Gravel Ride of the Week: Grayson Gravel Traverse
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Grayson County, an often-overlooked gem in Southern Virginia, is bookended by two remarkable trails - the renowned Virginia Creeper Trail on one end and the picturesque New River Trail State Park on the other. (Images from both trails shown below.)
Now, imagine a masterfully planned gravel route that connects the trail in the west to its counterpart in the east. That's where this two-day bikepacking story comes in!
Starting in Damascus, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and the hub of the Virginia Creeper Trail, I joined a diverse group of talented bikepackers—a collective of photographers, cycling content creators and ultra-endurance racers. Also in the mix was the mastermind behind the Trans Virginia bikepacking route, David Landis, the route aficionado behind the Grayson Gravel Traverse. Our journey commenced from the Caboose in Damascus, a symbol marking the end of the Trans Virginia route. Setting our course toward Whitetop Station, perched near the summit of the Creeper trail, we marveled at the breathtaking scenery along the Creeper trail ascent.
Traversing the Grayson Gravel route, we encountered the authentic warmth of the locals—a community that embraces adventure cyclists. At a Molasses Festival, not far from Whitetop station, we were welcomed with open arms as the county's hospitality shone brightly. While this festival might not always be a resupply spot for future cyclists, a great alternative is the Railroad Market & Cafe—an ideal pitstop offering not just supplies, but also super-friendly service to fuel the remainder of your journey.
A standout highlight was our overnight stay at the Grayson Highlands Inn, where Paula Biehler, the new owner, received us enthusiastically. Paula's culinary skills made for one unforgettable stay. From mouthwatering dishes to hearty breakfasts, every meal was a testament to the inn's commitment to providing a truly rejuvenating experience.
On day two, we pedaled through more picturesque landscapes. The Grayson Gravel Traverse route showcased the county's natural beauty, meandering through expansive farmlands, past idyllic creeks, and historic landmarks, like the courthouse in Independence.
In Independence, our lunchtime pitstop at Ciro's, known for its colossal 'medium' pizzas, became a memorable experience. In Grayson County, their hospitality even shows in the generous size of the pizza servings!
We wrapped up the journey at the Fries trailhead of the New River Trail State Park. The rest of the group overnighted in Fries and embarked on a 77-mile ride back to Damascus the next day, while I headed back home that night. I can highly recommend that you come check out this route for yourself. Check out Grayson County’s website for more information and route files.
I am immensely thankful for the generous support offered by Grayson County and all the stakeholders involved. This trip was a testament to the collaborative efforts that went into making it a reality, and I am grateful for the warm embrace extended by the community throughout our unforgettable journey.
