More than a Quick Stop
Let’s take a road trip to Trail Town USA! Just a few miles off I-81, Damascus, Virginia is a hidden gem for road trippers seeking a family-friendly, affordable getaway. It’s even become a surprising spring break stopover for travelers from the Great Lakes and Canada en route to the coast. With its walkable, bikeable downtown, and direct access to both the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail, Damascus offers more than a quick stop — it’s a launchpad for unforgettable mountain adventures.
The Road to Outdoor Exploration
This road trip season comes with exciting news. The long-anticipated reopening of US-58 just past Damascus is happening six months ahead of schedule in late May. Known as the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway, this stretch of road once again connects travelers to iconic outdoor destinations like Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park!
Also known as Trail Town USA, Damascus is an outdoor paradise with something for everyone. The 17-mile Virginia Creeper Trail is now open to e-bikes, offering scenic rides from Abingdon to Damascus. Whitetop Mountain, home to Virginia’s highest road, provides stunning views and popular hiking on the Appalachian Trail. The peak, at 5,525 feet, is also perfect for sunrise, sunset, and stargazing. Damascus is a central hub for dual-sport motorcyclists, connecting the Mid-Atlantic and new Southeast Backcountry Discovery Routes from Florida to the NY-PA state line.
Support Local
Damascus has plenty to offer, from the hearty, homestyle meals at The Damascus Diner to the lively atmosphere at The Tipsy Bear, with trivia, karaoke, and a Sunday Bloody Mary Bar. Explore quirky shops like Green Cove Collective and Bad Bagel’s Pet Emporium, plus classics like Sundog Outfitter. Stay at The Speckled Trout Outpost, a boutique hotel on Laurel Avenue, and don’t miss Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery, known as the only legal distillery on the Appalachian Trail.
Proximity – How Far to Trail Town USA
- Knoxville, TN – 140 miles SW
- Raleigh, NC – 240 miles SE
- Atlanta, GA – 330 miles SW
Trail Town USA Pitstop!
Just 4 miles from Damascus, Backbone Rock is home to the world’s shortest tunnel. This is a popular spot for picnics, trout fishing, and swimming holes. It also features a campground and short hikes to the rock’s summit and a waterfall.
The Trail Town USA Road Trip itinerary was first published in the June 2025 issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.
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