(WCYB) — The United States Forest Service (USFS) announced Thursday that the full Virginia Creeper Trail will reopen on March 31, 2027.
This will give the repaired trail time to settle over the winter and ensuring a safe, smooth start to the spring recreation season.
“This trail is part of the heartbeat of our community,” said Ed Wright, district ranger for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. “Ensuring the trail is safe and ready for the community is central to our work. When you see how much the town depends on the trail, knowing that it’s up to us to get it repaired and reopened responsibly, it’s an incredible responsibility.”
Helene destroyed 17 miles of the trail between Damascus and Whitetop Mountain in September 2024, damaging 30 of the trail’s 31 historic trestles. The USFS then awarded a $240 million contract to Kiewit Corporation to completely rebuild the washed out stretch, protect the trail from future storms, and restore every damaged trestle. Construction began in December 2025.
According to USFS, winter conditions play an important role in preparing a newly rebuilt trail.
“Allowing the corridor to ‘settle’ over the winter ensures the surface is stable, drainage systems are working, and the trail can withstand heavy spring use and changing weather. This extra time helps reduce long term maintenance costs and ensures a safer experience for cyclists, runners and families,” USFS said in a statement.
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