RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY
OF THE VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL
On September 27 2024 Hurricane Helene,
in addition to wrecking multiple communities throughout the Southeast,
destroyed 19 trestles, damaged several more and tore up miles of surface on Virginia's famous and beloved Creeper Trail.
This website provides a local perspective of the Damascus-Whitetop corridor and the significance of the trail to our area.
Photos show a work in progress. This is not the final version.
OFFICIAL OPENING DATE - MARCH 31, 2027 - USFS
Link to Drone Video Page
New Activity
Closeup look at Bridges 29 and 30
Bridges 29 and 30 have just had their concrete decks poured, late August 2026.
Trestle 38 Partially Demolished
Trestle 38 at Creek Junction is being partially demolished to add new supports and new decking. Drone video taken 3-14-26.
Creeper Trail recovery
Janice - Shorts by Curated Properties
documented by local residents
Mike - Videos by Beautiful Virginia
Stan - Co-moderator of "Fans of Virginia Creeper Trail"
Scott - Moderator of "Virginia Creeper Trail Upper and Lower"
Link to Kiewit's Official
Creeper Trail Recovery Website
Kiewit Project Data
Kiewit Staff Count: 66
Kiewit Craft Count: 121
Subcontractors: 29 (232)
On-site Equipment: 239 pieces
68 Pickup Trucks20 excavators
6 Cranes
10 Track Trucks (Panther)
4 Tractors
Bridges and trestles destroyed or damaged.
Access to the Creeper Trail for reconstruction crews.
Click on the maps for a larger image.
This website was used as a prime reference by the USFS for contractors.
Trestle 18 after Hurricane Helene
Other Resources
Local Lodging - Lodging for Contractors
Facebook - Fans of the Virginia Creeper Trail
NEW! Progress a year later: Adventure Time with Bane
NEW! Restoration details: Access to Forest Service documents
Forest Service - Virginia Creeper Trail Recovery
Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy Website
Virginia Creeper Trail Upper and Lower
Destruction video by James Mills
used as a resource by the National Forest Service
Wild Orchid Video - Virginia Creeper Trail
A video focused on Helene's impact on Damascus by a Georgia visitor.
Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia
We are working with this organization to create a permanent record of the 2024 destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
For questions concerning this website contact admin. This website is not officially connected to any organization.
It is provided as a public service by volunteers.