we rode from Abingdon to Damascus, and they took us back to our car in Abingdon. The Bike Station was extremely busy, yet Steve and his wife gave every customer the attention they deserved. We will definitely use The Bike Station when we ride the Creeper Trail again!
After deciding to go At the last minute the folks at this rental shop did a marvelous job setting up our ride. I ALso forgot my jacket and they let me borrow a sweater. So nice. Even had a nice cup of coffee. They took their time making sure we understood all the rules and riding requirements. If you want to ride this trail. Rent your gear and bikes from this group.
My husband and I ride the Creeper Trail regularly. We have our own bikes, but Steve always lets us park at his shop. We initially started in Damascus and rode up hill to White Top Station, with the intent to ride all of the way to Abingdon. The Bike Station was going to pick us up. After going through a hail storm, we ended up to get our car. Steve Mann didn't charge us to park there, told us we could park there anytime. We used the restroom to clean up, bought a couple of t-shirts and when we bring a group back in a month, we will rent from them! Awesome people!!
These guys are the friendliest guys ever . Looks after vets and public safety guys too. Use these guys they are the best around
The Virginia Creeper Trail has been on my bucket list for years. Yesterday I finally got to experience the physical and emotional delight of riding a bike down 17 miles of trail. I rented from this outfit. They gave me a great bike and made sure it fit me well. $24 for bike rental, helmet, and ride to the top of the mountain. The folks were pleasant and professional. I asked the man (owner?) if they had a frequent renter card. They do not. They should jump on that and become the first outfitter in town to print one up...When I return, I plan on renting from them again.
We've been riding the Creeper Trail for several years now and have always used The Bike Station. Steve and the staff are great! They provide excellent service! We've brought our friends here and recommend them to anyone we meet that wants to ride the Creeper Trail!
It was our first time to the Virginia Creeper Trail and we selected The Bike Station based upon Trip Advisor reviews and we were very pleased. One of our concerns before going was getting motion sickness on the shuttle ride to the top of the trail to begin our ride. We have had friends tell us this can be a problem with some companies. The Bike Station drivers, as others had reviewed, drove smoothly and not to fast. No problems. The bikes were nice, in good condition and comfortable. The staff were all a pleasure.
The people run a very nice operation. They're friendly, efficient, and reasonably priced. Their bikes appear to be relatively new and in good repair, and their shuttle service delivers you to the Virginia Creeper trailhead at White Top Station. There is excellent, secure parking right behind the building, and when you finish the trail, their facility is convenient and easy to find.One caution -- things can get a little hectic when everybody arrives for a scheduled departure. A dozen people or more might be trying to select bikes at once. Don't let them rush you through this process. Make sure your bike is properly sized for you. A bike that's too small will be uncomfortable. A bike that's too big can lead to a dangerous fall.