About
Project Overview
The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon to Whitetop, winding through forested slopes, creek valleys and some of Southwest Virginia’s most popular outdoor spaces. For many in the region, it’s part of daily life, a place to ride, walk, fish or spend time with family, and a driver of local tourism and business.
Reconstruction focuses on the 18-mile section managed by the U.S. Forest Service between Damascus and the North Carolina state line. Known for its trestle bridges, creek views and narrow mountain corridor, this upper portion is one of the trail’s most visited segments and a key link for riders traveling between Whitetop and Damascus.
Storm Impacts
Hurricane Helene caused the most severe damage along this section. Flooding displaced or destroyed 18 of the corridor’s 33 trestles, damaged the remaining structures and triggered 17 slope failures that destabilized large portions of the trail bed. Debris, rock and fallen timber remain throughout the corridor, limiting access and creating unsafe conditions.
Reconstruction Work
To restore safe public access, the U.S. Forest Service authorized a full reconstruction of this 18-mile segment. Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. is rebuilding damaged trestles, repairing remaining structures, stabilizing slopes, restoring the trail bed and drainage, and removing debris throughout the area.
Work also includes improvements at Straight Branch, Taylor’s Valley, Creek Junction, Whitetop Station and Green Cove Station, where parking areas, spur trails and restrooms were affected by the storm.
The corridor’s steep terrain and limited access points require careful planning. Crews are working in segments to safely move equipment, stabilize slopes and rebuild structures.
Closure Notice
Please note: The U.S. Forest Service has closed the 18-mile National Forest section of the Virginia Creeper Trail between Damascus and the North Carolina state line due to infrastructure damage and active construction. For your safety, access to this section is prohibited during reconstruction.