• How far is the ride from Whitetop to Damascus? - 17 miles, almost all downhill. You'll have to pedal the last 3 miles as it flattens out a bit.
• How long will it take? - From 2 1/2 to 3 hours depending on how leisurely you want to be about it. We suggest that you take your time because there are many beautiful places to stop and "take it all in".
• Are there water and food and bathrooms along the trail? - Yes, there are vault toilets at numerous places including the trailhead at Whitetop. There is water available (seasonal) at Green Cove. There is a nice little cafe at Taylor's Valley, about 10 miles down, that you can stop and have lunch at as well as many places to eat in Damascus.
• What is the surface of the Virginia Creeper Trail like? - Crushed limestone and cinders left over from the train days.

Is it a strenuous ride? - Nope, even people who haven't ridden in years can do this ride. That's what makes is so great!

Answers to some additional questions…

How much will it cost? If you plan to bring you own bike, the cost for the shuttle ride only is $11 for adults, $ 7 for children. Bike rentals are available, for $21.60 for adults and $19.80 for children and include the shuttle ride. If you intend to rent bikes, please let me know!

Will Pack 15 provide transpiration to Damascus, VA? No. You are responsible for your own transportation. However, parents may elect independently to carpool with others if they desire. No scout will be permitted to travel without a parent or guardian. We may also have a truck or trailer to assist with bike transportation for those who are taking their own bikes.

What time will we leave on Saturday, October 18th? We will leave promptly at 8:00 from Weaverville United Methodist Church. For this to happen, you will need to arrive at least 15 minutes early or at least by 7:45am. We intend to travel together as a group, though maps will be provided in case we get separated. Travel time is about 2.5 hours.

How difficult is the ride ? Assuming you’ve ridden a bike before, the ride is very easy but long. For most of the ride, there is a slight downhill grade (about 2%). The last three miles are flat. Ride time will take between 2 1/2 and 3 hours to complete the entire 17 miles. Because there is a lot to see along the trail, everyone has different physical abilities, and fall can be a crowded time of year on the trail, it’s virtually impossible to stay together as a large group. Typically, we end up as several small groups.

Does a parent or guardian have to accompany each scout? Yes! Scouting regulations require cub scouts to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.Also, because the trail willlikely be crowded this time of year, parents are responsible for watching out for their scouts.

What about helmets? North Carolina law requires that all persons under the age of 16 wear a bike helmet when riding. Even though we will be in Virginia, we intend to abide by this law. Parents can set a good example by wearing a helmet also.

Will meals be provided? No. This is a day trip only and you will need to provide for your own meals and snacks. Breakfast can be eaten prior to or while en-route. For lunch, please plan to pack a lunch that you can take on the trail. Sandwiches, chips and an apple have worked well for us. We will plan to eat lunch together around noon, about 30 minutes down the trail at the historic Green Cove railroad station. A small day pack should work well for carrying lunch.

What else do I need to bring or do? Water, of course. Also, in addition to lunch, it is recommended that you bring snacks for your scout to eat while on the trail (trail mix, energy bars, fruit snacks, etc.). Also, make sure your bike is in good repair and your tires are inflated properly prior to arriving. Bring money as there is an ice cream shop near the end of the trail in Damascus. Finally, a small first aid kit might come in handy in case anyone takes a spill.

What should I wear? Parents and scouts should wear comfortable clothing, appropriate for the weather and bike riding . We would also like for all scouts to wear their gold Pack 15 t-shirt if possible. This is so we can more easily identify our boys. Also, it can be very cool at the top at Whitetop Station in the morning when we begin our ride (expect it to be 5-10 degrees cooler than Asheville’s temp). They don’t call it ‘whitetop’ for nothin’! However, it can warm up quickly as the air temperature rises, we descend in altitude, and our bodies warm up from riding. Therefore, it is recommended that you dress in layers. In addition to carrying lunch, a day pack is useful for storing your extra layers, etc. It would also be wise to check the weather for Damascus, VA the night before.

What will the day’s schedule look like? Here’s the general plan. All times are approximate except shuttle departure.

• 8:00am – Depart Weaverville
• 10:30am –Arrive in Damascus, VA (‘The Bike Station’ will be providing shuttle service)
• 11:00am – Shuttle Departs Damascus for Whitetop Station
• 11:45am – Shuttle arrives at Whitetop Station
• 12:15pm – Let the ride begin!
• 12:45pm – Lunch at Green Cove station
• 4:30pm – Finish and return to Weaverville