Welcome to Trail Town USA!
Before you hit the trail, plan ahead and be prepared with water, food, and first aid supplies.
Make the Damascus Trail Center your first stop downtown to pick up maps and get local advice.
Small businesses may not be open 7 days a week so check hours of operation before you go.
Business hours tend to be more limited on Tuesday/Wednesday and during the winter season.
Before you hit the trail, plan ahead and be prepared with water, food, and first aid supplies.
Make the Damascus Trail Center your first stop downtown to pick up maps and get local advice.
Small businesses may not be open 7 days a week so check hours of operation before you go.
Business hours tend to be more limited on Tuesday/Wednesday and during the winter season.
Note: In Damascus, please WALK bicycles on the sidewalks or ride on the roads. When riding on the roads, cyclists must follow traffic patterns and obey all traffic laws. It is a violation of Damascus Town Code, Ordinance 50.5 to ride bicycles on sidewalks.
Q: Where is the best place to stay in town?
A: With plenty of lodging options in town, we have something for everyone. You'll be able to stay right on the trail. Choose from bed & breakfasts, a boutique hotel or historic inn, hostels, cabins, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. If you would like to bring an RV or camper, we have several campgrounds with hook-ups, both in town and in nearby National Forest. For more information, browse under the “STAY” tab.
Tip: Be sure to give our Damascus Business Group members a look first!
Q: I want to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail. Where can I rent a bike in town?
A: There are seven outfitters in town that provide bike rental and shuttle service on the Virginia Creeper Trail. The most popular section of trail is the beginner- and family-friendly 17 miles downhill from Whitetop Station back to Damascus. More information on local Bike Outfitters & Shuttles here.
Fun Fact: The Virginia Creeper Trail was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2014.
Q: How do I get to the trail?
A: The Appalachian Trail? If you’re on Main Street, you’re on it! Tip: Follow the white blazes, you’ll either end up in Tennessee or 500 miles of Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail? It runs through the middle of town two blocks south of Laurel Avenue (Main Street). The Damascus trailhead of the Virginia Creeper Trail is located by the big red caboose in the Town Park. More information on hiking and other activities here.
Q: Y’all put in my brick yet?
A: Brick? Oh! For those who bought a brick as part of the Community Pathways project on the Appalachian Trail, your brick has been installed – December 2016 marked the completion of Phase 2, and the project is currently on hiatus until Phase 3 begins at a time TBD.
Tip: Stop by Town Hall if you'd like to get on the waitlist for Phase 3.
Q: When is the peak leaf season in the fall?
A: Damascus is beautiful at any time of the year but there's something extra magical about leaf season. Due to the wide range of elevations near town, you can expect to find peak leaf color somewhere nearby for the entire month of October.
Tip: If you plan to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail during leaf season, book your shuttle reservations early. Mornings and weekdays tend to be less busy.
To suggest additions to the FAQs page, please contact the webmaster.
