TransVirginia and Grayson Gravel routes
Hurricane Helene Impact and Community Support

Updated Oct 9, 2024

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.

Bikepackers should stay north of Pulaski, VA (north of the New River Trail State Park) until further notice.

At this time, ongoing assessments of storm and flood damage are still taking place and the following areas are closed to outdoor recreation and visitors at the request of local communities and land managers:

  • Damascus, VA
  • Virginia Creeper Trail (closed from Whitetop to Damascus)
    The USFS is in the process of assessing damage and a timeline for repair—which will likely take a long time
    • Update Oct 9, 2024 – The Abingdon to Damascus section is fully open.
    • U.S. Forest Service – George Washington and Jefferson National Forest – Oct 3, 2024
      For public safety, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is temporarily closed by Forest Order. Conditions are unsafe in many areas. The Closure includes the 18 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail managed by the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, from the North Carolina Stateline to Drowning Ford Road (36.650954, -81.838279).
    • Of the 31 trestles managed by the Forest Service, our staff identified 10 trestles that have washed away, 2 have been severely damaged and there are substantial washouts and scour across the entire trail.
    • 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
  • Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area
    • The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is currently under a Temporary Closure until Oct. 1, 2025 or until terminated by an Authorized Forest Service official, whichever comes first. With this order, access to the MRNRA for backpackers and equestrian use through Grayson Highlands is prohibited and reservations for the Overnight Backpackers Lot will be unavailable until the closure is lifted. Link to closure order here (PDF).
    • Oct 8, 2024 News release: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/news-events/?cid=fseprd1208933

Grayson Gravel Traverse and Circuit
At the request of the local county administrators, cyclists asked to postpone cycling trips in Grayson County until damages are better assessed and the local community’s immediate needs are stabilized. Sections of Rt. 58 have been washed out and are closed, the Grayson Highlands Inn is closed, and Independence, VA has been set up as a relief center. Small country roads are a lower priority and the status of safe travel is still unknown in many areas. As soon as an assessment is done on the full routes, this information will be updated.

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

Our hope is that significant support and rebuilding have taken place by next year, but we know the road is long. Please be respectful of local community requests and official closures while the area rebuilds, and be ready to ride and visit again as soon as possible! It’s possible the route may not all be back its current state by then (especially the VA Creeper Trail), but we’ll do everything we can to provide a good route option to Damascus.

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.