One of the most popular is the Creeper Trail. Conveniently located at the head of one of Virginia’s most scenic hike and bike trails, the Virginia Creeper Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail is an old railroad grade that was converted to a trail. It winds along the Whitetop Laurel Creek with beautiful wooded and farmland scenery. There are lots of great swimming holes along this scenic North Carolina mountain trail way.

The hiking trail runs for 34.3 miles total. The trail began as an Indian footpath. In the early 1900′s a railroad was constructed along the route. After the railroad closed in 1977 the route was converted to a hike and bike trail. The trail winds through wonderfully scenic and remote countryside. You’ll go through forests and farmland and the country villages of Whitetop, Greencove, Taylor’s Valley and Damascus. The trail is adjacent to creeks and rivers along most of it’s length with plentiful swimming holes for those hot summer days. Along the way you’ll encounter many restored Train stations with historical information, refreshments and restrooms. The trail has a very gentle decline as you descend from Whitetop Station to Damascus. From Damascus to Abingdon the trail is fairly flat. The trail is very well kept and requires no previous mountain biking experience. It’s a great activity for the whole family.

Bike Shuttling Services:
The Bike Station – Damascus, VA
Adventure Damascus – Damascus, VA
JC’s Outdoors – Damascus, VA

Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. Sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer emerge from the security of the forest to graze on meadow grasses at the mountain’s base. The scenery is only one attraction of the park.

Test your fly-fishing techniques in more than 20 miles of designated trout waters. Or, with more than 16 miles of trails, take a hike in the park. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1975, Stone Mountain is bounded on the north by the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the west by the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands. More than 14,100 acres of mountain beauty offer opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds.

The New River State Park is also an excellent place for fishing. Cast out from the riverbanks and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You can fish for smallmouth bass and muskellunge trout, but be sure to get your NC fishing license before casting out. Also, at the State Park enjoy canoeing, camping and great hiking.

For guided New River Fishing trips, check out the many New River fishing guides in the area, many of which do day trips and provide the equipment and knowledge of the river. If fly fishing is more what you are looking for, the New River is perfect and there are many locations throughout the county for New River fly fishing.

Rick’s Smallmouth Adventures is one local Sparta NC fishing tour guide:

Rick’s Smallmouth Adventures
1757 Pleasant Home Road
Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-8321
rick@fishthenew.com