>>Officials Say 18 Trestles Destroyed, 13 Presumed Damaged on Virginia Creeper Trail
(Damascus, VA) -- Floodwaters destroyed trestles on a Virginia trail and washed away much of the path. Thomas Cage reports that now comes the rebuilding.Preview: Voicer Script:
Ed Wright, Area Ranger of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area says Hurricane Helene destroyed 18 bridges on the Virginia Creeper Trail and 13 more are presumed damaged. The trail is a significant economic driver for the town of Damascus, with many businesses relying on tourism generated by the trail. The Cardinal News reports efforts are underway to assess the damage and rebuild the trail, with a task force led by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management working to ensure the trail's recovery and long-term sustainability. Local officials are hopeful for the trail's reopening, but the full extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs remain uncertain.