Virginia Creeper Trail (Asheville Photographer)

Warning: Do NOT take photos while riding a bike.

This suggestion would’ve come in handy prior to my weekend ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail. I didn’t take any nasty spills while in shooting mode, but my daring, one-handed, photographic maneuvers while steering the bike with my other hand could have ended badly. Very badly. But who could blame me?! The scenery was amazing and riding down without taking photos is just plain painful for someone who sees the world through a lens.

This weekend, my family and I joined a group of friends to camp and travel down 17 miles of the picturesque Virginia Creeper Trail. The 35-mile bike trail runs on a former railway dating to the 1880s. The name came from locals who referred to the steam engine that labored slowly up the mountain with heavy loads as the “Virginia Creeper.”

Since we were newbies, we tackled the stretch from White Top, Virginia down to Damascus. This portion is downhill most of the way and includes very little pedaling until the end. It takes about 2.5-3 hours to complete, unless you have little ones whose short legs and tiny bikes will add an hour or five to your finish time. (Ahem…Green Family)

It was an amazing experience and a very fun way to spend family time during our school’s Fall Break. The leaves were just starting to change and the weather was very comfortable. We camped at nearby Beartree Campground and used Creeper Trail Bike Rental in Damascus for the shuttle up the mountain.

It was the perfect trip for officially kicking off the fall season. And the kids were smiling at the end.

We will be back, Creeper!

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area