A crowd is expected to turn out Thursday for the official start of the $240 million rebuilding of the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
A groundbreaking ceremony has been set for 3:30 p.m. at trestle 16 in Damascus Town Park, 202 S. Beaverdam Ave.
Town officials say the start of the project is a significant milestone that is expected to draw around 200 people, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Other guests will include representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, which owns that portion of the trail; the Virginia Tourism Corp.; and the project contractor, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
The storm hit Sept. 27, 2024, after days of steady rain, resulting in heavy flooding and high winds. One of the hardest-hit areas in Southwest Virginia was Damascus and its surrounding communities of Taylors Valley and Green Cove. Businesses and homes were damaged and destroyed, and bridges and a section of U.S. 58 were wiped out. A number of people also required swift-water rescues.
The second half of the 34-mile recreation trail from Damascus to its end at Whitetop Station was severely impacted, with the trestles either destroyed or heavily damaged. Many parts of the trail were washed away.
The trail starts in Abingdon, runs through Damascus, which is known as Trail Town USA, and ends near the North Carolina line. The first portion, which sustained only minor damage from Helene, reopened in a few days, and local officials have encouraged enthusiasts of the steeper, upper portion to give the lower half a try.
Because the first portion has flatter land and is a more challenging ride, the use of e-bikes was approved on the trail. Hiking and horseback riding are also allowed.
Before the storm damaged the trail, about 250,000 people visited it each year. For that reason, most of those from the Damascus area make their living from the Creeper Trail, so many of them have also struggled financially.
Kiewit was announced as the contractor in November. Under the contract, the project must be completed in one year.
The upper half of the trail remains closed. Town officials have urged people to stay away for their own safety and because it could delay the project.