The Virginia Creeper Trail (Progress After Hurricane Helene, A Year Later)

The Creeper Trail: Documenting The Restoration after Hurricane Helene's Destruction Currently The U.S. Forest Service has cleared out a lot of the debris and widened sections of the trail to accommodate heavy equipment that will be used in the restoration. Bids have been returned from private companies to do the work and we're currently waiting for the winning bids to be announced. Work is contracted to be done within a year. My original video last year was used by the U.S. Forest Service in their write up for bids in the repair and because of that I've decided to keep up with the progress here and try to keep everyone informed. Currently the trail is wide open from Abingdon to Damascus and the trail conditions for that seven miles is awesome. Pretty easy downhill grades from Abingdon to Alvarado Station, which is halfway between the two ends. The other half is pretty much flat, with 200' of elevation gain in about 8 miles. The grade is basically flat. Also, the two towns have decided to allow e-bikes to be on the trail and you can now rent them (I'm a fan of Adventure Damascus, tell them I sent you) 00:00 START 00:20 Trestle 18 02:08 The Creeper Trail 02:28 Bane Interviews & The Riders Ride 03:40 Lots of progress 07:46 The Beavers are back to work 10:08 Green Cove 12:30 Surprised this is still here 14:35 Hope in Damascus 15:26 I'm not sponsored lol 18:10 End Prior to the hurricane, The Virginia Creeper Trail was a 35-mile multi-purpose rail trail. Located in southwestern Virginia, the trail ran through Damascus, from Abingdon to Whitetop, Virginia, near Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the North Carolina state line. Damascus is a small town with a BIG claim to fame: Several renowned trails intersect within our town limits, bestowing the honor of "Trail Town USA". As these trails pass through downtown Damascus, they bring along people, stories, and culture from all walks of life. Seven Trails at the Heart of Damascus Virginia Creeper Trail Appalachian Trail (AT) Iron Mountain Trail Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route TransAmerica Bicycle Trail / Route 76 TransVirginia Bike Route The Crooked Road *** The Virginia Creeper Trail remains CLOSED on the upper half from Damascus to Whitetop Station. The Appalachian Trail is now OPEN from VA/TN line to Elk Garden. For open areas of the national forest: Use caution as conditions are dynamic and can change day-to-day. Potential hazards include loose rocks, down and falling trees and limbs, and soft shoulders. Portions of trail may be damaged, missing, or blocked. *** Damascus, Virginia is facing a long road to recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Downtown and low-lying areas experienced significant flooding. Local trails are damaged and closed to the public, including the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Station to Damascus. The Town of Damascus has set up the 'Damascus Strong' Direct Fund, which will allow donations to go where they are needed most. Please specify designated giving to Direct Fund, Virginia Creeper Trail, Downtown, or Emergency Services. For employer matching funds, the Town of Damascus EIN is 54-6001242. Visit Damascus, ride the open area of the Creeper Trail. drone notice any and all drone flight footage, flight path take off and end on private property and/or with permission.