Helene aftermath #5. Creeper Trail from Green Cove to Taylors Valley.

[@LeslieRobillard]

What a hike! So many obstacles you had to overcome. THAT was a crazy hike with all those trees & mud slides & having to get off the beaten path. Very much appreciated your carrying us along. Have to admit your sense of humor is pretty funny. Thanks again & look forward to your next one 😊

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@LeslieRobillard Thanks so much. I'm learning as I go. So glad you enjoyed the video Leslie.

[@ChattNCC]

I appreciate the update. Best intel on the state of the VCT I’ve found to date.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Ya, they don't like it though. It is a shame. Public area, we pay for and just want to get the info out as well as see for myself but no you can't do that.

[@trinapellegrino621]

🙋🏼‍♀️🕊. It is amazing how Helen, came and changed so much of NC . To know that this has been going for centuries, we are just along for the ride🐴🐴🐴. Thank you for sharing your time with myself and others .it was very insightful 💞🕊💞🕊💞🕊. Blessings

[@daddios_6695]

Thanks for the video. My wife and I rode the trail in July for the first time.Stopping to take pics of the many trestles, in particular #21. It was unique and in a bend as I recall. We will treasure the memories of our 31st anniversary in the mountains and of the Creeper Trail.

[@LeslieRobillard]

This is incredible footage. Th level of devastation is unbelievable. You want to laugh…when I first heard of the “flooding in North Carolina mountains” I just laughed thinking it can’t be that bad. It’s in the mountains what floods in the mountains?! I’ll never say/think that again. I pray for you guys every day that you’ll return to a peaceful life once again. Thank you for doing this video. We wouldn’t understand the devastation without being able to see it! God B less you ALL!!

[@gopopgo4709]

Appreciate your efforts to document how badly Helene damaged the creeper trail. You clearly are a pretty agile fellow, able to jump between slick rocks and climb all over those tangled logs. Thanks again for the videos. Sure hope some governmental grants find their way into rebuilding the creeper as it is a very essential piece of the economic support for the Damascus/Abingdon area.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@gopopgo4709 Thank you for watching these videos. I really appreciate you all.

[@13squier]

28:00 at the junction of the AT and Creeper trail there was a nice little campsite for 2-3 tents next to trestle 37 down by the water. I camped there when I hiked this section of the AT. Looks like it's totally washed away and the creek's not even in the same place. The damage is just unbelievable.

[@sylviafoust9545]

Thank you for the video. My family lives in Damascus. Prayers for all the families affected.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@sylviafoust9545 I hope the best for your family. I have lived here locally for many many years. Still shocked when I drive through town.

[@stuartclark7766]

The damage is devastating but if you look at the big picture the way mother nature reclaims her land. It's amazing. Once the debris is gone and you look at how the creeks and rivers has changed it will still be amazing and beautiful. Maybe not the way you remember but for someone who has never been there it'll be beautiful. I lived in Marion North Carolina several years ago and for the last year I've been looking online for some unrestricted land in western North Carolina and East Tennessee but just haven't seen the spot I would like to live yet but I will. This isn't going to detour me because I love it in the mountains. I've looked at properties in mountain city Tennessee, Wilkes County North Carolina, McDowell County where I lived and maybe once again. I'm like y'all I love to fish as well and I have several places in McDowell County that produces big trout. I still have 3 on my walls from the blue hole. A little spot that you have to hike in and down the mountain to even get to it. Anyway I'll be moving back soon and God Bless you and your wife I really enjoyed your video and I hope your back gets better.

[@stuartclark7766]

I can see past the damage and I see the beauty of the mountains. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@wendyb457]

Thank you for posting this. My husband and I did the creeper trail a few years ago. The devastation is breathtaking. The rock. I just can’t get over the rocks and the boulders. How deep that gully was y’all trekked through is crazy. I didn’t know about composite rock. That is interesting. Nature is amazing and God is all powerful. I don’t know how they rebuild it with rerouting some of it now. And I pray they bring it back in some manner. It’s a true treasure. Bless y’all and greetings from GA.

[@somewhat.random]

This makes me so sad. As a cyclist (from Ohio) the Creeper has been on my "bucket list" of trails to do for a while now. I had everything planned out, hotels reserved and ready all for......the weekend of September 28-29. Needless to say I cancelled because I wasn't going to try and ride my bike through a hurricane. I mean, yeah I've done thunderstorms, but a hurricane seemed a bit much. I'm not really sure if this much damage is repairable. Been thinking about it, and I'm going to make a point of at least riding Abingdon to Damascus sometime in 2025. Thanks for the video.

[@tommartin9731]

I was there Wednesday, Sept. 24th and rode the trail. Heartbraking to see the damage. I have already booked a room for May to do it again, even if I can only do the upper half from Abington to Damascus.

[@dantiix]

VTC is one of my favorite places to ride and run and I'm sad to see it in such bad shape. Glad to see the two tall trestles over Creek Junction are still standing. Creek Junction will be key for staging recovery both up and down trail. I can't wait till the Forest Service announces a recovery plan for the stretch from White Top down. I plan to contribute and volunteer time to help the reconstruction when the call goes out. I urge anyone that has the ability either physically or financially to help to do so. This is going to be a long-term project and patience will be needed to get the trail back. It won't be easy but will be worth it for the area.

[@Curated_Properties_Explores]

I plan to also. So much love outpouring for the area on this channel. We can do a Lot together!!

[@garycallahan7867]

Thanks for taking the time to video and post this for everyone. The concrete at 26:50 is part of something they had on a siding. There are several places on the trail that you can see where there was a siding for staging or storage of railroad items. The NFS has a map out that says all of the trestles above Damascus are either missing or severely damaged in some manner.

[@Curated_Properties_Explores]

Thank you for answering that question! We were trying to understand it, especially with the steep hill behind!

[@marjoriecook5230]

Enjoyed this so much. Loved your relationship chatting back and forth. Thanks

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Thank you so much Marjorie!!

[@dougscamo2032]

As I recall, and this memory is at least 50 years old, the concrete fixtures at 26:34 was a water tank. Probably used it to refill the boilers on the creeper locomotives. When I first went to this area the ties were still on what is now the trail but then was still a railroad. But it's an old memory so I could be wrong. Thanks for giving us this view. Lot of good memories with my father and brother that have been gone for 29 years. Would love to see from Taylor's Valley down to where Rt.58 is now cut off. 2 beautiful homes used to be down below the Straight Branch and Whitetop Laurel parking area. No way could they have survived this. Sad.

[@leonasimmons162]

Water and wind destroys everything. Thank you for the video.☺🦋🎉💙❤

[@ReinaldoAcevedo-tv2zq]

Saludos! Desdemona Puerto Rico, ese sugar es impresionante, interested y Bonito. Disfruten la laminate. Esas rocks may llamativas.

[@mikewebb2638]

I wonder if the Rail to Trail Conservancy will help rebuild the creeper trail. And I wondered about the fish, thanks for that. Still praying for all that lost their homes!

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

I don't know what will happen. We are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars. I will honestly be surprised if it gets fixed. I stay hopeful though of course.

[@douglasphillips24]

They've really got a lot done on that road. Thanks for keeping us informed of progress rebuilding creeper trail and roads washed away . Going hiking few miles this afternoon on national forest to get some exercise in.

[@carolrauscher4680]

There are some very pretty trees and the landscape with the little flow from the river is beautiful.😊

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Just FYI, We will not be doing any more Creeper Trail related videos in this upper area. If we go to fish we will stick to the creek/river. I suggest you don't go either. People are not happy about it. They trying to keep us all safe they say. So ya, no more Creeper Trail videos till we can get back out there without a hassle. Thanks for watching guys. Regardless of anything, I'm glad I got to see this.

[@dougscamo2032]

Karen's are everywhere!

[@headfirstslide12]

I appreciate the video it’s always been on my bucket list as a cyclist. This was something I always wanted to do. This makes me so sad. Just ignore all the Karen out there country kids. We did things like this all the time. Who cares if it’s closed, you were being careful, and I’m sure you would take responsibility if you got injured all these people need to hush & stop being so sensitive. Lol sissies.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@headfirstslide12 WORD!!!!

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Thanks for going and sharing this.

[@patmcgraw-nb7lg]

Thanks for making this very informative documentary. I believe it is a service to the businesses that have depended on this trail so they can switch to a 'plan B' for the next approx 10 years. I feel that may be a realistic time frame based on the past flood that took out trestle 35 which was made elsewhere and hauled in there - that took about 2-3 years.

[@baldwincreative871]

I'm thinking the scale of the damage is so significant that they need to do a survey and put a series of bids out to repair the trail and trussels. Maybe they can use a more modern aluminum type of bridge that would be less expensive and easier to install. I know it wouldn't be the same as the original style of trussels but reopening the trail should take priority over aesthetics. If it would save years off the reunification of the trail I think it's worth it to explore other options. (Not a prefab aluminum supplier). Just a concerned citizen with a background in construction.

[@baldwincreative871]

Hey just wanted to say thanks for the great videos of the ground view of the devastation. I'm originally from Richland's, VA area and have biked the creeper trail quite a few times. It's hard to believe that the water rose enough to take out some of the trussels. I noticed at 15:40 in your video that rock is called a conglomerate since it's made up of different types of smaller rocks. It seems they are somewhat geologically rare but there are many different kinds of conglomerates. The size of the rocks that make up this one is interesting with some large quartz rocks it appears. Anyway, nice job and I hope you and yours are doing okay.

[@loveistheanswer8137]

I follow Myran Cook as well as Professor Nick Zentner and Professor Shawn Wilsey for excellent channels on geology. Good to see they are getting some of your roads repaired. Best wishes from Ontario Canada.

[@baldwincreative871]

Hey I watch them as well. I recognized that "Conglomerate" in the video at 15:40 from watching them over the past few years. This storm was awful but it sure has exposed the geology of the Appalachians and you can get a much better idea of how erosion has worked on them over millions of years after witnessing the effects of Helene.

[@jeannahubble5705]

Thanks for showing us what is left of this historic trail. If they rebuild it any differently than it was before Helene, then it will not truly be the Virginia Creeper since it was originally a train rail bed. 😢

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

It will def. be different if they do fix it. There are entire sections missing all the way down to the creek bottom. It is a major job.

[@cynthiabeck1563]

Hi I love ur vids. I am so sorry for what yall been through. I'm from Washington state so this much devastating heartbreak is beyond me. God bless

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Thank you, Cynthia!!

[@jhbailey929]

Thanks for the great video, sorry you missed out on the biscuits and gravy. Stop by any time you see an old Subaru parked at the house, see if Josh is around. We went to Taylors Valley to check on a new friend, saw your cars parked. Later that day we went to the Hurricane Creek Campground. They had a sign posted saying all of the Mount Rogers Recreation Area of the National Forest is closed for all activities until October 1st 2025. Drove Hurricane Road all the way to Iron Mountain, looked wide open to me. Flat Top Road is gated at both ends, I'll be upset if I can't drive to my favorite ramp patch in the spring.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Thanks so much.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Ya, they just keeping us safe. Haha.

[@JamesChubbyDamron]

Thanks for sharing this with us! Looks like the VCT needs to re routed to minimize the number of trestles and utilize the undamaged sections. Otherwise I see a multi million dollar (hundred million) cost and 5-10 years Devastating, hopefully it will be reborn again soon!

[@patmcgraw-nb7lg]

There's nowhere to 'reroute' it to and few undamaged sections. As you did, I looked at the absolute carnage and thought "it will take a boatload of money and maybe 10 years to repair it". I will remember the hundreds of miles I rode on this section and relive it in my memories.

[@JamesChubbyDamron]

@@patmcgraw-nb7lg a track hoe and bulldozer can reroute it, yes many memories riding and fishing the trail, hopefully it will be rebuilt but I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon, gonna take time to appropriate the money although the desire is there

[@josaywhat.]

Interesting number on the Subs man...I grew up in Southwest Virginia 😁

[@rt3box6tx74]

I've made the mistake of wearing my rubber boots on a long hike too. I needed them for crossing shallow creeks but they stretched with my body heat so they became two sizes too big. If I'd been alone I would have cut that hike way shorter but my guest had traveled half way across the US to see northern NM mountains. Thanks for another great video.

[@Curated_Properties_Explores]

Thank you so much for saying that! I have backpacked, back-country skied by boot-packing up. Plus, mountain and rock climbed, all up and down many steep slopes in my life. However, they were all in the correct boot types and have done well. This trip in rubber boots with little pad and no steel shank - not even whining - killed my feet so badly, they still hurt today. BUT, the Fall colors are so gorgeous right now, and the days are just the perfect temperature! It was a very rewarding day with someone I adore being with. And, I hooked the only fish of the day-so there's that! ❤❤❤

[@rt3box6tx74]

@Curated_Properties_Explores I understand. My feet hurt the following day too. For a couple of days we had to explore on the Jeep trails while my feet recovered.

[@jasoncook5596]

Great video! Just got to do the full trail in July after several years of doing whitetop to Damascus, got video of some of the trestle and 44 was one of them. Sad to see the trail this bad but they will rebuild it.

[@therealjd1503]

The creeper will never be the same😢

[@chrismattox4619]

we did the same route on Sun 10/20. we didn't walk the trail. thank you for showing.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Ya don't walk the trail. or at least don't tell anyone you did.

[@LSUDeNanner]

Three things: 1. thanks for showing us this 2. creeper trail will never be enjoyed the same way. In some areas, with trees and land gone, not safe for kids on their bikes, maybe even adults. If they pave it, not the same trail #3: love you guys, but the baby, baby..🤣😂

[@larrymoore9361]

The area near 25:45 of the video near Creek Junction was an access road from a parking area. The creek was lined with several handicapped accessible fishing piers in that area. You were near where the road ended at the Virginia Creeper Trail.

[@mistybarthelme2521]

I rode the trail on Wed afternoon before Helene. I wondered what those little docks were built for. There were people tent camping along there too. I hope they made it out.

[@lynlandham3779]

Very interesting. And sad.

[@lawrencethompson465]

Thanks for your efforts in these videos. Much appreciated!

[@lindacobler1636]

Thank you..

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

No, thank you!!

[@stephanr.rosier655]

...Haven't, actually, being there; However, after watching your Vlog, I Agree, that it could be Returned-to-Service much Sooner, by making it a 'Hiking' Trail, Costing FAR Less $$$ ... ... And even Further Support the Local Economy, by Promoting it, as a rugged-terrain 'Bike & Hike' (historical) RailTrail, with various 'Sections', which are Suitable for developing, where The Trail shows an ability to allow the Use of Both 'Mountain Bikes', as well as Traditional ones. P.S. ~ And ... While Thinking 'Outside-the-Box', Maybe, eventually, even adding some 'ZipLines', or Other 'Rugged'/'Outdoor' activities (4-Wheeler rides, Obstacle Course competitions, etc.), Which, of course, Would Require more Regulations, Maintenance & a Staff of Personnel.

[@god.deeper]

Glad you have the footing for this video so we can see how things are on the trail post-Helene. Will you be doing the stretch from Taylors Valley to Straight Branch parking?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

If I do, I will be sticking to the creek. They are mad at me for doing these videos.

[@god.deeper]

@@beautifulvirginia9629 Thanks. Understood... I have that section memorized, but really heartsick how it faired. If you get to fishing up that way you'll have the trail in view. 🎣 🐟

[@Curated_Properties_Explores]

​​@@god.deeperYou asked and he posted the section you asked for on 10/27!

[@god.deeper]

@@Curated_Properties_Explores watched it. Wow. The power of the water and rocks changed most every bend in the creek along with the trail and trestles. Wow. 💔

[@toddperkins7681]

you DO NOT want this area designated as a wilderness area or to have the trail designated as a hiking only trail. Designation as a wilderness area may open up additional regulatory restrictions that could inhibit the long term recovery of the area. be patient and let the work that needs to take place to occur. recovery isnt going to be a quick process.

[@tomt9543]

The bridge you think was 34, I believe that one had a bunch of massive steel cables anchored into the rock upstream of the trestle that were placed there by the railroad to prevent the thing being washed away! I’d love to know if the cables are still there!

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@tomt9543 Think I saw them.

[@jrae6608]

Thanks for showing this

[@TheBane1979]

Yea, I recently asked if any one had came down the trail from end to end to document the damage, didn't ask if it was ridable, and I got a lot of negative feedback.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@TheBane1979 Ya, I'm going to check out a few areas tomorrow. I'm pretty sure they haven't touched it but I'll find out.

[@TheBane1979]

@ I tried to find contact info to message you but couldn’t find any.

[@BruceEllmaker]

Bristol here..does anyone know how the Creek Junction bridge faired?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@BruceEllmaker We came through there but I cant remember. All in all it's not good.

[@BruceEllmaker]

@@beautifulvirginia9629 Thanks for getting out there and showing us.

[@tomt9543]

The Appalachian Trail shares the Creeper trail from near Damascus to trestle 38.

[@bradz1321]

Great news !! Glad we can go fishing 🎣 thanks for showing the way

[@deborabaxterjackson2117]

We were there last June, and now it's gone. When we stopped for lunch at Taylor's Valley's little sandwich place on the CT, someone was building a new food venue across from it on the creek. Did those places wash away?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Still there

[@BruceEllmaker]

💞

[@DianeRice-w5l]

Been enjoying your post, would you post Chestnut Mountain Road since they have worked on it?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@DianeRice-w5l it is in the last couple videos. It is good to go all the way up. I will get back up there again soon though.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@DianeRice-w5l Thank you.

[@adrainiamingo]

Wow

[@Possumsarepeopletoo]

Breaking my heart. How are things towards Abingdon?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Very good.

[@Possumsarepeopletoo]

@@beautifulvirginia9629 thanks.

[@deniseellenburg649]

Even with all the damage & debris, God's creation is still bursting with beauty! You are all in our prayers and our hearts. We The People are working hard to send anything and everything you could possibly need up your way to meet pressing needs since cold weather is on our doorstep. God bless! Stay safe!!

[@blainesplace]

I'm running my video I took in August where my wife and I rode down from White Top and matching up places in your video. The destruction when compared to before the storm is completely unbelievable. Wished I could post some pictures here to show the difference.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

That would be awesome. I am not vey computer literate but maybe we can link up somehow. My girl will help me.

[@blainesplace]

@@beautifulvirginia9629 I'll try to get up with you later today after work.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@blainesplace awesome. I am off at 4. Be home by 5. Obviously I'm on the east coast.

[@blainesplace]

@@beautifulvirginia9629 Each time I post something to try and contact you, the stuff gets deleted. Do you do Facebook?

[@blainesplace]

@@beautifulvirginia9629 My comments keep getting deleted. Having a hard time connecting with you

[@LinkElmore]

This section of the trail is closed. Why don't the rules apply to you?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@LinkElmore We went to fish, just didnt get to very much.

[@LIFEISHARDSTUPID]

BRO, IT'S ALL ABOUT WHYTE PRIVILEGE AND VIEWS.

[@francesbundy6472]

Rules only apply to everyone else, right? Unsubscribed.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@francesbundy6472 good!! Dont need ya. Or anyone else like you.

[@artsisland1683]

​@@francesbundy6472Hey KAREN, so EXCITED you unsubscribed, as we don't need liberals in our area or enjoying the quality content the host channel provides. We were born in a free Society. These are OUR lands. We enter on our own accord and risk.

[@anitabishop6520]

Were a lot of livestock lost? There are lots of cattle farmers in the mountains.

[@patmcgraw-nb7lg]

I've never seen but 1 farm with cattle and they were on much higher ground.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Think they all made it to high ground. I have not really heard of any loss.

[@armyretired28]

Sad that all those business in that area that do biking on the creeper trail now have no jobs!

[@jrae6608]

You need to check Bear Independent on what’s going on from 2 days ago. Real Reason why they don’t want people out there

[@lawrencethompson465]

What is Bear Independent?

[@jamesbailey9838]

No big secret. It's an interesting video. Thanks for mentioning it jrae.

[@garrymac4947]

I would like to post some still shots captured from your video, credited to "Beautiful Virginia" - would you mind?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Sure nuff. Post all you want.

[@stuartclark7766]

Where's the gold?

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

There is probably some to be found.

[@catherinecombs2766]

I would rather walk up the creek

[@bettyfarraher7683]

Poor fish give them time to heal too imagine just how many actually died in this disaster please let them breed for awhile at least

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

We put em all back. They will be right back next spring. Trust me. Parts of North Carolina that were hit pretty hard are already back doing guided trips. Mother Nature can't be stopped.

[@signdigger]

Thanks for doing this video . They will never fix this trail , there are more events that are more catastrophic on the way . I used to live there and after I was shown what all is to come to those areas I moved to Alaska. Good luck to you all . Seek Jesus and ask him for forgiveness today you have no idea of the events to come . If you are asleep and unawares because you seek not the truth you will never have eyes to see the truth ! Prepare today for you have seen nothing yet !

[@sallyreagle468]

What else is to.comr

[@claudiahansen4938]

What more catastrophic events were you shown?

[@marcywentowski9752]

It is obvious that you used fishing as an excuse to justify doing what you kept telling everyone else not to do. The trail in that area is closed. As a local, I can tell you that sightseers are not appreciated. If you want to come see the devastation I suggest that you come as a volunteer to help with cleanup.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@marcywentowski9752 you so sweet.

[@ReinaldoAcevedo-tv2zq]

My be the translation is not precise. Enjoy the routes.

[@deekern4419]

Folks need to donate tents, gas heaters, tools, wheel barrels, etc to work outside, gas, garbage bags, lanterns, chainsaw chains n blades if at all possible

[@jackiemunson4474]

Don’t eat the fish

[@Curated_Properties_Explores]

Thank you! We only catch and gently release.

[@virginiacreepertrailclub6994]

This section of the Creeper Trail is closed and you are not exempt from this order. Unless you have authorization to be on the USFS section of the trail, you are in violation. Publishing this video is exactly what the USFS has asked NOT to be done. You are distracting them from the difficult and complicated work ahead because they are busy keeping you safe and therefore are doing a disservice to all those who depend on the trail for their livelihoods.

[@Possumsarepeopletoo]

Quit your bitchin. I'm a big fan of the Creeper Trail. This video does more to drum up support for the Trail and the people that benefit from it, from Whitetop to Green Cove, Taylor's Creek, Damascus and Abingdon. It gives people who care a real view of what has happened up there. My bet is it will bring more grassroots support for an already devastated area.

[@Possumsarepeopletoo]

Whiner

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

I pay to fish those waters. Its catch and release only. I dont see a problem.

[@wendyb457]

Thanks Karen.

[@Lisa-wi5qn]

MYO

[@barbarac4138]

Your fishing holes probably have all sorts of sewage and other pollution in them.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@barbarac4138 We dont keep em

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@barbarac4138 If that's the case it goes all the way to the lake.

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

@@barbarac4138 I have been looking for stream closures but have not seen any.

[@secard4202]

The money to help Ukraine and to help this area, come from completely different budgets. The lack of education and immediate resorting to nonsensical talking points is revealing. Nice new roads already in place. Good to see.

[@patmcgraw-nb7lg]

You obviously have not seen Hwy 58 that runs along beside this creek - lot of it looks like the Creeper Trail. It's the main road needed to haul materials for repairs.

[@dougscamo2032]

Different budgets same revenue source, taxes. 1 big pot for all government spending.

[@SDCourage27]

@thegeomodel

[@jackiemunson4474]

Don’t eat the fish

[@beautifulvirginia9629]

Its catch and release only and we never keep fish anyway. I am strictly catch and release.