Trestle 12 over South Holston Lake on the Virginia Creeper Trail
Virginia Creeper Trail: OPEN from the Start to the Heart!
The Virginia Creeper Trail is OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Bike outfitters are providing full rental and shuttle services from their Damascus storefronts to the Abingdon trailhead. Ride through the rolling hills and farmland along the South Fork of the Holston River. At its lowest elevation, the trail crosses the headwaters of South Holston Lake on a huge curving trestle. Although the lower section of trail requires some light pedaling, it is downhill from Abingdon to Alvarado and maintains less than a 1% grade from Alvarado back to Damascus - suitable for active beginners and families.
Damascus, Virginia, Trail Town USA
Damascus is a small town with a BIG claim to fame: Several renowned trails intersect within our town limits, bestowing the honor of "Trail Town USA". As these trails pass through downtown Damascus, they bring along people, stories, and culture from all walks of life. Seven Trails at the Heart of Damascus: Virginia Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail (AT), Iron Mountain Trail, Backcountry Discovery Routes, TransAmerica Bicycle Trail / Route 76, TransVirginia Bike Route, and The Crooked Road.
Find your Way to Adventure!
We have some of the best outdoor recreation of the Southeast right in our backyard. There's an adventure for everyone here! The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail pass right through the heart of Damascus, along with several other long distance hiking, cycling, and motor routes. At the edge of town, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area stretches as far as the eye can see, across the highest peaks in the state, over high elevation mountain balds and spruce-fir forests, trout streams, and more than 500 miles of trails. Here you'll find the three highest peaks in Virginia: Mount Rogers, Whitetop Mountain, and Pine Mountain / Wilburn Ridge.
Thanks to the efforts of our community - local government, dedicated staff, scores of volunteers, and residents - we've found ways to turn these trails and our other outdoor recreation resources into a source of local pride, hospitality, and community revitalization.
Thanks to the efforts of our community - local government, dedicated staff, scores of volunteers, and residents - we've found ways to turn these trails and our other outdoor recreation resources into a source of local pride, hospitality, and community revitalization.
A fan favorite, the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is one of the most famous biking trails in the United States. Get a bike rental and shuttle from a local outfitter and ride from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Although the upper half of the trail remains closed for now until it can be rebuilt, half of the trail is open and ready to welcome you back to town!
The Appalachian Trail (AT) brings through an eclectic mix of hikers year-round, whether out for just the day or set out on a months-long thru-hike. Come to Damascus anytime from April to June to experience the NOBO hiker bubble, when we see the highest concentration of thru-hikers, all enroute northbound to Mount Katahdin, Maine. The AT follows the sidewalk right through the middle of town, one of just three downtowns that are directly on the trail along its 2,200 mile length. From here, its not far to one of the most scenic sections of the entire AT - the Mount Rogers High Country. Damascus, Virginia is a designated AT Community and the proud home of the Damascus Trail Center and Appalachian Trail Days Festival.
The trail town lifestyle is adventurous and creative, yet relaxed. Stop and stay awhile in our vibrant downtown, where everyone is treated like a local. Take the time to explore all that Damascus has to offer.
This is the kind of place where you can be super active and seek new challenges (ultramarathons, anyone?), or where you can slow down to reconnect with nature, rejuvenate, and find your inner peace. It's a place where you can take time to make memories with friends and family. Most importantly, this is a place where you can find your own path.
From the many trails, parks, and public lands, to our shops and restaurants downtown, there is an adventure for everyone here. It's the kind of place where you'll find an adventure of your very own - one that makes you return again and again. We cherish this lifestyle and we know you will too.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) brings through an eclectic mix of hikers year-round, whether out for just the day or set out on a months-long thru-hike. Come to Damascus anytime from April to June to experience the NOBO hiker bubble, when we see the highest concentration of thru-hikers, all enroute northbound to Mount Katahdin, Maine. The AT follows the sidewalk right through the middle of town, one of just three downtowns that are directly on the trail along its 2,200 mile length. From here, its not far to one of the most scenic sections of the entire AT - the Mount Rogers High Country. Damascus, Virginia is a designated AT Community and the proud home of the Damascus Trail Center and Appalachian Trail Days Festival.
The trail town lifestyle is adventurous and creative, yet relaxed. Stop and stay awhile in our vibrant downtown, where everyone is treated like a local. Take the time to explore all that Damascus has to offer.
This is the kind of place where you can be super active and seek new challenges (ultramarathons, anyone?), or where you can slow down to reconnect with nature, rejuvenate, and find your inner peace. It's a place where you can take time to make memories with friends and family. Most importantly, this is a place where you can find your own path.
From the many trails, parks, and public lands, to our shops and restaurants downtown, there is an adventure for everyone here. It's the kind of place where you'll find an adventure of your very own - one that makes you return again and again. We cherish this lifestyle and we know you will too.
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Let's plan a road trip! Damascus, VA is:
less than 30 miles from Bristol VA/TN
less than 40 miles from Boone NC
133 miles from Roanoke VA
140 miles from Charlotte NC
140 miles from Knoxville TN
168 miles from Greenville SC
293 miles from Richmond VA
304 miles from Atlanta GA
less than 30 miles from Bristol VA/TN
less than 40 miles from Boone NC
133 miles from Roanoke VA
140 miles from Charlotte NC
140 miles from Knoxville TN
168 miles from Greenville SC
293 miles from Richmond VA
304 miles from Atlanta GA
Livability Magazine, Washington County
Washington County is a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. At the intersection of several famous trail systems, the region is a desirable destination for anyone seeking to live closer to nature and be a part of a community full of adventurers. While the area's natural beauty alone is enough to draw visitors, its hospitality is what makes people want to stay. The "Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail" doesn't just cater to hikers, but anyone with an appreciation and desire to connect with its natural abundance. "Washington County is not just a place to live - it's a place to thrive."
View the 2025 Livability Magazine online.
Washington County is a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. At the intersection of several famous trail systems, the region is a desirable destination for anyone seeking to live closer to nature and be a part of a community full of adventurers. While the area's natural beauty alone is enough to draw visitors, its hospitality is what makes people want to stay. The "Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail" doesn't just cater to hikers, but anyone with an appreciation and desire to connect with its natural abundance. "Washington County is not just a place to live - it's a place to thrive."
View the 2025 Livability Magazine online.
