Kiewit Corporation has been awarded a $240.5 million contract to fully rebuild the upper 17 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail between Damascus and the Whitetop Station. The project, led by the U.S. Forest Service, marks a major step toward restoring one of Southwest Virginia’s most beloved recreation corridors.
Kiewit Infrastructure South is located in Atlanta, GA. For more information about Kiewit, visit https://www.kiewit.com/. Though Kiewit is the prime contractor for the design-build project, they have assembled a comprehensive team for the initial design phase, representing some of the top experts
Additional information about the contract can be found here -
https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/92e1d4013ee446e68af4a6f4ccb76246/view
November 18, 2025
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. Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. was awarded a contract earlier this month to reconstruct the trail and is now mobilizing to begin reconstruction work. As recovery work continues, there are a number of additional temporary closures, including portions of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to ensure public health and safety during the reconstruction process. Areas covered by this closure order include:
Trails
Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, Forest Service Trail (FST)4575, from the Appalachian Trail steps on Highway 58 east of Damascus to the North Carolina state line just past Whitetop Station
Appalachian Trail from Highway 58 at Straight Branch Trailhead to GrassyRidge Road/VA 859 (Northbound miles 476.6.0 to 485.8)
Whitetop Laurel Fishing Trail (FST 4645)· Taylors Valley Spur (FST 4651)
Developed Recreation Sites
Creek Junction Trailhead
Straight Branch Trailhead
Whitetop Station Parking Lot and Trailhead
Green Cove Parking Lot and Facility
Appalachian National Scenic Trail Detour Information
To accommodate construction activities and ensure safety, the Forest Service in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has established two options for hikers to detour around the closed sections of trail. Long distance hikers can bypass the closed area, using the Iron MountainTrail, Flat Top Trail, and Mount Rogers Trail to reconnect with the AppalachianTrail at Deep Gap, 2 miles south of the Thomas Knob Shelter. The Iron MountainTrail was the Appalachian National Scenic Trail until 1972, and historicshelters remain available for overnight use. Alternatively, hikers can alsochoose to shuttle around the closed section. More information about options forhikers, including detailed trail detour directions, can be found at AppalachianTrail Updates:https://appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/.
Safety and AccessibilityThe Forest Service urges all visitors to respect posted closures. Thetemporary closures are to ensure public safety. Unauthorized access to the workzone poses risks and leads to delays. Construction activities must halt whenindividuals are present in the area, which hinders progress and may affect thetimeline for reopening the trail. We appreciate the community’s patience andcooperation during this time.
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.
All contributions are used to help pay for repairs and maintenance to the Whitetop Station, and to support different initiatives within our community.
donateFriends of Whitetop
1565 Whitetop Gap Road
(USFS) 276.783.5196
(Station) 276.388.2919
