TransVirginia and Grayson Gravel routes
Hurricane Helene Impact and Community Support

Updated January 20, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the damage caused by flooding from Hurricane Helene, especially those in southwestern Virginia along these routes. The town of Damascus, the Virginia Creeper Trail, and Grayson County have all experienced significant damage in areas where bikepackers and gravel cyclists frequently ride, and these communities depend on the economic support of the cycling community to be sustainable.

The VA Creeper Trail is open from Abingdon to Damascus, but closed from Whitetop to Damascus. We have offered an alternate Whitetop to Damascus route here. There is ongoing work on the New River Trail with some sections closed, more here.

  • Damascus, VA
    • Damascus is back open for business and welcoming visitors! Most of our businesses reopened in October/November, and others, like the Damascus Diner, have their sights set on March for the spring thru-hiker season. We are looking forward to several things, including the AT hiker season, the Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus, and Trail Days.
    • Latest info at https://www.damascus.org/hurricane-helene
  • Virginia Creeper Trail
    • The Virginia Creeper Trail is OPEN from Abingdon to Damascus, “From the Start to the Heart.”
    • The Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Station to Damascus remains closed and the US Forest Service has not yet announced a timeline for restoration. (Funding did pass in Congress late last month so it’s on its way.) 
    • The US Forest Service has published a project page for the Virginia Creeper Trail at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=67511 . They are requesting public comment through January 31st.
    • US-58 is closed from Damascus to Straight Branch while the road is repaired. VDOT expects this project to be completed by November 2025.
    • Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy – https://www.vacreepertrail.org/
    • Fans of the VA Creeper Trail FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/57347202040/
  • The New River Trail

Grayson Gravel Traverse and Circuit
Grayson County is excited to welcome our essential visitors back to our beautiful region! Visitors to Grayson County and our Appalachian neighbors drive much of the local economy: we need your support during this difficult time.

While many of our attractions are open for business, some continue to recover from Hurricane Helene damage. As we rebuild and reopen, please refer to the lists below to keep up to date on where to visit.

Latest travel updates from Grayson County, VA: https://www.graysoncountyva.com/helene-travel-advisory/

Supporting communities along the route

When these towns, roads, trails and routes open up, these communities will most benefit from our support in visiting and spending money to keep local businsess afloat. The road to that point in some areas could be long (especially Damascus and the VA Creeper Trail), so financial contributions and donations can best be directed to the following organizations at the links below:

Damascus Strong Fund – https://square.link/u/gLMiIuuN

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. The Direct Fund will allow donations to go where they are needed most. Please specify designated giving to Direct Fund, Virginia Creeper Trail, Downtown, or Emergency Services.

Grayson County Fund – https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/graysoncountyva

Donations: Grayson County has set up a Hurricane Helene Relief Fund specifically to help local residents. If you would like to donate, please send a check made payable to GC Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 217, Independence, VA 24348 noting in the memo line Hurricane Helene Relief or you can click on the link below to donate. An account has been established to prioritize and distribute donations once received.

VA Creeper Trail Conservancy – https://www.vacreepertrail.org/

Grayson Highlands Inn and General Store
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-grayson-highlands-general-store-inn

For years, the Grayson Highlands General Store and Inn has stood as a welcoming landmark for hikers, travelers, and locals alike. Nestled along the banks of Big Wilson Creek, this beloved stop has served as a place of rest and connection for all passing through on their way to the Grayson Highlands. Owned by Paula and Jeff, two of the kindest, most generous people you could meet, it has become more than just a store—it’s a community hub.

On Friday, September 27th, Hurricane Helene swept through western Virginia, leaving devastation in its wake. Big Wilson Creek flooded, overwhelming the bridge on US-58 and pouring onto the highway, eventually forcing its way through the doors of the general store. The damage has been extensive, and as you can imagine, the costs of rebuilding are immense.

Despite the hardship, Paula and Jeff are committed to staying and restoring their store, determined to continue serving the community they love. But they can’t do it alone. We’re asking for your help to support Paula and Jeff as they work to rebuild the Grayson Highlands General Store and Inn. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference in helping them cover the reconstruction costs and get back on their feet. Let’s show Paula and Jeff the same kindness and support they’ve shown so many over the years. Together, we can help restore this cherished piece of our community.

United Way of Southwest Virginia
https://unitedwayswva.charityproud.org/Donate/MiniCampaign/34132

Communities across Southwest Virginia depend on United Way of Southwest Virginia to quickly mobilize to meet immediate needs and assist in long-term recovery after disaster strikes. United Way of Southwest Virginia has the capacity, experience, and working relationships to provide the resources needed for relief and recovery. 

Hurricane Helene caused devastation throughout Southwest Virginia and the New River Valley in communities such as Damascus and Taylor’s Valley from September 26-28, 2024, requiring emergency evacuations and swift water rescue efforts. Thousands of residents were forced from their homes with only the clothes on their backs, and even more were left without electricity and safe drinking water.

United Way of Southwest Virginia has activated the 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the flooding. All 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund donations will go directly to support those impacted by the September 2024 flood.

2025 TransVA Grand Depart

We have worked up a reroute from Whitetop to Damascus, which you can see here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49045635

Expect the May 17, 2025 Grand Depart to be a time we can all ride to Damascus to show we care and leverage additional support through our wider networks and communities to those impacted in southwestern VA. Stay tuned for more information on this, and if you’re interested in riding, fill out a Letter of Intent at https://forms.gle/mzz4nxZkBynJAD179.