Hike/Bike: Virginia Creeper Trail and Grayson Highlands State Park: June 5th & 6th

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Logistics: Abingdon, VA is approximately 4 hours from Wintergreen. Members have the option to drive down on Thursday or leave early Friday morning (recommended to leave by 7:30 am if driving on Friday for the bike ride). Hotel information is provided below.

Friday Bike Ride : We will shuttle from Abingdon to Damascus using the Virginia Creeper Bike Shop in Abingdon. Meet at the bikeshop (201 Pecan Street, Abingdon, VA) at 12:45 pm on Friday, May 30th. The shuttle service will drop us off right next to the Damascus train station and we will jump on the Lower Creeper Trail there. The Lower Creeper Trail is a little over 16 miles to Abingdon and ends about 100 yards from the bike shop. We anticipate the ride will be 3 hours maximum for a leisurely ride with stops along the way. There is plenty of parking across the railroad tracks by the bike shop (300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, VA).

What to bring: water, snacks

For those more experienced bikers who want a longer ride, they are welcome to bike both ways (Abingdon-Damascus-Abingdon) for a total of 33 miles.

For shuttle service, let us know how many (see form below) and you will pay when you arrive at the bike shop.

For bike rentals, please call the bike shop directly (276-676-2552) to arrange for bike rental. Let them know you are biking with the Wintergreen Sports Club group on June 5th (1:00 pm shuttle). Note: If you find you cannot make it after making a reservation, please call them and let them know and they will cancel the reservation. Prices are below:

  • Shuttle Only (bring your own bike) $25

  • Standard road bike rental and shuttle: $35

  • Comfort bike rental and shuttle: $40

  • Ebike rental and shuttle: $100 (Ebikes are limited and it is recommended to reserve them early)

Saturday Hike: For carpooling, meet at the Abingdon Creeper trailhead (300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, VA) at 9:00 am. If you are driving home on Saturday, recommend you drive separately to avoid extra mileage/time. We will shuttle over to Grayson Highland State Park , and park at the Massie’s Gap Parking Area. As an alternative, members can meet us at Massie’s Gap at 10:15 am. This out and back 4.5-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail to Wilburn Ridge is one of the premier hikes in Virginia with incredible views and wild ponies. We anticipate this hike will take 3.5 hours (including lunch break afterwards) and we will be back in Abingdon around 2:00 pm. Note: This hike is moderately difficult hike with 900 ft elevation change. No dogs except service dogs are permitted on this group hike. Bring water and snacks. Hiking poles, sunscreen and bugspray are recommended.

Sunday Hike: If we have enough interest - we will do a Sunday morning hike to the Great Channels of Virginia - The Channels are a series of deep sandstone crevices worn into sandstone outcrops on the mountain's summit and form one of Virginia's most fascinating ecosystems (similar to slot canyons). This is a moderately difficult hike - 6.5 miles and 1300’ of elevation gain/loss. We will leave from Abingdon at 8:00 am (carpool due to limited parking) The trailhead is 35 minutes from Abingdon. The hike is expected to take 4 hours, and be back in Abingdon around 2:00 pm.

Friday Night Dinner: We will have a group dinner for those who want to join us at Sister’s American Grill at the Martha Washington Hotel at 7:00 pm. Please include the information on signup if you will be attending dinner.

Where to stay: Abingdon has a ton of hotels and there is also camping nearby. Thursday night is optional, or drive Friday morning to Abingdon (around a 4 hour drive). Saturday night is also optional and we may plan a dinner for those who choose to stay that night. There are plenty of chain hotels. Note: The Holiday Inn, Comfort Suites and Best Western all allow you to bring your bicycles in your room. For other hotels, please check with hotel if you are bringing a bike. For planning purposes - it is recommended to get refundable room rates in case of bad weather. Please make your own hotel accommodations.

Any questions or concerns? Or if you prefer to RSVP by email: Email: biking@wtgsportingclub.org or hiking@wtgsportingclub.org

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