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Find Your Way to Damascus
Hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Mount Rogers High Country

Hiking

At the edge of town, more than 500 miles of trails stretch as far as the eye can see, right to the highest peaks in Virginia.

Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, Virginia

Biking

From the heart of Damascus, you’ll find the Virginia Creeper Trail, one of the most famous biking trails in the United States.

Fly fishing wild trout on Whitetop Laurel Creek in Damascus, Virginia

Fishing

Best-kept secret? We have miles of trout streams nearby, from roadside to remote. Cast a line downtown or head upstream.

Welcome to the Friendliest
Town on the Trail!

Our Claim to Fame?

Damascus, Virginia has some of the best outdoor recreation of the Southeast right in our backyard. At the edge of town is Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which holds more than 400 miles of trails. Those trails lead right to the highest peaks in Virginia. There’s an adventure for everyone here!

This is Trail Town USA.

The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail pass through the heart of Damascus. Several other major hiking, cycling, and motor routes converge here, too. Among them are the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail Route 76, TransVirginia Bike Route, Iron Mountain Trail, South East and Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Routes, The Crooked Road, and Mount Rogers Scenic Byway. As these trails pass through Damascus, they bring along people, stories, and culture from all walks of life.

A Trail Town Community

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 other outdoor recreation resources into a destination: a source of local pride, hospitality, and community revitalization.

There’s an Adventure For Everyone Here.

Family biking the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, Virginia in fall color
Couple biking the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, Virginia in summertime green

from the Start to the Heart

The Virginia Creeper Trail is open from Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Local outfitters provide full rental and shuttle services from their Damascus storefronts to the Abingdon trailhead. Bike back to Damascus at your own pace – enjoy the ride!


Find your way to damascus


The Trail Town Lifestyle

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. 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.

Find Your Way to Adventure.


​Let’s plan a road trip!

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