Damascus

Location: Southwestern Virginia
Trip Starts: Douglas Street (Citgo)
Trip Ends: Laurel Avenue (Town Park)
Total Distance: 1.6 miles
Hike Type: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Trails Used: Main Street
Trail Traffic: Heavy
Trip Type: Hiking/Camping
More Information:

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 West Washington Street
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 535-6331

Highlights:

Damascus, Virginia, affectionately known as “Trail Town USA,” is a charming small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Highlands. With a population of approximately 800 full time residents, Damascus is renowned for its vibrant outdoor recreation scene where seven nationally recognized trails converge within its limits.  These trails not only provide recreational opportunities but also contribute significantly to the town’s tourism-driven economy. The Appalachian Trail is the most well-known of these national trails and Damascus hosts the annual Appalachian Trail Days Festival annually which is a major event celebrating the hiking community. Held the third weekend each May, this festival attracts over 20,000 visitors – featuring live music, a hiker parade, gear vendors, and various outdoor activities.

On this hike, we took place in the annual Trail Days hiker parade in Damascus.  The Hiker Parade is the celebrated highlight of the annual Appalachian Trail Days Festival and it brings together Appalachian Trail thru-hikers past, present, and future— as well as trail enthusiasts from around the world.  Many walk the mile plus route through town in the hiker parade and subject themselves to water guns from the local community while wearing colorful outfits celebrating the trail community.  The annual festival takes place over a four day period each May. 

GPS Coordinates:

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