This 33-mile-long rails-to-trails project in southwestern Virginia passes through meadows, riparian areas, and forests, offering views of a wide variety of birds.
By Eric Harrold | Published: 4/20/2015
I’ve been birding along the Blue Ridge in North Carolina and Virginia for 20 years, and one of my favorite local spots is the Virginia Creeper Trail. A rails-to-trails project, it traverses a variety of habitats and elevations, making diversity its hallmark.
Riparian-associated birds are plentiful along the trail because it follows streams and rivers the whole way. From Abingdon to Damascus, it goes through residential land that consists primarily of open pastures. Look for edge species like Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, and Field Sparrow, in addition to raptors. From Damascus to the trail’s eastern terminus near Whitetop, you’ll pass through a predominantly forested landscape, where you can see or hear Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Northern Parula, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. If you enjoy birding by bike, you can rack up an impressive day list.
Season and elevation are important. Spring migration offers many forest songbirds destined for northern breeding grounds. And while spring and summer are probably the best seasons for seeing multiple species, no time of year is a bad time to bird the trail. — Eric Harrold
Eric Harrold is a naturalist, environmental educator, and tour guide in northwest North Carolina. He studied Barred Owls as a graduate student and has worked on bird-conservation projects in the Midwest and East.
Directions
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 33.4-mile-long biking and hiking trail in southwestern Virginia. It can be accessed at numerous points from Abingdon to Whitetop. To reach the trailhead in Abingdon, take east- or westbound I-81 to exit 17. Head north on Alt. Hwy. 58 for 0.2 miles, and turn right onto Green Spring Rd. Go 0.5 miles to the parking area.Downloadable Files
At a Glance
Click on the coordinates below to view location:
36°42’32.12″N 81°58’16.51″W
Habitat
Pastures, hay meadows, riparian areas, forests, and rural residential habitat.
Terrain
Gently sloping path traverses steep or flat terrain, depending upon location. Accessible via motorized wheelchairs.
Birds
Spring and fall: Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, Acadian and Great Crested Flycatchers, Wood Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, Brown Thrasher, Ovenbird, Worm-eating, Black-and-white, Yellow, and Hooded Warblers, Northern Parula. Breeding: Warbling Vireo and Blue Grosbeak (between Abingdon and Damascus), Chestnut-sided Warbler, Ruffed Grouse, and Least Flycatcher (near Whitetop). Winter: White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Loggerhead Shrike.
When to go
Year-round.
Amenities
Public and private campgrounds along the higher, eastern half of the trail. Restrooms available in Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area near Damascus. Restaurants and stores close to Abingdon and Damascus.
Access
Public-private recreational trail operated by the towns of Abingdon and Damascus and the U.S. Forest Service. Open year-round. Several access points with parking lots, most of which are free of charge. A few Forest Service facilities may require a daily fee. Trail is on public lands but is adjacent to many private lands; please respect private property and remain on trail.
Tips
Dress in layers; weather can change quickly in spring and fall. While walking the trail, stay alert for bicyclists.
For more info
Virginia Creeper Trail Guide
Virginia Creeper Trail Club
Sites nearby
Whitetop Mountain
Eight miles north of the town of Whitetop. Drive to the top of the 5,520-foot summit and watch and listen for creepers, warblers, thrushes, and kinglets. Red Crossbill possible.
Grayson Highlands State Park
On Hwy. 58 about 15 miles from Whitetop. High-elevation forest. Breeding Wood Thrush and warblers.
