Explore the stunning Cedar Creek and Jackson River valleys on a guided shuttle and bike rental adventure in Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands. Perfect for families and riders of all levels, this scenic route features towering cliffs, historic bridges, and peaceful river views.
Explore the stunning Cedar Creek and Jackson River valleys on a guided shuttle and bike rental adventure in Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands. Perfect for families and riders of all levels, this scenic route features towering cliffs, historic bridges, and peaceful river views.
Book with Alleghany Outdoors
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Alleghany Outdoors · Covington, Virginia
Located in the heart of Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands, the Bike Rental & Shuttle to Cedar Creek offers riders a refreshing outdoor escape along the scenic Jackson River Corridor. Starting at mile marker zero at the Intervale trailhead in Covington, this guided shuttle brings you directly to the Cedar Creek trailhead, situated 16 miles upstream. From here, you’ll embark on a leisurely ride back downhill to where your vehicle awaits, making for a perfect half-day excursion that blends invigorating exercise with stunning natural views.
This route begins in the narrow Cedar Creek valley, where the creek carves its way through steep hills adorned with old-growth trees and exposed geological formations. As you pass the early sections, you’ll notice how the landscape transitions — Cedar Creek widens and flows into the larger Jackson River. This stretch is flanked by soaring 300-foot cliffs that frame the river’s steady current with a dramatic backdrop, offering glimpses of Virginia’s rugged mountain terrain.
Riders will encounter a mix of natural beauty and elements of human history, including two distinctive bridges: a historic steel bridge and a swinging pedestrian bridge, each providing unique photo opportunities and a chance to pause and absorb the atmosphere. Along the ride, several small eateries and rest stops allow you to fuel up or relax while soaking in the river’s deep green and blue hues.
This experience is ideal for riders of most ages and skill levels. From toddlers with tag-along attachments to serious cyclists seeking a moderate challenge, Alleghany Outdoors provides high-quality helmets, well-maintained bicycles, and a variety of rental options including cargo trailers, kid trailers, and special needs bikes. The shuttle service ensures you start at the top of the route, letting gravity and the gentle downhill gradient carry you almost effortlessly back to your start point.
Covington, Virginia, serves as a welcoming gateway to this adventure, offering local charm and convenient amenities for travelers. The route’s accessibility and the company’s commitment to inclusive biking make it a standout option for families, solo explorers, and groups.
With approximately 2 to 4 hours needed to complete the ride, the experience delivers an immersive outdoor journey through Alleghany’s distinctive river valley landscape without demanding expert cycling skills. Whether you’re drawn by the geological wonders, the majestic cliffs, or the tranquil flow of Cedar Creek merging into the Jackson River, this bike rental and shuttle service presents an accessible way to explore one of Virginia’s lesser-known outdoor treasures.
Yes, the shuttle from Intervale to Cedar Creek trailhead is included with the bike rental package.
The trip is suitable for riders aged 2 and up, with trailers and tag-alongs available for young children.
Yes, helmets are provided with every bike rental for safety.
Alleghany Outdoors offers special needs bikes and trailers to accommodate a variety of riders.
Yes, the mostly downhill route and moderate difficulty make it accessible for beginners with basic cycling skills.
Bring comfortable clothing, water, sunscreen, and any personal items; helmets and bikes are provided.
Alleghany Outdoors is a full-service outdoor outfitter based on the Jackson River corridor that specializes in guided paddling trips, bike excursions, equipment rentals, and group camping. The outfitter runs family-friendly paddle trips on the upper Jackson River — including a signature 7.5-mile route with class I–II rapids that takes about three to four hours — plus shorter 1.5–2-hour family paddles. Rentals include kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with delivery and shuttle options for Lake Moomaw outings across 42 miles of shoreline. Bike services range from electric-bike tours and self-guided rentals to shuttle-supported rides along the Jackson River Scenic Bike Trail, including a 26-mile round trip and Cedar Creek shuttle runs. Alleghany Outdoors organizes multi-activity combos (bike+kayak, bike+tube), multi-day youth programs with camping, and special events such as river cleanups, volunteer trail maintenance, intro-to-paddling clinics, and Riverbank Music Chronicles. Facilities include a 28-person riverfront deck with grill and a manicured field for games, riverside restrooms, and primitive camping access for overnight stays. Safety and accessibility are emphasized through experienced guides, straightforward rapids for beginners, clear shuttle logistics, and equipment quality. Alleghany Outdoors supports responsible recreation and local stewardship by hosting regular cleanups and educational events. The outfitter’s diverse program mix makes it easy for families, groups, and outdoor clubs to plan tailored trips — from a relaxing float and sound bath to an action-packed day of biking, paddling, and tubing. Booking is available online, by phone, and through local visitor centers for flexible scheduling and group rates and seasonal guided departures daily.
Book with Alleghany Outdoors