Editing Virginia Creeper Trail

{{Trail
|Banner Image=File:Virginia Creeper Trestle 12.jpg
|City=Damascus
|Trail Marking=None
|Trail Use=Hiking, Biking
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
|Hike Time=2 hrs
|Trail Distance=34.67 mi
|Round Trip Distance=34.67 mi
|Trail Type=Segment
|High Point=3,597 ft
|Low Point=1,729 ft
|Elevation Gain=694 ft
|Elevation Loss=2,213 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=East-to-West
|Parking location=36.63427, -81.78257
|Trailhead location=36.63427, -81.78257
}}
{{Trail Map}}

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== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
The Virginia Creeper Trail (VCT) is an excellent Rails-to-Trails conversion features forested path with 47 wooden trestles and bridges over creeks and rivers.  Extremely popular bicycling ride.

== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
The {http://www.vacreepertrail.org/maps VCTC website] provides car GPS addresses for the trail access points:
*Abingdon Trailhead- 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, VA 24210 
*Watauga Trailhead- 24350 Watauga Road, Abingdon, VA 24211 
*Alvarado Station- 21198 Alvarado Road, Abingdon, VA 24211 
*Damascus Town Park- 301 S Beaver Dam Ave, Damascus, VA 24236 
*Straight Branch Trailhead- Near 25738 Jeb Stuart Highway, Jefferson National Forest Damascus, VA 24236 
*Taylors Valley Trailhead- 23530 Taylor Valley Road, Jefferson National Forest, Damascus, VA 24236 
*Creek Junction Trailhead- 21285 Creek Junction Road, Jefferson National Forest, Damascus, VA 24236 
*Green Cove Station- Green Cove Community Center, 41221 County Road 600, Jefferson National Forest, Damascus, VA 24236 
*Whitetop Station- Whitetop Gap Road, Whitetop, VA 24292 (Note: this is NOT Whitetop Mountain but the community of Whitetop, VA)

== Route Description==
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The route is obvious due to its former railroad bed and well-worn path.  There are two sets of mile markers - one for the former railroad, the other from Abingdon.  The VCTC is also installing numbers on the trestles for more guidance and to aid emergency responders.

Out and back trips can be taken from any of the access points or shuttle can be arranged.  Popular routes are taking a shuttle to Whitetop and riding 17 miles back down to Damascus or starting at Abingdon over to Damascus and back. 

== Typical Conditions ==
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Wide gravel trail with wooden trestles from former railroad.  Well maintained due to its high use.

==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
The VCT is free to walk/ride.  If you have your own bike and just need a shuttle (leaving between 8AM and 3PM), it's typically $14.  Rental a bike for $15-18 (4 hours) or $20-21 (all day), and then the shuttle is around $10.  Ride down from Whitetop to Damascus is considered half day, while all the way to Abingdon is full day.

The following bike shops are available in Damascus:
[http://www.jcsoutdoors.com/# JC's Outdoors]
[http://www.adventuredamascus.com/?gclid=CIyo6M-_pqsCFYTs7QodJ0Fc2A Adventure Damascus Bicycles]
[http://www.thebikestation.net/index.html The Bike Station] (warning: annoying cursor tail on website.)
[http://www.blueblazebikeandshuttle.com/ Blue Blaze Bike Rental] (warning: annoying cursor tail on website.)
Creeper Trail Bike Rental

And in Abingdon:
[http://www.vacreepertrailbikeshop.com/ Virginia Creeper Trail Bike]

== Misc. Information ==
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The trail is managed by the Virginia Creeper Trail Club. [http://www.vacreepertrail.org/ website]

== Photos ==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail sign
|Marker Title=Abingdon Trailhead
|Marker Description=[[Image:Virginia_Creeper_Trail_-_Abingdon_Trailhead.jpg|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.70925,-81.971633
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail sign
|Marker Title=Watauga Trailhead
|Marker Location=36.6780,-81.9351
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Damascus
|Marker Location=36.634266,-81.782570
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail sign
|Marker Title=Whitetop Trailhead
|Marker Location=36.599613,-81.624985
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Parking
|Marker Title=Alvarado Station
|Marker Description=[[Image:Virginia Creeper Trail - Alvarado Station.jpg|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.6504,-81.8865
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail bridge
|Marker Title=Trestle #12 over Holston River South and Middle Forks
|Marker Description=[[Image:Virginia Creeper Trestle 12.jpg|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.65458, -81.90332
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Parking
|Marker Title=Green Cove Station
|Marker Description=[[Image:VCT - Green Cove station.JPG|150px]]
|Marker Location=36.61923, -81.64457
}}