You Won't Believe This Town Is In Virginia
Virginia has become increasingly urban over the past few decades, with its metropolitan population rising from 63.2% in 1970 to 75.5% by 2010, according to the Iowa Community Indicators Program. Even as many Virginians turn to city life, the state’s remote corners should not be forgotten. Home to fewer than 800 residents, Damascus is a perfect example of this remote beauty. It sits at the crossroads of several major trails and on the edge of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where rolling hills give way to some of the state’s tallest mountains. The town also stays true to its natural roots, holding an annual festival celebrating the Appalachian Trail and fishing tournaments highlighting its fish-abundant streams, rivers, and lakes. Planning a few days away from the city? Ensure Damascus is on your radar for a true nature escape this year.
Trail Town USA
With seven iconic trails passing through the heart of town, Damascus has rightfully earned the nickname “Trail Town USA.” The Appalachian Trail is one of the most renowned, known for being the world’s longest hiking-only footpath at nearly 2,200 miles long. While over 3 million people hike portions of this trail yearly, only a few thousand attempt to hike the entire path, known as a “thru-hike.” Although the trail passes through many towns, only a handful of them have it running through their center — Damascus is one of them. Just by strolling through downtown, travelers can say that they have hiked a portion of the world-famous trail.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the other most popular trails that runs through town. Well known in the biking community, this trail runs 17 miles from Abingdon through Damascus, passing rolling farmland and the South Fork of the Holston River. Much of the trail is downhill, making it an excellent route for bikers of all ages and levels. Usually, the trail ends in Whitetop. However, the Damascus-to-Whitetop section remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene as the US Forest Service carries out recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Covering about 200,000 acres, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area sits between Damascus and Galax, packed with hilly terrain and some of the state’s highest peaks. Although it can take a bit of a drive to get out to certain parts of the recreation area, you will find the nature that awaits to be well worth the trip. Across this rugged land, travelers will find roughly 500 miles of trails, numerous campgrounds, trout-filled streams, open meadows, and spruce-fir forests, home to wildlife like wild ponies and bears. Over 1 million people visit this recreational area each year, and it is easy to see why, with opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, camping, birdwatching, and even stargazing.
Travelers interested in hiking some of the area’s peaks have some spectacular options to choose from. Make sure to add Mount Rogers Summit to your itinerary, standing 5,729 feet tall as the highest peak in the state. This peak can only be climbed on foot, drawing in many day-hikers and weekend backpackers. Although the summit is forested, the trail offers plenty of breathtaking views. If you have the energy to climb a second summit in Damascus, consider driving out to Whitetop Mountain. This mountain is Virginia’s second-highest at 5,525 feet and offers nearly 360-degree views. In addition to hiking, this summit is excellent for picnics and stargazing.
Nature-Themed Festivals & Events
Damascus’s location is not the only thing differentiating it from its urban neighbors. The town celebrates its natural surroundings at every opportunity, mainly through renowned festivals and events. Each May, the town comes together for the annual Appalachian Trail Days Festival, the world’s biggest celebration of all things Appalachian Trail and hiking life. Held the weekend after Mother’s Day, the festival draws in about 25,000 visitors, all eager to celebrate their love of hiking and the trail. Over 100 vendors set up shop for the weekend, selling top-knotch outdoor gear and handmade products, while live performers take to the stage to liven the atmosphere.
Don’t want to wait until May to visit Damascus? You are still in time for the town’s Trout Days. From September 12-14, this event is a catch-and-release tournament, with profits helping fund the town’s ongoing long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene. Rainbow and brown trout will be added this September, offering even better fishing opportunities.
Damascus may already be familiar to Virginia's hiking and biking community as a stop along nationally renowned routes like the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail. However, if this town is not yet on your radar, it should be for your upcoming travels. Even if you are not a hiker, you can still experience the town’s rugged spirit at a festival or enjoy a picnic among the peaks of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. So get ready to leave the city behind for a few days and see what this unexpected town offers.
