Hurricane Helene

1 year anniversary. Spent the past 2 days up north of Boone reworking a property that I triaged from a landslide the week after the storm.
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Fittingly there was a major storm that blew through right as I finished up, causing the creek to rapidly swell and test the handiwork.
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Once I get back to a computer on Monday, I may post some before and after pics to show the total progress.
 
Can’t tell when latest satellite pics taken but not fully current. At least not in all areas. KOA campground in Swannanoa for example is much more rebuilt as of this past July/August/Sept when I was there.

Pretty amazing to put this together. Mind boggling tho. :-/
 
2 official reroute options on the AT while the rebuild construction project goes on....one option on foot, one by shuttle. AT expected to be closed all of 2026 from Straight Branch to Creek Junction.

I've done the mapped loop out of Damascus a few times back in the 80's-90's (AT out of Damascus, IMT back). Made for a decent few days with no shuttle (or then, usually hitchhike) needed. Before Damascus exploded into what it is now, you could go up to any one of several places and ask to leave a car for a week or more, no problem. I usually asked and parked at the Methodist church.

appalachiantrail.org

SW Virginia: VA Creeper Trail Closure & Detour - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

11/18/2025 Construction work to rebuild the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail (Creeper Trail) began this month. The trail was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024 and extensive work is needed to repair the path and trestle bridges that were destroyed in the storm. The...
appalachiantrail.org appalachiantrail.org
 
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