E-Bikes Now Allowed on Virginia Creeper Trail
The towns of Abington and Damascus Virginia finalized the decision to allow e-bikes on a large section of the state’s beloved Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile repurposed rail trail that attracts over 180,000 annual visitors. The decision allows e-bike use on the 17-mile section between the two towns in response to the style of biking’s growing popularity and the towns’ hope to increase accessibility. The ordinances passed unanimously in Abingdon with a 5-0 vote back in November, and a 3-2 vote in Damascus earlier this month.
“…I feel that this is a win in a very positive direction for our community,” Damascus mayor Katie Lamb stated, referring to how the area was hoping to revitalize recreation-based tourism after suffering the effects of Hurricane Helene in late September.
The sentiment was echoed by Abingdon’s mayor, Amanda Pillion.
“Our community’s resilience and determination have been unwavering. Reaching this important milestone reflects our collective effort and commitment to creating a stronger, more prosperous future for all.”
Red Spruce Trees are Being Planted at Graveyard Fields in North Carolina
This month, multiple regional and national agencies came together to plant red spruce seedlings in the Graveyard Fields area within Pisgah National Forest, marking the start of a multi-year restoration project that aims to add roughly 10,000 trees to the Southern Appalachians.
The project also includes trail construction and improvements and stream restoration within the area. According to the Pisgah Conservancy (TPC), the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests are home to multiple federally listed, conservationally concerning, and rare plant and animal species. Characterized by high moisture, the forests are considered a relic from the last ice age.
“This area of the Pisgah is special for many reasons but it’s also in need of important
restoration which makes the start of this project very exciting,” Dave Casey, District
Ranger for the Pisgah Ranger District, stated in a press release. “Our partners have shown great perseverance over the last 6 years as we’ve developed this project and they’ll be just as critical as we implement it on the ground as well.”
Plan Ahead: Paddle Across Georgia (And More Southern States)
Paddle Georgia, an annual week-long canoe/kayak camping adventure, announced that this year’s route will take paddlers through the Tennessee River basin in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Happening next year from June 15-22, the adventure highlights the Tennessee RiverLine, which reframed the 652 miles of the Tennessee River as a continuous system of outdoor recreation, according to a press release. The route also showcases a scenic and uniquely geological area featuring waterfront bluffs, caves, sinks, and river gorges.
“This is our 20th year of doing these annual Paddle Georgia adventures,” said Joe Cook, Paddle Georgia coordinator. “We’ve skirted South Carolina on the Savannah River and even stroked into Florida on the Withlacoochee and Suwannee, but never before have we traveled through three states in a single journey. And, we’ve never organized a trip through a landscape like we will see in the Tennessee River basin.”
Participants get the chance to explore the towns, shops, and restaurants the route takes them by. The event also includes fully catered meals, indoor/outdoor camping, and shuttles. More information can be found at garivers.org/paddle-georgia.
Cover photo: Biking down the first half of the Virginia Creeper Trail. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
