-
Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction Closures
The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail between Damascus and Whitetop Mountain remains closed due to significant safety concerns and ongoing recovery work following Hurricane Helene. There will be ongoing construction work in the area, beginning immediately. There are a number of additional temporary closures, including portions of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to ensure public health and safety during this reconstruction process.
Areas covered by this closure order include:
Trails and Developed Recreation Sites
- Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, Forest Service Trail (FST) 4575, from Trestle 16 in the Town of Damascus to the North Carolina state line just past Whitetop Station
- Appalachian Trail from Highway 58 at Straight Branch Trailhead to Grassy Ridge Road/VA 859 (Northbound miles 476.6.0 to 485.8)
- Whitetop Laurel Fishing Trail (FST 4645)
- Taylors Valley Spur (FST 4651)
- Creek Junction Trailhead
- Straight Branch Trailhead
- Whitetop Station Parking Lot and Trailhead
- Green Cove Parking Lot and Facility
More information about options for hikers, including detailed trail detour directions, can be found at Appalachian Trail Updates: https://appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/.
Alert Start Date: November 14, 2025
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 08-08-14-26-01
Contact Information
Contact Name: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Contact Number: 276-783-5196
Contact Email: julie.clark3@usda.gov
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Pursuant to Title 16 U.S.C. § 551, and Title 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), for the protection of public health and safety the following acts are prohibited on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This Forest Order is effective from the date signed by the Forest Supervisor until November 30, 2026 or until terminated by an authorized Forest Service official, whichever occurs first.
- Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within this area: The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail (VCNRT) (Forest Service Trail 4575) starting at Trestle 16 in the Town of Damascus to Milepost 18.84, to include an area defined as 25 feet from centerline of the VCNRT on either side, is closed except where USDA Forest Service ownership is less than described. In those areas, the trail corridor (USDA Forest Service property) is closed, this includes areas bordered by private or municipal property. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53 (e). See Exhibit A attached.
- Being on any National Forest System trail listed in Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R.§ 26 l .55(a).
- Entering or using developed recreation sites listed in Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 26 l.58(b ).
Pursuant to 36 C.F .R § 261.50( e ), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized response and/or rescue team in performance of official duty.
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
- Owners or lessees of land and residents of such private landholdings, to the extent necessary to access their land.
These prohibitions are in addition to:
(a) the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.1-261.23 (Subpart A); (b) all other Forest Orders currently in effect, 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.50-261.58 (Subpart B); and
(c) all other Regional Orders currently in effect, 36 C.F .R §§ 261. 70 (Subpart C).