Tag: Pet Friendly

Hit the Trails Responsibly

Tips for the trail – All trails lead to Damascus, Virginia! We have hundreds of miles of trails for you to explore right in our backyard.

At the edge of town, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area stretches as far as the eye can see, across the highest peaks in the state, over mountain balds and spruce-fir forests, trout streams, and more than 400 miles of trail. Find paths less traveled in Cherokee National Forest just south of town. In the heart of Damascus, you’ll find the Virginia Creeper Trail, one of the most famous biking trails in the United States. Take a shuttle to the top and enjoy the scenic ride back down through the forest from Whitetop Station.

To make the most of your time on the trails around Damascus, VA, it’s important to be kind, be aware, and be prepared. Here’s some local advice:

1.) Trail Tip: BE Kind

• Be respectful of other visitors and their experiences. (And remember, we are all visitors on the trail!).
• Leave your bluetooth speaker at home and listen to the sounds of nature.
• Leash and control your pets. Pack out pet waste.
• Share the trail: Bikes should always yield to hikers and horses. Downhill yields to uphill traffic.

2.) Trail Tip: Be Aware

• Safety first: Notice your surroundings. Always know your location.
• Watch out for wildlife and give them plenty of space. Do not feed wildlife or leave food unattended.
• Littering on trails is often accidental (at least, we hope!). If you bring something with you, pack it out too.
• Reduce your impact by staying on designated trails, roads, and campsites.
• In downtown Damascus, please walk bicycles when using the sidewalks.

3.) Trail Tip: Be Prepared

• Know the weather forecast. The weather varies and changes more quickly at higher elevations.
• Bring the essentials: clothing layers, food and water, navigation, and a first aid kit.
• Don’t count on having cellphone service outside of town.
• Make a plan with your group and stay together. If traveling alone, let someone know your trip plan.

Make the Damascus Trail Center your first stop downtown to pick up local maps, find must-do activities nearby to add to your trip itinerary, and learn more about hitting the trails responsibly. 

Happy Trails!

Trail Alerts & Closures

Be sure to check for the latest updates on alerts and trail conditions around Damascus, Virginia. Know before you go.

Check for any additional updates from land managers and nonprofit partners here:

• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
• ​Grayson Highlands State Park
• Cherokee National Forest
• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Additional resources

• Fishing Licenses & Regulations for Virginia and Tennessee
• Black Bears – Be Bear Aware (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources)
• Hiking with Dogs – Tips for taking four-legged friends on your next adventure (Appalachian Trail Conservancy)
• Hunting Season – Helpful tips for hikers and hunters during big game seasons (Appalachian Trail Conservancy)
• Trailhead Parking Areas (Appalachian Trail Conservancy)
• Virginia’s 4pm Burning Law – In effect February 15 through April 30 each year (Virginia Dept. of Forestry)
• Don’t Move Firewood (Don’tMoveFirewood.org)

Trail Maintenance

We are thankful for the groups that spend countless volunteer hours in stewardship to help maintain our trails. We encourage you to support and join their efforts. If you are just visiting, we recommend connecting with your local trail clubs and organizations at home.

• Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC)
• Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club (TEHCC)
• Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy (VCTC)
• Back Country Horsemen of the Virginia Highlands
• SORBA Tri-Cities