It's a great little
trail town in Southwest Virginia, located just 12 miles off of Interstate 81 and within a
three hour drive of Charlotte, NC and only a two hour drive from Roanoke, VA &
Knoxville, TN, with Boone and Asheville, NC practically in the back yard.
Damascus has the distinction...well...it has many distinctions.
It won "Trail Town USA" status in 1996 for being trail-user-friendly. Five
major trails cross in Damascus--the Virginia Creeper
Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Transamerica Bicycle Route, the Iron Mountain Trail
and the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail. Damascus also has the distinction of being
tagged the "friendliest town on the trail." Originally, that meant the
Appalachian Trail, but it applies to whatever trail you happen to be on when you pass
through town.
During most of the year, the 957 permanent residents of
Damascus make room for trail and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country and around
the world. They come to hike, bike, ride horses, camp and enjoy the beauty of the Mount
Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA). The village has a few restaurants, a
small grocery store, outfitters and bike shops, as well as antique and specialty shops. And,
the fishing is great, especially in the Laurel Creek that borders the Creeper Trail
Cottages property. Check out the links for more information on Damascus and scroll
down to see Virginia Creeper Trail photos.
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