Whitetop Station Visitor Center

Welcome to Whitetop Station! Once the highest rail station east of the Rockies, Whitetop Station has long been a gateway to the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Today, it welcomes visitors from around the world as the uppermost trailhead of the Virginia Creeper Trail—serving as both the starting point for a scenic downhill ride and a well-earned rest stop for those who pedal their way up the mountain.

More than a trail stop, Whitetop Station is the visitor center for the Whitetop community and the surrounding high country. Inside, you’ll find trail information and maps, restrooms, snacks and beverages, and an extensive collection of historical photographs documenting the Creeper Trail from the early 1900s to today. The station also shares the broader story of the Highlands—its music traditions, maple syrup making, the natural heritage, and the close-knit community that has shaped life on the mountain for generations.

Although the original railroad building was demolished after the rail line was abandoned in 1977, a new chapter began on October 22, 2000. Through the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Forest Service and the Friends of Whitetop Station, a new building rose on this historic site. Expanded and improved, the structure honors the legacy of the original station while creating space to interpret the culture, history, and traditions of the area for today’s visitors.

Whether you’re starting your ride down the trail, taking a break, or learning about the people and traditions that define the Highlands of Mount Rogers, the station invites you to slow down, explore, and become part of the ongoing story of this remarkable mountain community.

Virginia Creeper Trail

The upper section of the Virginia Creeper Trail between Whitetop Station and Damascus sustained major damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This portion of the trail is currently closed, but is expected to reopen Fall 2026 following reconstruction. At this time, there is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail beyond Damascus.

Progress updates for the reconstruction of the trail are posted on the VCT Rebuild Website.

VCT Rebuild Website