Virginia creeper/ AT trail

imported
#1

Just wondering how many people hike the va creeper instead of the official AT trail when leaving or going into Damascus?

frogger

#2

I’ve hiked them both, and believe me the Creeper is much more scenic and enjoyable. Don’t miss it by being a purist!

Creeper

#3

North of Damascus, you’re parallel hiking it. I crossed over a few times, got water, and just wanted to experience it. The bridges are awesome, and I’m going back to bike it. It sort of lures you to it, so I would assume a lot of people hike it. Most importantly HAVE FUN !

StarLyte

#4

The Creeper had advantages for me…at the end of a wonderful 3 week section hike I was battered and bruised and had so many blisters that I could only wear teva like sandals. I started from the Lost Mountain Shelter and headed toward Damascus. The Creeper is just about all cinder type track and goes downhill all the way on this stretch so it was easy. Also it was really hot outside and the Creeper has great places to swim and cool off. I’ll remember this part of the trip as one of my favorites and remember just about every moment of that last 17 mile hike…having the trail go thru a persons front yard…not having enough change left for a soft drink and a gentlemen buying me one…all the bridges and stream crossings…great fun.

Doc Holiday

#5

When I went thru Damascus, I was surprised at how many purists there were who actually hiked the AT out of Damascus. Seems like all my buddies had stayed pure thru there. I personally stopped and hung out at the Creeper to fish and then later when it connects again to sleep by the stream. Dang whiperwill woke me just at daybreak.

After 450 miles, no one really cares if you hike the creeper or not. So hike it or don’t hike it. But have fun.

I think it was Lone Wolf who told me if I didn’t hike the creeper I was missing out on the best trail near Damascus. Now I have to go back and hike it some other time. That is as good an excuss as any to go back to Damascus.

Burn

#6

When hiking the AT, you hike the AT. Anything else is just that. " anything thing else"
White blaze/ pack on back !!!

Virginian

#7

When I was out to hike the A.T., I hiked the A.T. Duh…

But I’ve since gone back and hiked every other trail north and south of Damascus at least once, including the Creeper. They’re ALL good! This is definitely my favorite region of the whole A.T.

One thing to remember about the Creeper is that if it is a hot, sunny day there are long stretches with little or no canopy. Another is to be aware you share the trail with horses and bikes. But still good!

Skyline

#8

Do both! Take the morning off in Damascus and rent a bike from Blue Blaze. They’ll shuttle you to the top of Whitetop Mountain, then you coast 17 miles back into Damascus. The scenery is stunning! Then hike out in the afternoon. I’ve done the bike ride twice, and it is a blast! Inexpensive too. I think it was about $20 for the bike and shuttle.

Kathy