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Overview
The classic day is a shuttle from Damascus up to Whitetop, then a gentle 17-mile descent back through forest, past creeks and over dozens of wooden trestle bridges.
What to expect
A crushed-stone and cinder surface best suited to hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes. The upper Whitetop to Damascus half is a steady, easy downhill; the lower Damascus to Abingdon half is gently rolling.
Dozens of trestle bridges, dense forest, and the Whitetop end sitting at around 3,500 feet, cooler than the valley. Shuttle services and bike rentals cluster in Damascus and Abingdon.
Please check current conditions first: sections damaged by Hurricane Helene have been rebuilt in phases, so the full 34 miles may not all be open depending on when you ride.
Best time to ride
Autumn (late September to October) is spectacular for foliage and is the busiest season. Late spring and summer are lush and cooler at elevation than the surrounding valleys.
Because the marquee ride is downhill from Whitetop, it stays accessible to a wide range of fitness levels in any warm-weather month, conditions permitting.
What to bring
Rail-trails are remote between towns. These links go to Amazon; as an affiliate we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.