Tag: Livability Magazine

Peak Happiness

Explore Trails Less Traveled

While the Appalachian Trail receives most of the attention, there are several other trails and parks in the Washington County region. So, for those who wish to venture off the beaten path, here are six places to enjoy a day hike in the region.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Tucked between Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Grayson Highlands offers views of the surrounding 5,000-foot-high peaks. Hiking trails within the park lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, but the main attraction is the park’s wild ponies. There are also trails for mountain biking and horseback riding.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

The options at Mount Rogers are as expansive as the recreation area itself, with more than 400 miles of trails located within the approximately 200,000 acres of national forest land. Popular attractions include the same herd of wild free-ranging ponies, massive rock formations and the highest elevation road in Virginia.

Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile pathway stretches from Abingdon through Damascus and onto Mount Rogers. The trail crosses nearly 50 wooden trestles and passes a diverse landscape, ranging from open farmland to dense forests to flowing streams. In 2014, the trail was inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame.

Salt Trail

One of the easiest ways to enjoy the great outdoors is along the Salt Trail, which runs for nearly 9 miles from Glade Spring to Saltville in Smyth County. This trail is mostly flat as it passes through both woodland and farmland, making it ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride. [The Salt Trail is another historic rail-to-trail project, and is still a work in progress.]

Mendota Trail

The Mendota Trail is a new rail-to-trail project located in western Washington County. The 12.5-mile hiking and biking corridor runs from Mendota to Bristol. [The Mendota Trail opened to the public in 2023.]

Appalachian Trail (Section Hike)

Of course, there is always the biggest trail of them all. The Appalachian Trail enters Washington County from the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, crossing the state line just south of Damascus. From there, it continues into the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the massive 1.8-million-acre Jefferson National Forest (with nearly 23,000 acres located in Washington County) before cutting across a corner of Grayson Highlands State Park.

This article, Peak Happiness, was first published in the 2024 issue of Livability magazine. Sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at Livability Washington County.

October 28, 2026
A Perfect Day

Uncover Hidden Gems

Looking to spend a full day wandering around Washington County and experiencing all that the area has to offer? Here’s a curated itinerary to help you have the most fabulous day imaginable, from morning until night.

Morning

Start the day off on the right foot: with breakfast and coffee, obviously! If you’re craving a full, hot meal with all the fixings, you simply must grab a table at [The Damascus Diner]. If grab-and-go is more your style, head on over to [The Coffee Thief] for a cup of coffee and delicious pastry.

After enjoying your morning meal, it’s time for a little action to get the blood pumping. Find the nearest bike rental retailer (like Adventure Damascus & Sundog Outfitter) and hop on their provided shuttle to Whitetop Station, skipping an uphill climb.

When you’re ready to start your ride, you’ll travel downhill along the Virginia Creeper Trail all the way back to Damascus. That’s 17 beautiful miles and one of the most breathtaking and relaxing bike rides you’ll ever take, thanks to the very gentle downward grade and incredible Virginia scenery.

Of course, if biking isn’t your thing, you can always go for an easy hike along the Appalachian Trail. Be sure to stop by the Damascus Trail Center first to plan out your route.

Afternoon

After such invigorating outdoor excursions, it’s a safe bet that you’re hungry again, right? Stop in at Wicked Chicken Winghouse and Tavern to refuel on wings, burgers, fresh salads and more.

If day drinking sounds appealing right about now, you could also head over to The Damascus Brewery and try something off an extensive catalog of craft brews. To remember the whole experience, purchase one of the many memorable and unique souvenirs at Discover Damascus.

This article, A Perfect Day, was first published in the 2025 issue of Livability magazine. Sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at Livability Washington County.

October 28, 2026
Reeled In

Lifelong Anglers Share Their Love for the Sport

“My love for fishing has never failed me,” says Alan Necessary, owner of Washington County’s successful supply store, Appalachian Baits. “It’s such a stress reliever for me. Whether you catch a fish or not, it gets your mind off any other problems you may have in life.”

Mountainous terrain stretches across Southwest Virginia, carving some of the most coveted rivers and streams for fishing enthusiasts near and far. The shimmering scales of various freshwater fish, like bass, trout, walleye and musky, attract anglers from all over the country.

Generational Anglers

Around this region, a wholesome love for fishing seems almost like a common trait passed down within families. “My grandfather, my dad and my entire family have all been trout fishermen,” Necessary says.

Bruce Wankel, who opened Virginia Creeper Fly Shop in 1994, offers similar sentiments toward the familial feeling. “Growing up, my family thought fishing was the most fun a person could have,” he says. “And it seemed like there was always something interesting going on around the local streams, rivers and TVA lakes where we fished.”

It’s important to acknowledge, as locals will remind you, that fishing is clearly a cherished and traditional sport in the Washington County area. It’s not merely about gain or competition. This is immersing yourself in the simplicity of nature and spending time with the people you care about. Why not backdrop those memories with some gorgeous Appalachian scenery?

Activities Bait Attention

The key to the increasing popularity of Washington County streams and lakes? It may have something to do with the growing number of outdoorsy businesses, campsites and public trails.

“I purposefully suggest folks in my audience to come and stay not just for a day of guided fly-fishing with us, but to put together a plan for a long weekend, or better yet, a full week of activities in the area,” Wankel says.

Perhaps the easiest way to blend an outdoorsy vacation with a fishing agenda is to visit the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus. Each year, over 150,000 people head to the picturesque 34-mile bike trail. “You’ll see a lot of bike riders on the Creeper Trail that have fly rods or spinning equipment on their backs. Just about everywhere along the trail, there’s some sort of stream beside it,” Necessary says.

While in the area, be sure to watch for festivals and competitive fishing derbies to catch some angler action. After reeling ‘em in, Washington County features a roster of restaurants, art galleries, theaters and live-music venues for your itinerary.

Fishing Hot Spots

“There’s such a wide variety of fish in this county, alone. You can fish the rivers, lakes and mountain streams to target just about any species of freshwater fish that you want to catch,” Necessary says. A few of the most recognizable spots in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee are South Holston Lake, Whitetop Laurel Creek, Beaverdam Creek and Beartree Lake.

Whitetop Laurel Creek is a hot spot for trout – rainbow, brown, brook and wild trout. In addition, Big Tumbling Creek is deliberately stocked three to four times a week with trout during the warm seasons. It’s another gem for anglers – perhaps even the most far-reaching. “I was just at Big Tumbling today and met a guy that had traveled from Ohio. He’s staying here for a week just to fish Big Tumbling,” Necessary says.

The combination of abundant fishing opportunities, breathtaking scenery and a welcoming community creates an experience unlike any other. Those who cast a line in this part of Appalachia will not only leave with memories that will last a lifetime, but also a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and rich traditions that define this region.

This article, Reeled In, was first published in the 2025 issue of Livability magazine. Sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at Livability Washington County.

September 22, 2026
All Hail the Appalachian Trail

Hiker-Friendly Communities

Washington County is where it’s at for A.T. hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

They say a journey of 1,000 miles – or in the case of the Appalachian Trail, 2,198 miles – begins with a single step. But at some point, even the hardiest hiker needs to take a break from all that stepping. And one of the best places to rest and recharge on the A.T. is Washington County.

Not only is Washington County widely regarded as one of the most hiker-friendly communities along the Appalachian Trail, the town of Damascus is among only three communities on the entire trail in which the A.T. passes directly through a downtown. As a result, businesses throughout the area, including in nearby towns such as Abingdon and Glade Spring, make an extra effort to welcome the travelers.

“Hikers are some of the best people you’ll ever meet,” says Ralph Wilson, who owns both Damascus Diner and Dragonfly Inn. “They’re very in tune with the environment. When they say leave no trace and have no worries, those are not cliches to them. They live by it. They may be a little dirty and smelly when they get here, but when they leave, we make sure they’re all good.” One way Wilson does that is by offering hikers what he calls “trail magic” in the form of cookies and brownies…

…Whether hikers are making a brief stop while passing through or staying for a longer visit, there is plenty to see and do in Washington County. Here is a sample of what’s available. Consider it a step-by-step guide to exploring the region.

Get Informed

The new Damascus Trail Center, a collaboration between the town and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, provides visitors with a wide range of outdoor resources available throughout the region, including information about area attractions, backcountry skills and trail conservation. “The Trail Center is able to highlight and amplify everything that we have around us,” says Julie Kroll, recreation program director for the Town of Damascus. “You can pick up local maps, find out about local activities and get local advice. It’s a great place for uniting visitors and locals and connecting them with our outdoor recreation resources.”

Stock Up

There are several outdoor stores throughout the region for replenishing your gear, including Damascus Outfitters. Adventure Damascus Bike Rental & Shuttle Co. is among the businesses that offer shuttle service to area trailheads. “We truly cater to outdoor recreation here and have everything that folks would need,” Kroll says.

Chow Down

A lengthy hike can certainly work up an ample appetite. The Damascus Diner serves tasty meals seven days a week, from eggs and French toast in the morning to burgers and veggies throughout the day. “Hikers aren’t shy when they come in to eat,” Wilson says. “Sometimes they’ll eat more than one meal at a time.” The diner neighbors coffee shops, craft beverage destinations and other local restaurants. Appalachian Heritage Distillery helps hikers keep their spirits up, highlighted by their award-winning vodka. And when it comes time to venture back onto the trail, you can pick up groceries at Food City.

Washington County celebrates the outdoors with the annual Appalachian Trail Days event, held in May. Known as a “tramily” (trail family) reunion, more than 20,000 people regularly make the trek to Damascus for three days of music, food and camaraderie.

“It’s one big celebration of the Appalachian Trail and hiker culture,” Kroll says. “It’s a chance to show what a friendly community we are, and how we’re all focused on the trails that pass through here.”

This article, All Hail the Appalachian Trail, was first published in the 2024 issue of Livability magazine. Sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at Livability Washington County.

September 15, 2026
Mountain Magic

A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Mountain Magic: Outdoor enthusiasts praise the region’s abundance of nature.

Washington County is a prime location for outdoors enthusiasts of all levels. At the intersection of several famous trail systems, the region is a desirable destination for anyone seeking to live closer to nature and be a part of a community full of adventurers.

As a lifelong Damascus resident, Michael Wright has made a living promoting Washington County’s outdoor wonders through his local businesses. He owns and operates Adventure Damascus Bicycles, Damascus Outfitters, and Trailhead Designs, as well as Hellbender’s Cafe on the Virginia Creeper Trail. The area’s prime location amid the Appalachian Mountains brings with it an abundance of outdoor amenities. Hikers can hop onto portions of the Appalachian Trail, which cuts through the area, or the Virginia Creeper Trail, offering over 34 miles of multiuse paths.

“Damascus is truly a haven for outdoor enthusiasts,” Wright says.

Appalachian Bound

Living among the natural beauty of the area has allowed Wright to build a life and career in the outdoors industry, from opening the first full-service bike shop on the Virginia Creeper Trail to a high-quality outfitter for Appalachian Trail hikers. “I have been able to create many jobs, make a living and raise a family in the small community I grew up in,” Wright says. “I have also felt that it was my duty to try and share the beauty of the area and help create some fun memories for as many visitors as I can.”

Damascus has become known as the “Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail.” This is due in part to the number of amenities for thru-hikers making the journey from Georgia to Maine. Damascus Outfitters carries all the essentials a hiker might need, along with fun souvenirs to remember the journey by.

The Damascus Trail Center, in collaboration with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, helps educate visitors about the history and significance of the trail and Damascus’ role in stewarding the land.

Wright sees proximity to nature and outdoor opportunities as essential to the overall health of individuals and their communities. “Our walkaable communities and our local trail systems help to improve a person’s mind and body,” Wright says.

While the area’s natural beauty alone is enough to draw visitors, its hospitality is what makes people want to stay. The “Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail” doesn’t just cater to hikers. It’s for anyone with an appreciation and desire to connect with its natural abundance. “Washington County is not just a place to live – it’s a place to thrive,” says Wright.

Local Favorites

Mount Rogers is Virginia’s highest peak. The hike offers views not only of the surrounding mountains but of the wild ponies that reside there. Hikers can also enjoy a short trek to Buzzard Rock on Whitetop Mountain. For a fun bike trek, start out at Hellbender’s Cafe in Taylors Valley and ride to Straight Branch. Or, for an easy day out, Wright suggests a picnic at Backbone Rock.

Livability Magazine, Washington County

This article, Mountain Magic, was first published in the 2025 issue of Livability magazine. Sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at Livability Washington County.

September 15, 2026