Trail Days 2025 Programs & Presentations
Find information and inspiration from a packed schedule of more than 25 free presentations, trail tales, and discussions by trail personalities. Trail Days Programs are located at the Rock School Auditorium, Old Mill Conference Room, and Damascus Trail Center throughout the weekend. 2025 presenters include Warren Doyle, historian Mills Kelly, actress Anne Van Curen, hostel owner Neville Harris, F. Dale Sanders "Greybeard", Heather Anderson, Tara Dower "Candy Mama," and more!
Friday, May 16
10am at the Damascus Trail Center: Ticks on the Trail: Practical Prevention for Hikers. Ticks are a common health hazard on the Appalachian Trail, and prevention can look different for hikers compared to the public. This presentation will cover evidence-based prevention measures with a focus on what’s realistic and accessible for long-distance hikers. Learn practical, trail-friendly strategies to reduce your risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections—without adding unnecessary weight to your pack. appalachiantrail.org.
2:30-3:30 pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Grandma Gatewood Takes A Walk. Actress Anne Van Curen transforms into Emma “Grandma” Gatewood to describe what it was like to be the first woman to solo hike the AT in 1955, at the age of 67. Based on the book “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” written by Ben Montgomery. mountainstorytelling.com.
3pm at the Damascus Trail Center: Sketches and Snapshots: A Long Distance Hike as a Creative Act. Join visual artist and LASH’er Mark “Sketch” Wurman (author of A Sketch and a Prayer) and photographer, documentarian, and NOBO 2024 thru hiker Laura “Half Pint” Partain for an inspiring conversation centered on long-distance hiking and art-making. Learn the power of incorporating creative practices on a hike and why the extra pack weight (yes, even for a thru-hike) might make your long journey an especially meaningful one.
4-5:15pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Trail Epiphanies with Warren Doyle. Receiving the gifts that the trail provides, IF you are aware of and open to receive them (there will be no mention of ounces/pounds; equipment; Far Out; or, hostels/shuttles) warrendoyle.com.
4pm at the Damascus Trail Center: The Lost Trail of Virginia. When the Appalachian Trail began, the route it followed from Damascus to McAfee Knob was entirely different from the route it follows today. Historian Mills Kelly tells the story of the trail's original route and how people who live along that route still remember the trail, even though it left more than 70 years ago. appalachiantrail.org.
7-7:50pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Beginners’ Contra Dance Lesson.
Warren & Terry Doyle (AT thru-hikers) will offer patient, fun instruction so you don’t look too foolish at tonight's dance. Don't worry, you don’t have to know your left foot from your right foot to contra dance.
8-11pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Annual Trail Days Contra Dance.
Enjoy dancing to some mighty-fine musicians and with patient, clear dance calling by Warren & Terry Doyle, and it’s FREE! For new dancers, please come to the beginner’s lesson at 7pm. “Contra dancing is the most fun you can have standing up!” No partner or fancy duds needed. Please attend sober. contradancersdelight.com.
2:30-3:30 pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Grandma Gatewood Takes A Walk. Actress Anne Van Curen transforms into Emma “Grandma” Gatewood to describe what it was like to be the first woman to solo hike the AT in 1955, at the age of 67. Based on the book “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” written by Ben Montgomery. mountainstorytelling.com.
3pm at the Damascus Trail Center: Sketches and Snapshots: A Long Distance Hike as a Creative Act. Join visual artist and LASH’er Mark “Sketch” Wurman (author of A Sketch and a Prayer) and photographer, documentarian, and NOBO 2024 thru hiker Laura “Half Pint” Partain for an inspiring conversation centered on long-distance hiking and art-making. Learn the power of incorporating creative practices on a hike and why the extra pack weight (yes, even for a thru-hike) might make your long journey an especially meaningful one.
4-5:15pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Trail Epiphanies with Warren Doyle. Receiving the gifts that the trail provides, IF you are aware of and open to receive them (there will be no mention of ounces/pounds; equipment; Far Out; or, hostels/shuttles) warrendoyle.com.
4pm at the Damascus Trail Center: The Lost Trail of Virginia. When the Appalachian Trail began, the route it followed from Damascus to McAfee Knob was entirely different from the route it follows today. Historian Mills Kelly tells the story of the trail's original route and how people who live along that route still remember the trail, even though it left more than 70 years ago. appalachiantrail.org.
7-7:50pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Beginners’ Contra Dance Lesson.
Warren & Terry Doyle (AT thru-hikers) will offer patient, fun instruction so you don’t look too foolish at tonight's dance. Don't worry, you don’t have to know your left foot from your right foot to contra dance.
8-11pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Annual Trail Days Contra Dance.
Enjoy dancing to some mighty-fine musicians and with patient, clear dance calling by Warren & Terry Doyle, and it’s FREE! For new dancers, please come to the beginner’s lesson at 7pm. “Contra dancing is the most fun you can have standing up!” No partner or fancy duds needed. Please attend sober. contradancersdelight.com.
Saturday, May 17
9-10:30am at the Rock School Auditorium: How Has AT Thru/Section-Hiking Changed Over the Last 50 Years. Talk and discussion moderated by Warren Doyle. warrendoyle.com.
9:30-10:45am at the Old Mill Conference Room: Iris and the Triple Crown Classroom. Iris and the Fabulous Firsties begin each year at basecamp (i.e. first grade) ready to set off on a thrilling virtual thru-hike! They weave the wonders of the outdoors and spirit of backpacking culture into classroom adventures. Come to learn how they make this magical adventure happen.
10am at the Damascus Trail Center: A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail. What did AT hikers eat, wear, carry, or sleep in back in 1930, 1950, 1970, or 1990? In this talk, AT historian and podcast host Mills Kelly will preview his forthcoming book, “A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail,” with answers to these questions and more. appalachiantrail.org.
11am-12:15pm at the Rock School Auditorium: The Wonder of Woods Hole, a special place along the trail south of Pearisburg. Find out what makes this spot like no other. Neville Harris, the guiding spirit behind this oasis, will share her thoughts/feelings on Woods Hole’s past, present and future. woodsholehostel.com.
11am-12:15pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: The Everest Base Camp Experience. Mark Johnson will take you on an audiovisual journey to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and share with you everything you need to know about the trip. hobnailtrekkingco.com.
11:30am-12pm at the Damascus Trail Center: The Bear Basics. Staying safe and respecting bears on the Appalachian Trail. appalachiantrail.org.
12:30-1:45pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Increasing Your Success on Completing the AT. Valid and time-tested tips and advice to complete a thru- or section-hike by a wise, old man who has traversed the entire AT 18 times - Warren Doyle. Includes FREE one-page 'book'. warrendoyle.com.
12:30-1:45pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Greybeard's 2025-26 AT Challenge at 90 years old. Do you want to be active into old age? Come listen to F. Dale Sanders "Greybeard" as he attempts to answer this question by attempting to become the oldest thru-hiker. greybeardadventurer.com.
2:45-3:45pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Story Time with Black Bear. Bring children by for a reading of Black Bear's Adventure children's book along with a book-related activity. EmilysEscapades.com.
3pm at the Damascus Trail Center: Helene Info Session. Join us for a look at how the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) responded to Hurricane Helene, assessing damage and assisting recovery efforts to restore the A.T. Through dedicated stewardship and conservation, discover how the ATC ensures the trail's resilience, protecting its future while keeping it accessible for generations. appalachiantrail.org.
4-5:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Solo: Hiking the Arizona Trail Unsupported. Come hear Heather Anderson share her story of and lessons learned from hiking the 800-mile Arizona Trail completely unsupported during the Spring of 2024. She began her hike with all her food and gear completing the trail in 24 days without resupplying or going into town. wordsfromthewild.net.
4-5:15pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Hiking With a Dog. Join Maria Wishart (Wheezy Pee) as she shares how to hike responsibly with a dog. She will cover nutrition, logistics, training, gear, etc. There is an emphasis on responsibility and management including leashing up and practicing leave no trace.
4pm at the Damascus Trail Center: A 35mm Thru Hike. Shooting over 250 rolls of 35mm film on her 2024 thru-hike, Laura “Half Pint” Partain shares her photographs and her story of putting her career in commercial photography on hold to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail with one of her cameras - and what her NOBO traverse taught her about her love of photography, her artist's journey, and herself. appalachiantrail.org.
5:30-6:45pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: AT-Inspired Devotions. Come and learn how the trail inspires a deeper understanding of faith. EmilysEscapades.com.
6-7:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Setting the Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail: A Love Story between the runner and Chump Change. 2197 miles in 40 Days 18 Hours and 6 minutes - The fastest time ever on the Appalachian Trail. Come listen to the account of how history was made on the AT through pure equanimity, chaos, friendship and a whole lot of trail magic. Rascal and Candy Mama comedically and somewhat seriously retell the story of the 2024 record breaking hike that inspired millions around the world. Tara-Treks.com.
7-8:15pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Life After Post-Trail Depression. Emily will discuss how the trail changed her, how she suffered after her hikes, and how she recovered. EmilysEscapades.com.
8-9:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: 23 Ways to Drink in Life on the Appalachian Trail. In this documentary by Maddie Zickel, 23 traditions, hallmarks, and milestones that many hikers experience are discussed as we follow one hiker on her journey northbound. Many hikers are interviewed both formally and informally throughout, giving the viewer a sense of what’s different and similar for each person’s hike.
9:30-10:45am at the Old Mill Conference Room: Iris and the Triple Crown Classroom. Iris and the Fabulous Firsties begin each year at basecamp (i.e. first grade) ready to set off on a thrilling virtual thru-hike! They weave the wonders of the outdoors and spirit of backpacking culture into classroom adventures. Come to learn how they make this magical adventure happen.
10am at the Damascus Trail Center: A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail. What did AT hikers eat, wear, carry, or sleep in back in 1930, 1950, 1970, or 1990? In this talk, AT historian and podcast host Mills Kelly will preview his forthcoming book, “A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail,” with answers to these questions and more. appalachiantrail.org.
11am-12:15pm at the Rock School Auditorium: The Wonder of Woods Hole, a special place along the trail south of Pearisburg. Find out what makes this spot like no other. Neville Harris, the guiding spirit behind this oasis, will share her thoughts/feelings on Woods Hole’s past, present and future. woodsholehostel.com.
11am-12:15pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: The Everest Base Camp Experience. Mark Johnson will take you on an audiovisual journey to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and share with you everything you need to know about the trip. hobnailtrekkingco.com.
11:30am-12pm at the Damascus Trail Center: The Bear Basics. Staying safe and respecting bears on the Appalachian Trail. appalachiantrail.org.
12:30-1:45pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Increasing Your Success on Completing the AT. Valid and time-tested tips and advice to complete a thru- or section-hike by a wise, old man who has traversed the entire AT 18 times - Warren Doyle. Includes FREE one-page 'book'. warrendoyle.com.
12:30-1:45pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Greybeard's 2025-26 AT Challenge at 90 years old. Do you want to be active into old age? Come listen to F. Dale Sanders "Greybeard" as he attempts to answer this question by attempting to become the oldest thru-hiker. greybeardadventurer.com.
2:45-3:45pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Story Time with Black Bear. Bring children by for a reading of Black Bear's Adventure children's book along with a book-related activity. EmilysEscapades.com.
3pm at the Damascus Trail Center: Helene Info Session. Join us for a look at how the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) responded to Hurricane Helene, assessing damage and assisting recovery efforts to restore the A.T. Through dedicated stewardship and conservation, discover how the ATC ensures the trail's resilience, protecting its future while keeping it accessible for generations. appalachiantrail.org.
4-5:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Solo: Hiking the Arizona Trail Unsupported. Come hear Heather Anderson share her story of and lessons learned from hiking the 800-mile Arizona Trail completely unsupported during the Spring of 2024. She began her hike with all her food and gear completing the trail in 24 days without resupplying or going into town. wordsfromthewild.net.
4-5:15pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Hiking With a Dog. Join Maria Wishart (Wheezy Pee) as she shares how to hike responsibly with a dog. She will cover nutrition, logistics, training, gear, etc. There is an emphasis on responsibility and management including leashing up and practicing leave no trace.
4pm at the Damascus Trail Center: A 35mm Thru Hike. Shooting over 250 rolls of 35mm film on her 2024 thru-hike, Laura “Half Pint” Partain shares her photographs and her story of putting her career in commercial photography on hold to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail with one of her cameras - and what her NOBO traverse taught her about her love of photography, her artist's journey, and herself. appalachiantrail.org.
5:30-6:45pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: AT-Inspired Devotions. Come and learn how the trail inspires a deeper understanding of faith. EmilysEscapades.com.
6-7:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Setting the Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail: A Love Story between the runner and Chump Change. 2197 miles in 40 Days 18 Hours and 6 minutes - The fastest time ever on the Appalachian Trail. Come listen to the account of how history was made on the AT through pure equanimity, chaos, friendship and a whole lot of trail magic. Rascal and Candy Mama comedically and somewhat seriously retell the story of the 2024 record breaking hike that inspired millions around the world. Tara-Treks.com.
7-8:15pm at the Old Mill Conference Room: Life After Post-Trail Depression. Emily will discuss how the trail changed her, how she suffered after her hikes, and how she recovered. EmilysEscapades.com.
8-9:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: 23 Ways to Drink in Life on the Appalachian Trail. In this documentary by Maddie Zickel, 23 traditions, hallmarks, and milestones that many hikers experience are discussed as we follow one hiker on her journey northbound. Many hikers are interviewed both formally and informally throughout, giving the viewer a sense of what’s different and similar for each person’s hike.
Sunday, May 18
9-10am at the Rock School Auditorium: Altered on the Appalachian Trail. Join Mike Rayder as he discusses his new book about his 1973 AT thru-hike and how the trail changed his life and the gifts he received from his journey.
10:30am-noon at the Rock School Auditorium: Blood Sweat Tears: Women+ on Trail. Come for a panel discussion with author Christine Reed, Meaghan Martin, Belinda Arndt, and endurance hiker Heather Anderson, on the specific challenges faced by women+ on trail and some tips and tricks for dealing with them.
12:30- 1:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Altered on the Appalachian Trail. Join Mike Rayder as he discusses his new book about his 1973 AT thru-hike and how the trail changed his life and the gifts he received from his journey.
1pm at the Damascus Trail Center: In My Boots: Book Talk and Signing with Amanda "Tamarack" Jaros, author of In My Boots: A Memoir of Five Million Steps Along the Appalachian Trail, a coming-of-age tale just released in February 2025 from Black Rose Writing. In 1999, Amanda embarked on a trek of the Appalachian Trail, wondering who she is and how she fits in the world, and leaving behind a childhood with a volatile and unstable father. After a physically and emotionally taxing journey, Amanda uncovered who she can be - herself.
2-3:45pm at the Rock School Auditorium: My 57 y.o. Love Affair with the AT. Come be regaled by Warren Doyle, member of the AT Hall of Fame, who has attended all the Trail Days. His AT hiking exploits speak for themselves. Be prepared to be entertained, amused, agitated, enlightened and/or pushed out of your comfort zone (just like the trail does to its pilgrims). The question of “What motivates someone to walk the entire trail 18 times?” might be answered by the end of this program. warrendoyle.com.
10:30am-noon at the Rock School Auditorium: Blood Sweat Tears: Women+ on Trail. Come for a panel discussion with author Christine Reed, Meaghan Martin, Belinda Arndt, and endurance hiker Heather Anderson, on the specific challenges faced by women+ on trail and some tips and tricks for dealing with them.
12:30- 1:30pm at the Rock School Auditorium: Altered on the Appalachian Trail. Join Mike Rayder as he discusses his new book about his 1973 AT thru-hike and how the trail changed his life and the gifts he received from his journey.
1pm at the Damascus Trail Center: In My Boots: Book Talk and Signing with Amanda "Tamarack" Jaros, author of In My Boots: A Memoir of Five Million Steps Along the Appalachian Trail, a coming-of-age tale just released in February 2025 from Black Rose Writing. In 1999, Amanda embarked on a trek of the Appalachian Trail, wondering who she is and how she fits in the world, and leaving behind a childhood with a volatile and unstable father. After a physically and emotionally taxing journey, Amanda uncovered who she can be - herself.
2-3:45pm at the Rock School Auditorium: My 57 y.o. Love Affair with the AT. Come be regaled by Warren Doyle, member of the AT Hall of Fame, who has attended all the Trail Days. His AT hiking exploits speak for themselves. Be prepared to be entertained, amused, agitated, enlightened and/or pushed out of your comfort zone (just like the trail does to its pilgrims). The question of “What motivates someone to walk the entire trail 18 times?” might be answered by the end of this program. warrendoyle.com.
