Springtime In The Mountains of Southwest Virginia

The Creeper Trail at Damascus, Va. attracts thousands each year to enjoy the beauties of nature as they hike, bike and ride horses on the trail. From Abingdon, Va. to Damascus, Va. the trail follows the same terrain which Daniel Boone and other hunters and explorers traveled over two hundred years ago. At Damascus the trail, which is built on the old railroad bed, turns up Straight Branch  and traverses the beautiful mountains and hollows through the Mount Rogers Recreational Area..
It is called the Creeper Trail in memory of the train which once carried logs, iron ore, manganese and other commodities from West Jefferson, NC. to Abingdon, Va..
The grades were so steep the little engine barley crept to the tops of the ridges, so it became know as the "Creeper"....
 

Straight Branch, a popular trout stream, is crossed many times as one hikes or bikes the Creeper Trail, however, all the crossings are made on the old railroad trestles which have been well maintained for the safety and convenience of hikers. Some were washed out during a recent flood but have been reconstructed..
 There are several roadside picnic spots along Route 58 near the stream.. Those who aren't up to hiking or biking can enjoy a leisurely drive through the area and enjoy the beautiful wild flowers of spring and summer...

The old rock school at Damascus, VA. stood several years in a state of disrepair but now it has been turned into low rent apartments and the auditorium has been remodeled for community use.
The Appalachian Foot Trail is routed through Damascus, Va. and it has become a popular stopping point for hikers.

The Caboose at Damascus, VA.

Located beside the Creeper Trail in Damascus, Va., the Caboose is used as an information center and gift shop and is operated by The Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area, Forestry Service,
 U. S. Dept of Agriculture
The Appalachian Foot Trail crosses the Creeper Trail at the caboose and hikers meet here to discuss hiking and biking.
Each Spring the Town of Damascus sponsors a Trail Days Festival and hikers and bikers attend from all over the U.S.