Central Virginia – Bridge Closure – Craig Creek Bridge

va
|
central-virginia
|
closure
|
hiking-safety
|

Alert

5/01/2023

Update: the unsafe Appalachian Trail (A.T.) footbridge over Craig Creek has been removed (NOBO mile 689.5; just north of Craig Creek Valley Road/VA Route 621).

The creek crossing may be impassable or unsafe during high water. During high water events, hikers should wait for water levels to recede or utilize the high water route/road walk outlined below. For thru-hikers and section hikers planning to complete the entire Trail, both safely fording the creek and the high water route/road walk count towards 2,000-miler recognition.

Hikers should follow directions from posted signs. For more information on safely fording rivers and stream crossings on the A.T., visit our Rivers and Streams Crossing page.

High Water Route/Road Walk

For northbound hikers: At the Craig Creek Rd/VA 621 road crossing, take a left and follow Craig Creek Rd for approximately 3.3. miles to the intersection with Miller Cove Rd/VA 620. Turn right and follow Miller Cove Rd for approximately 1.2 miles to the A.T. crossing. Turn left off of the road and follow the A.T. where it continues north across Trout Creek via a footbridge.

For southbound hikers: At the Miller Cove/VA 620 road crossing, take a right and follow Miller Cove Rd for approximately 1.2 miles to the intersection with Craig Creek Rd/VA 621. Turn left and follow Craig Creek Rd for approximately 3.3 miles to the A.T. crossing (look for a small dirt lot on the right side of the road). Turn right off of the road and follow the A.T. south toward Niday Shelter.

4/21/2023

Update: Sections of the A.T. within 150 feet of the Craig Creek bridge will be closed on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 7 am to 3:30 pm to dismantle and remove the bridge. Hikers will not be able to pass through the work area during the time of deconstruction and should utilize the detours below. For thru-hikers and section hikers planning to complete the entire Trail, both the temporary detour through the creek and the high water route/road walk count towards 2,000-miler recognition.

Hikers can ford Craig Creek within 100 yards of the bridge, utilizing a temporary detour. The creek crossing may be impassable or unsafe during high water. During high water events, hikers should wait for water levels to recede or utilize the high water route/road walk outlined below. For thru-hikers and section hikers planning to complete the entire Trail, both the temporary detour through the creek and the high water route/road walk count towards 2,000-miler recognition.

03/30/2023

Update: The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests have closed the Craig Creek bridge on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) for public safety (NOBO mile 689.5; just north of Craig Creek Valley Road/VA Route 621). The footbridge is closed to all use indefinitely. Hikers should not use the existing bridge and should follow directions from posted signs.

Hikers can ford Craig Creek within 100 yards of the bridge, utilizing a temporary detour. The creek crossing may be impassable or unsafe during high water. During high water events, hikers should wait for water levels to recede or utilize the high water route/road walk outlined below. For thru-hikers and section hikers planning to complete the entire Trail, both the temporary detour through the creek and the high water route/road walk count towards 2,000-miler recognition.

Hikers should monitor the forecast and pack extra food and supplies in case they are delayed due to high water. Throw a stick into the water and see how rapidly the water carries it away. If you cannot walk as fast as it is moving, then it is not safe to cross. For more information on rivers and stream crossings on the A.T., visit our Rivers and Streams Crossing page.

Plans to remove and replace the bridge are ongoing. For more information, contact the Eastern Divide Ranger District at 540-552-4641.

High Water Route/Road Walk

For northbound hikers: At the Craig Creek Rd/VA 621 road crossing, take a left and follow Craig Creek Rd for approximately 3.3. miles to the intersection with Miller Cove Rd/VA 620. Turn right and follow Miller Cove Rd for approximately 1.2 miles to the A.T. crossing. Turn left off of the road and follow the A.T. where it continues north across Trout Creek via a footbridge.

For southbound hikers: At the Miller Cove/VA 620 road crossing, take a right and follow Miller Cove Rd for approximately 1.2 miles to the intersection with Craig Creek Rd/VA 621. Turn left and follow Craig Creek Rd for approximately 3.3 miles to the A.T. crossing (look for a small dirt lot on the right side of the road). Turn right off of the road and follow the A.T. south toward Niday Shelter.

03/29/2023

The Craig Creek Bridge (NOBO mile 689.5; just north of Craig Creek Valley Road/VA Route 621) has been closed and should not be used due to the dangerous condition of the bridge. Hikers should plan to either safely ford Craig Creek or find an alternative route around this section. For information on safely fording rivers and streams along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), visit our Rivers and Streams Crossing page.

We will update this notice when we have more information.

Share
Back