Historic Stops & Trail Rest at Green Cove Station, Damascus

Green Cove Station sits directly along the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail near Damascus, Virginia, offering a rare blend of history, outdoor respite, and local character. Once part of the old steam engine rail line, this station is one of the few remaining ties to the area's railway past, now repurposed as a welcoming stop for hikers, bikers, and day-trippers moving through this stretch of southwestern Virginia’s Appalachian foothills.

The station itself serves as both a small museum and rest point. Visitors can examine antique artifacts and relics from the steam railroad era, providing an authentic window into early 20th-century rail travel that shaped this region. Along with the historic displays, the general store stocks snacks, drinks, and essentials, accepting debit cards—an appreciated convenience for trail users.

Surrounding the station are ample shade trees and picnic tables, a perfect setting for a break from the trail’s rolling terrain and scenic forest stretches. Vault toilets nearby add a practical dimension to long-distance treks. Green Cove is also known for its local feline residents, a quirky touch bringing a bit of warmth and personality to the stop.

This location marks a crucial waypoint on the Virginia Creeper Trail, which winds along a rugged corridor through countryside shaped by mountain streams, hardwood forests, and resilient wildlife. The trail section east of Green Cove toward White Top Mountain echoes with the scars of recent flooding events, limiting bike access but remaining accessible on foot. Restoration efforts are anticipated to reopen this stretch fully in the coming years, reflecting ongoing investment in preserving the trail’s prominence in regional outdoor recreation.

By blending local history with functional trail amenities, Green Cove Station stands out not just as a rest spot but as a vibrant piece of the community’s outdoor and cultural fabric. Whether you’re pausing to learn about the rail line’s legacy or simply catching your breath amid the peaceful surroundings, this spot offers a meaningful connection to the heritage and scenery of the Virginia Creeper Trail corridor.