Hiking, Biking in Southwest Virginia - 2 days, 3 nights

Southwest Virginia provides plenty of options for outdoor activities. For this 2 day, 3 night adventure the primary outdoor activities will be biking and hiking.

The bike opportunity will be along the picturesque Virginia Creeper Trail. It is currently open from Abingdon to Damascus, VA - covering a 13-mile stretch. Options will be available to bike this entire length or just a portion of it. If you currently do not own a bike, there are rentals available at bike shops in Abingdon and Damascus.

The other activity for this adventure will be a hike. Your Event Coordinator is considering hiking an incredibly beautiful stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Massie Gap - which will include a side hike option to the summit of Mount Rogers - the highest mountain summit in Virginia. This hike will also pass through a section of Grayson Highland State Park - with plenty of unobstructed, panoramic views and wild ponies that graze and live throughout this State Park.

As for lodging, participants will need to find their own lodging accommodations. There are plenty of available options - hotels in Abingdon, VA and Airbnb's throughout the area (including Abingdon and Damascus, VA). If there is enough initial interest, your Event Coordinator can research Airbnb options - however, a solid commitment, along with a deposit paid to the Event Coordinator will be required if a large Airbnb is considered.

Here's a basic itinerary for this adventurous road trip:

>Sunday, June 1 afternoon - arrive in Abingdon or Damascus, VA - wherever your lodging accommodations will be
>Sunday, June 1 - 6PM to 6:30PM - gather for a group meal in Abingdon, VA - Bella's Pizza and Subs
>Monday, June 2 - 10AM - meet at the Virginia Creeper Trail Visitor Center - located in Abingdon, VA - 300 Green Spring Road - bike as far as you want to along the bike trail - overall biking distance is wide open
>Monday, June 2 - 3PM - gather back at the Virginia Creeper Trail Visitor Center - free time until 6PM
>Monday, June 2 - 6PM - gather for group dinner - location TBD
>Tuesday, June 3 - 8:30AM - gather to carpool to Grayson Highland State Park - location for meeting TBD - we can make decisions the night before regarding the length of hike each individual wants to do - hike difficulties can range from Easy to Moderately Strenuous
>Tuesday, June 3 late afternoon - return to Abingdon for a group meal or you can decide to return home
>Wednesday, June 4 - for those remaining - depart to return back home

As you can see, the level of your activity each day can vary. Therefore, I would consider this trip to be ideal for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors in a beautiful, slower paced region of Virginia.

Please message your Event Coordinator if you have any questions or use the "Comment" section for any remarks. I will do my best to respond as promptly as possible.

Hope you will be able to participate in this fun, adventurous outing.