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.
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 group that works with the U.S. Forest Service to help run the Whitetop Station Visitor Center. We count on our amazing volunteers to keep the Station open—welcoming guests, sharing knowledge about the Virginia Creeper Trail and surrounding area, and helping at the register.
If you love the outdoors, enjoy meeting new people, or just want to give back, we’d love to have you join us.
Volunteers make this place special, and we couldn’t do it without them!
Friends of Whitetop
1565 Whitetop Gap Road
(USFS) 276.783.5196
(Station) 276.388.2919
