Comers Creek Bridge is unsafe, do not use (SW Virginia)

[Lauriep]

The footbridge over Comers Creek has recently been found to be unsafe and should not be used. This is at northbound mile 518.8, 1.3 miles south of the Dickey Gap trailhead near the junction of Comers Creek Road and Virginia Highway 16. Signs are posted on the bridge recommending the following alternatives:

1. Ford the creek. Please use caution, and do not attempt if the water is high.

2. NORTHBOUND HIKERS: backtrack to the junction with blue-blazed Comers Creek Falls Trail. Follow that trail 0.25 miles to gravel Homestead Road. Turn left on Homestead Road and follow it 0.5 miles to junction with Virginia Highway 16. Turn left again, and walk along the shoulder of Highway 16 for 0.6 miles to Comers Creek Road (VA-650). USE CAUTION WALKING HWY 16; STAY OFF THE ROAD. There is an A.T. parking lot and kiosk here, known as Dickey Gap trailhead. Rejoin the A.T. northbound where it crosses Comers Creek Road. Total reroute distance: 1.3 miles.

SOUTHBOUND HIKERS: follow the directions above in reverse. (Backtrack to VA-16/Dickey Gap. Follow VA-16 uphill to Homestead Road, turn right. Follow Homestead Road to Comers Creek Falls parking area. Take Comers Creek Falls Trail to A.T. junction.)

The official flyer is here.