The best traffic-free bike rides in Ashe County

The Virginia Creeper Trail Loop offers a truly immersive touring cycling experience through the heart of Appalachia, winding past dense forests, expansive farmlands, and picturesque Christmas tree farms. You'll frequently ride alongside the soothing sounds of Whitetop Laurel Creek and the South Fork of the Holston River, crossing nearly 50 historic wooden trestles that provide elevated views of the surrounding landscape. The trail's surface, a mix of crushed limestone, cinders, dirt, and fine gravel, can be challenging, especially after rain, so come prepared for varied conditions.

This difficult 33.1-mile (53.3 km) loop, with its substantial 2796 feet (852 metres) of elevation gain, is a significant undertaking that typically takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes. Parking is readily available in towns like Damascus, which also offers amenities and bike rentals. While the trail is multi-use, this specific loop is best for experienced cyclists with good fitness, and it's wise to carry plenty of water and start early to enjoy the ride without rushing.

Originally a historic railway bed, the Virginia Creeper Trail earned its name from the slow speed trains once traveled up the mountain grades, making it a unique historical point of interest. It passes through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, showcasing the region's rich natural environment and offering scenic viewpoints. For those looking for a less strenuous ride, shuttle services are available to access the popular downhill sections, but this loop provides a full, challenging exploration of the trail's diverse character.

The Horse Trail East and Stamper's Branch Loop offers a captivating touring cycling experience through the high-altitude beauty of Grayson Highlands State Park. You'll wind through diverse terrain, from open areas with panoramic views of alpine-like peaks to serene wooded sections, with the added thrill of potentially spotting the park's iconic wild ponies. The Stamper's Branch Trail portion of the route even brings you near Little Pinnacle, providing scenic overlooks of Wilburn Branch and the surrounding wilderness.

This moderate 6.5-mile (10.5 km) loop involves 771 feet (235 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 51 minutes to complete, making it a great option for intermediate cyclists. As a multi-use trail system within Grayson Highlands State Park, you'll be sharing the path with hikers and horseback riders, so always be mindful of others. Parking and facilities are available within the park, so plan your visit accordingly.

Beyond its immediate charms, this route is part of a larger network that connects to the famed Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, offering extensive exploration opportunities. The park's focus on equestrian amenities, such as horse camping areas, also benefits touring cyclists looking for robust infrastructure. You can even access additional horse trails in the Jefferson National Forest for longer rides, making this a strategic starting point for adventure.

If you're looking for a taste of Virginia's backcountry on two wheels, the TransVirginia Bike Route delivers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This moderate 8.7-mile (14.0 km) segment, with its 1098 feet (335 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. You'll traverse unpaved roads and trails, winding through mountains and national forests, offering a genuine escape from traffic and a chance to explore diverse landscapes, including views towards Whitetop Mountain.

Planning your ride is straightforward, but remember this route emphasizes self-supported adventure. The best time to cycle is between April and October. While the full TransVirginia has many resupply points, always carry sufficient water and provisions for your chosen section. Be aware that some remote areas might have limited mobile service, so ensure you have offline maps for navigation.

The TransVirginia Bike Route stands out for its focus on backcountry riding, bridging the gap between pavement-only road touring and technical singletrack bikepacking. It's an accessible challenge for motivated cyclists, offering a similar spirit to routes like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. This route is poised to become an iconic East Coast gravel bikepacking destination, providing a unique way to experience Virginia's natural beauty and rural communities.

The Whitetop to Virginia Creeper Trail and TransVirginia Bike Route loop, when fully open, promises a varied touring bicycle experience, blending the gentle grades of a rail-trail with the ruggedness of a bikepacking route. You'll traverse picturesque landscapes, from the lush mountain forests and rolling farmlands of the Virginia Creeper Trail, crossing its 47 iconic trestle bridges, to the remote mountain areas and challenging gravel roads of the TransVirginia sections. This moderate route covers 8.6 miles (13.9 km) with 765 feet (233 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 4 minutes, offering a unique contrast in terrain and scenery.

It's crucial to note that the Virginia Creeper Trail section from Damascus to Whitetop Station is currently closed due to hurricane damage, with an estimated reopening in late 2026 or early 2027. This means the full loop is not presently possible. For the open sections of the Virginia Creeper Trail, shuttle services are available from nearby towns, and the trail is generally easy and family-friendly. However, the TransVirginia portions demand good fitness and preparation for unpaved, challenging climbs, so always check current conditions.

The Virginia Creeper Trail is celebrated as one of the best "rails-to-trails" in the eastern United States, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and railroad history. In contrast, the TransVirginia Bike Route caters to self-supported bikepacking, designed for multi-day trips through remote mountain areas and aiming to be an iconic East Coast gravel bikepacking adventure. This loop, once fully restored, would bridge these two distinct cycling worlds, providing a comprehensive tour of Virginia's diverse cycling landscape.