The Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is the world's longest hiking-only footpath, a 2,200 mile long trail that traverses the ridgelines and communities of the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Every year, a few thousand people set out to complete what is known as a thru-hike - an attempt to hike the entire trail at once. Many others set foot on the trail for just an afternoon or a weekend.
Damascus is one of just three downtowns that the Appalachian Trail passes directly through, along with Hot Springs, NC and Hanover, NH. Look for the trail's signature white blazes along Laurel Avenue. By following the sidewalks downtown, you are actually connected to the entire 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. All trails lead to Damascus - quite literally. From here, you can head south about four miles to the border of Virginia and Tennessee, or north about thirty miles to the Mount Rogers High Country and the highest peaks in Virginia.
About 470 miles north of Springer and 1720 miles south of Katahdin, we serve as the unofficial 'Welcome to Virginia' for NOBO (northbound) thru-hikers, marking the completion of the first quarter of the trail and the start of the next 500 miles across Virginia.
Damascus is one of just three downtowns that the Appalachian Trail passes directly through, along with Hot Springs, NC and Hanover, NH. Look for the trail's signature white blazes along Laurel Avenue. By following the sidewalks downtown, you are actually connected to the entire 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. All trails lead to Damascus - quite literally. From here, you can head south about four miles to the border of Virginia and Tennessee, or north about thirty miles to the Mount Rogers High Country and the highest peaks in Virginia.
About 470 miles north of Springer and 1720 miles south of Katahdin, we serve as the unofficial 'Welcome to Virginia' for NOBO (northbound) thru-hikers, marking the completion of the first quarter of the trail and the start of the next 500 miles across Virginia.
Damascus, VA: An AT Community
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Damascus, Virginia is an Appalachian Trail (AT) Community, designated by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy since 2011. This program recognizes communities that promote and protect the Appalachian Trail, and serve as assets for all that use the AT, providing food, supplies, recreation, history, volunteer opportunities, and so much more. |
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Thru-Hiker Info
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Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC)
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The AT is maintained largely by volunteers working through a system of 31 regional trail clubs. The section of the AT that runs through Damascus is maintained by the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club, which oversees about 60 miles of trail going north from the TN/VA border. MRATC welcomes all hikers to volunteer for trail work, or to join them for social hikes. The club serves as an authority on local trails, with knowledgeable members who are able to answer most questions about hiking in the area.
To contact MRATC directly, email [email protected]. |
A Visitor's Guide to Local Hikes
There are many nearby trails to explore! Damascus lies at the intersection of 8 local, state and national trails and is adjacent to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (which boasts 500 miles of trails) and several other public lands. The recommended map for these and other hikes around Damascus is National Geographic's Trails Illustrated Map of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which is available at the following outfitters in town: Mt. Rogers Outfitters, Damascus Outfitters, and Sundog Outfitter - Adventure Damascus.
Download guides from the Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC):
Download guides from the Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC):
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| MRATC Membership |
More Hiking Trails in Southwest Virginia
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is home to over 500 miles of trails. The Mount Rogers High Country area is by far the most popular for hiking, with highlights such as Whitetop Mountain, Wilburn Ridge, Elk Garden, and Mount Rogers itself. Find more solitude and scenery around the Beartree Lake, Taylors Valley, and Comers Rock areas.
Iron Mountain Trail — North
The Iron Mountain Trail, now blazed yellow, was part of the Appalachian Trail until 1972, when the AT was relocated to the south. This path bore the footsteps of the very first AT hikers, including Myron Avery, Gene Espy and Grandma Gatewood, to name a few. This beautiful and historic 24 mile trail, running from Damascus to VA16 at Iron Mountain Gap, is now enjoyed by many users — yet it has less users than the AT. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians co-exist partly because of the vision of the Iron Mountain Trail Club. The trail passes through luxuriant forest, generally following the mountain crest with few steep, long ascents or descents. The views to the south are superb. Except for the parts along the ridge crest, this trail has ample water. There are three shelters, a number of campsites and many combinations of circuit hikes using the Iron Mountain Trail.
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a multi-use trail that spans 34.3 miles from Whitetop Mountain to Abingdon, VA. The rail-trail is open to walkers, joggers, horses and bikers, though biking is the most popular choice. Damascus has several local bike rental and shuttle services available.
Iron Mountain Trail — North
The Iron Mountain Trail, now blazed yellow, was part of the Appalachian Trail until 1972, when the AT was relocated to the south. This path bore the footsteps of the very first AT hikers, including Myron Avery, Gene Espy and Grandma Gatewood, to name a few. This beautiful and historic 24 mile trail, running from Damascus to VA16 at Iron Mountain Gap, is now enjoyed by many users — yet it has less users than the AT. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians co-exist partly because of the vision of the Iron Mountain Trail Club. The trail passes through luxuriant forest, generally following the mountain crest with few steep, long ascents or descents. The views to the south are superb. Except for the parts along the ridge crest, this trail has ample water. There are three shelters, a number of campsites and many combinations of circuit hikes using the Iron Mountain Trail.
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a multi-use trail that spans 34.3 miles from Whitetop Mountain to Abingdon, VA. The rail-trail is open to walkers, joggers, horses and bikers, though biking is the most popular choice. Damascus has several local bike rental and shuttle services available.
Cherokee National Forest
Cherokee National Forest begins at the south edge of Damascus. Find local favorites such as Backbone Rock, Laurel Creek Trail at Camp Ahistadi, and Holston Mountain just a few miles from town.
Iron Mountain Trail — South
From Damascus south the Iron Mountain Trail is about 23 miles long ending near Tennessee Highway 91. This section is designated as a footpath only and traverses mostly roadless areas within the Cherokee National Forest. It is clearly blazed but is rugged and less maintained than its northern route. This section is a much better hike for those looking for a wilderness experience. There are no shelters but a number of campsites exist. The views are spectacular. This is an excellent circuit hike when combined with the Appalachian Trail at Highway 91 – a total loop of about 45 miles.
Iron Mountain Trail — South
From Damascus south the Iron Mountain Trail is about 23 miles long ending near Tennessee Highway 91. This section is designated as a footpath only and traverses mostly roadless areas within the Cherokee National Forest. It is clearly blazed but is rugged and less maintained than its northern route. This section is a much better hike for those looking for a wilderness experience. There are no shelters but a number of campsites exist. The views are spectacular. This is an excellent circuit hike when combined with the Appalachian Trail at Highway 91 – a total loop of about 45 miles.
More Local Trails & Recommendations
For more information about hiking in the area, visit or call the Damascus Trail Center, Damascus Outfitters, Mount Rogers Outfitters or Sundog Outfitters to pick up maps and ask the staff about local recommendations. If you're lucky, you might just find a hidden gem or local secret.
Photo of day hikers on the Appalachian Trail in the Mount Rogers High Country near Damascus
