Visitor Center open daily, 10am to 5pm
The Damascus Trail Center is a proud partnership between the Town of Damascus, VA and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). The Trail Center acts as a regional hub for outdoor recreation, uniting visitors and volunteers with a wide range of natural resources in the region. Located in the middle of downtown Damascus, the Trail Center is ideally positioned to greet visitors of three of the area’s most renowned National Trails: the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, and the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail.
Find exhibits and programming and learn more about the history, resources, and opportunities in the region. Participate in stewardship, outings, workshops, and more. Thru-hikers can get hiker hangtags here.
Trail Center amenities free to the public: restrooms, Wi-Fi, charging areas, coffee station.
plan your next adventure!
Contact ATC for more information or to volunteer at the Damascus Trail Center.
Address: 209 West Laurel Avenue, Damascus VA 24236
Phone: (276) 323-3046
Open daily, 10am to 5pm.
Closed on major holidays.
Temporary Exhibit: Bikecentennial & America’s 250th
A new public exhibit at the Damascus Trail Center, Chain Reaction: How Bikes Led to a Trail-Town Revolution, invites visitors to explore the rich trail history and cultural significance of Southwest Virginia as part of America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibit is a reflection on the American spirit: one of resilience, reinvention, and the simple joy of the journey.
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the Bikecentennial. The Chain Reaction exhibit highlights Damascus’s unique role as a hub at the intersection of several nationally recognized trails, including the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Iron Mountain Trail, the TransVirginia Bike Route, and U.S. Bicycle Route 76.
The exhibit is free to the public and on display now through National Public Lands Day, September 26, 2026.
Resources for Visitors
A.T. Hiker Hangtags
Appalachian Trail Hiker Hangtags
From the Appalachian Trail Conservancy: The A.T. hangtags distributed by the ATC are designed to hang from a hiker’s backpack during their attempts to complete all 2,190+ miles of the Trail, whether in one continuous thru-hike or over a series of section hikes. The front features the A.T. logo and the year. The back provides Leave No Trace information and a blank area where hikers can personalize the tags with a registration number, Trail name, or other information.
Stop by the Damascus Trail Center during business hours to register on ATCamp.org and pick up your hiker hangtag.
Leave No Trace Education
Leave No Trace Education
Learn sustainable hiking and camping techniques from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at the Damascus Trail Center. An overview of Leave No Trace is provided with each hiker hangtag, plus Leave No Trace programs for groups can be arranged upon request.
NEW! Bear Canister Rental
Bear Canister Rental
BearVault bear canisters are now available to rent from the Damascus Trail Center! Pick up and drop off is at the center daily between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Rentals are $5 a day or $15 for a seven day rental. A variety of canister sizes are available. Must be 18 years or older to rent.
NEW! Borrow a Snorkel Kit
Borrow a Snorkel Kit
Damascus is the first site in Virginia on the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail! Stop by the Damascus Trail Center to borrow a river snorkeling set and explore the underwater world with us. These snorkel sets were donated by Native Fish Coalition, Virginia Chapter to be used by the public for free.
Educational Exhibits
Educational Exhibits
Learn more about the trails and public lands around Damascus, including our nationally designated recreation, scenic, and historic trails: the Virginia Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Overmountain Victory Trail. Damascus is a gateway community to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, and Grayson Highlands State Park. The 3D topographical relief map is a popular feature at the Damascus Trail Center and gives a bird’s eye view of the Damascus area.
Rain Garden
The Damascus Trail Center features a rain garden with native plant species, developed in partnership with Wild Ones Appalachian Highlands chapter and Washington County Master Gardeners.
Event Venue & Facility Rentals
Event Venue & Facility Rentals
The Damascus Trail Center is available for rent for meeting or event space 7 days a week. Centrally located in downtown Damascus within walking distance to locally owned shops, restaurants, inns, bars, and outdoor recreation trails. The Trail Center is 2,100 square feet with an additional 1,000 square feet of outdoor programming space, with indoor space for up to 50 people. Nonprofit discounts available.
Included in facility rentals: staff setup and cleanup, video conferencing equipment, whiteboards, flip charts, presentation equipment, coffee pot and/or tea kettle.
For facility rental inquiries, please call the Trail Center at (276) 323-3046.
A.T. Gift Shop
a.t. Gift Shop
The gift shop at the Damascus Trail Center has a variety of trail-themed items: postcards, ornaments, guides, maps, t-shirts, and more. For members of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, enjoy 10% off your purchase!
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