Once the highest rail station east of the Rockies, The Whitetop Station now welcomes cyclists from around the world. The Station serves as the starting point for downhill cyclists and a welcome rest stop for those who ride up the trail. It is your one-stop hub for all things trail-related. You'll find trail information, maps, restrooms, a selection of snacks and beverages, and the largest collection of historical photos of the Creeper Trail from 1900 to today.
Although the original building was demolished after the rail line was abandoned in 1977, a new chapter began on October 22, 2000. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the US Forest Service and the Friends of Whitetop Station, a new building emerged. Expanded and improved, the new structure honors the legacy of its predecessor while offering enhanced amenities for today’s visitors. Join us at Whitetop Station and be part of the ongoing story of this historic landmark.
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene came through southwest Virginia and destroyed the upper section of the trail. Rebuilding the trail is going to be a huge undertaking and with all the interdependencies, the recovery process/timeline will be anything but linear. Rebuilding the trail will involve many different organizations, funding from a variety of sources, creative solutions, and time.
We will use this space to provide updates and links to other helpful websites.
Appalachian Trail, Elk Garden to Damascus | The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is now open from Elk Garden Trailhead to the Virginia/Tennessee line. This section of trail includes Whitetop Mountain to Damascus. The Trail has not returned to its pre-Helene condition, but major blowdowns have been removed and treadway issues have been sufficiently addressed. The 6/10ths of a mile where the Appalachian Trail coincides with the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is open to hikers only. Hikers should continue to exercise caution and stay up to date on Appalachian Trail conditions at appalachiantrail.org/helene.
Whitetop to Green Cove | This section of the trail has been cleared, but there are still some dangerous ruts and a section of the trail is washed out as it approaches Green Cove Station. Trestle #46, which doesn't appear to be damaged, has not yet been assessed by the engineering team. Once its determined to be safe and the ruts have been filled in, we expect the USFS will reopen this section of trail.
Highway 58 | Temporary passage for construction vehicles should be completed by early 2025. This will allow construction equipment to get to areas of the trail as well. The permanent road repairs are projected to be completed by the end of 2025.
USDA uses Emergency Authority to expedite hurricane relief efforts - https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/newsroom/releases/usda-forest-service-uses-post-hurricane-emergency-authority. This could be good news for the Virginia Creeper Trail.
The Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy (VCTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the Creeper Trail corridor. The VCTC partners with other trail stake holders to support a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users.
Donations to support the efforts to rebuild the trail can be made on their donations page.
The US Forest Service owns the upper section of the trail and will take the lead to rebuild it. For information about trail closings, the current condition of the trail and progress being made, please visit their website.
This video does a great job of documenting the damage to the trail - The upper section of the Virginia Creeper Trail
A video by Allen Street which captures the extraordinary beauty of the trail before Hurricane Helene.
All contributions are used to help pay for repairs and maintenance to the Whitetop Station, and to support different initiatives within our community.
donate
Friends of Whitetop is an all-volunteer organization that partners with the US Forest Service to manage the Whitetop Station visitor center.
Every third Saturday this summer, we will be working on the Station doing repairs, painting and some general cleanup. If you want to help, please fill out this form
Friends of Whitetop
1565 Whitetop Gap Road
(USFS) 276.783.5196
(Station) 276.388.2919
