Trail Updates

12/17/2025

Forest Service Road 89/Whitetop Mountain Rd (NOBO mile 492.8) will be closed to protect public and emergency responders’ safety due to hazardous winter weather conditions. The closure took effect on Friday, December 12th, 2025, and will remain in effect until further notice.

The closure extends from the intersection of VA 600 to the summit of Whitetop Mountain Road.  The Whitetop Trailhead and the Whitetop Mountain Observation Point are also closed. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) will remain open where it crosses the road, but hikers should not plan to access or leave the Trail from this point.

Alternative Trail Access Points

• Elk Garden Trailhead: Located on State Route 600, approximately 1.3 miles away from the Whitetop Road turn-off. This trailhead provides access to the Appalachian Trail at Mile Post: 489.4. (Lat/Long: 36.646348, -81.583335)
• Beech Mountain Trailhead: Located on Beech Mountain Road (State Route 601), approximately 7.8 miles from the Whitetop Road turn-off. (Lat/Long: 36.637279, -81.640402)

For your safety, please respect and avoid the closed area until it is officially reopened. For more information and updates, visit the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests' website.