April, 2025. We visited Abington, Virginia quite a few years ago. After discovering the Virginia…read moreCreeper Trail at that time, we promised that we'd return "someday" to bike at least part of the trail. This trail is a nationally-acclaimed Rails-to-Trails that extends for 34 miles and over 47 trestle bridges. While best known as a biking trail, it's actually a multi-use trail with bikers, walkers, stroller pushers, runners, equestrians, and more, especially near the access points. In the past, the trail started near Whitetop, went about 18 miles to the center point near Damascus, and ended in the charming town of Abingdon (or vice versa). Unfortunately, Damascus was hard hit by Hurricane Helene, and 18 trestle bridges were destroyed as well as many portions of the trail so the Whitetop to Damascus portion of the trail is currently closed. The 18-mile stretch from Damascus to Abington IS open. While there are bike rental companies, as well as shuttle services to take you to the trail's start, we brought our own bikes. We decided to ride the 8.5 mile segment from Abingdon (elevation: 2,020' to Alvarado Station (the old train stop at 1,750') and back. This "lower" section is considered a relatively easy to moderate stretch through rolling farmland and forests and over beautiful trestle bridges. As mentioned, our turning point was Alvarado Station, where we enjoyed our picnic lunch on a bench river-side. The stop also had drinks and snacks available for sale, a water refill station, restrooms, and a big, friendly dog eyeing our lunches! The trail is wide in most areas, and is very well-maintained. There are multiple access points with parking lots, information kiosks, regular mileage markers, benches, photo ops, and some restrooms. In a relatively recent development, e-bikes are now allowed on the trail. With its restaurants, breweries, shops, local theater, and more, make some extra time to visit Abingdon!

Love riding the Virginia Creeper Trail. Most people ride it from Whitetop Mountain down to…read moreDamascus, but it's just as enjoyable riding the section from Abingdon to Damascus, and back. Both routes offer beautiful scenery and make for a great ride. ‍

While the actual park frontage area is fairly tiny, consisting of not much but a small shelter with…read morepicnic tables, and a basketball court, it includes trailheads abutting some excellent running and hiking trails. On a recent visit, I was able to enjoy a brisk run along Steele Creek Lake on a wide, relatively flat trail covered in a bed of leaves (as indicated by my pictures). I also started a hike up the Lake Ridge Trail, more of a winding single-track with a good bit of up-and-down, but turned around due to an increasingly persistent chilly rain. I pretty much had the park all to myself, though I'm guessing the weather forecast of 45 degrees and rain had something to do with that. Even still, I'm guessing that due to the fairly sparse population of this area, it's rarely if ever what a big-city guy like myself would consider to be "crowded." If you're in the area and would like to go out for a run or walk, this park is definitely worth a visit.

At the center of a sort of suburban sprawl that characterizes this confluence of states, this park…read moreoffers trails, frisbee golf, golf golf, and a variety of other activities. The lake has one very hilly, woodsy side, and one quite flat side, so you can choose your adventure or do both. The parking area was kind of confusing and had gates which just opened automatically so I don't know why they needed to be there at all. The overlook on the more rugged part of the trail didn't have a clear view, though what one could make out through the brush looked nice. It certainly isn't like being out in the abundant nearby wilderness, but as far as urban park land goes it has plenty to offer.

Love this park, so glad they put in a Splash Pad for the kids...my kids love it. Only cost $2.00 to…read moreget in. They have a nice (air conditioned) nature center and we love going out on the water in the paddle boats. Kids love riding the little train. They have several shelters that can be rented for parties. The playgrounds are really nice and well maintained. Nice place to take your bikes and ride around the lake.

Very Beautiful! The lake looks so inviting, maybe next time. Clean relaxing and serene. We rode…read morethrough on the Motorcycle a this Gorgeous Day

Pros: Hidden gem with breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. Nearby Osceola Island Loop is a…read more1.50 mile gravel trail recommended for a leisurely nature walk. Cons: Unclear signage.

An enjoyable trip from the Wilbur Dam down the river. Our guide, Daniel, was very personable &…read moreknowledgeable. We really enjoyed his conversation & information about the river. Trip was about 2+ hrs. We stopped for snacks & water & a bathroom break. Also an opportunity to jump into an area of still water. Rope swing & slide available as well. It was a rainy afternoon, we were provided ponchos. Water guns also included! Which was fun for the teenager in our group !

We had a wonderful experience rafting on the Watauga River. Our guide, Jerry, was really great. He…read morewas very knowledgeable, fun and informative. The owner was Teresa was super friendly. She took many photos of us along with our guide that she sent us for free. They even loaned us a hat to wear on the river! I highly recommend Watauga Kayak Tours & Outfitters!

We stayed here from June 10th to June 14th, and I can't say enough good things about the campground…read moreand the hosts. From the moment you arrive, they go above and beyond--checking you in, helping deliver hay and supplies to the barn, assisting you with backing in your trailer, and even knowing exactly what's needed to get it leveled. The paddocks are fantastic and give your horses plenty of space to roam and relax after a long ride. Everything was well-maintained--clean, freshly mowed, and the bathrooms were spotless and spacious. As for the trails, there aren't many. The main 8-mile trail is mostly an old blacktop/gravel road. We also rode the Morrell Trail, which takes you to the top of the mountain. Be prepared for a lot of switchbacks--about 16 inches wide--with a drop-off on one side and a dirt or rock wall on the other. We had an inexperienced rider with us on a solid horse and had no issues. I'm glad we did it, but I probably wouldn't do it again--lol. I've seen some comments about the road leading into the campground. Yes, it is narrow, but I didn't have any problems with my 35-foot truck and trailer. Honestly, I've been on narrower roads in Indiana. We also took a day trip to the Blue Hole, which is definitely worth visiting--especially on a hot day. One tip: don't wear flip-flops for the walk down.

Two nights here and I would have stayed longer but I really need a place with a bit more bandwidth…read more If you're looking for quiet, secluded and peaceful, this is the spot. It is a small RV park and it's a mile and a half down a quiet lane, well away from just about everything. A full size Class A would be challenging but doable. I managed to do okay with my Class C. The park has a nice bathhouse, a nice area for campfires and plenty of trees. My parking spot was level, the electric and water worked great. And yes, they do have a wifi but it only just barely reached my spot. And Sprint was useless. This campground wasn't for me, but it may be for you. [Review 14965 overall, 467 of 2021, number 268 in Tennessee.]