Damascus, Virginia has an journey for everybody, from family-friendly biking on the Virginia Creeper Path to climbing the very best peaks within the state, and the whole lot in between.
Also referred to as Path City USA, the Appalachian Path enters the state of Virginia just some miles exterior of Damascus, then runs down the sidewalk of Foremost Road. The Virginia Creeper Path stretches throughout the center of city two blocks to the south. Wheeled vacationers go via on the TransAmerican and TransVirginia street biking routes, in addition to the Virginia Chook and Wildlife Path, Crooked Highway, Boone Path Freeway, and Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route (MABDR) motor routes. Damascus is a gateway city to Mount Rogers, the very best peak within the state of Virginia, at an elevation of 5,729 ft.
Select Your Journey
Earlier than you hit the path, cease by the Damascus Path Middle. The middle opened in 2022 as a partnership between the City of Damascus and the Appalachian Path Conservancy (ATC). Pleasant employees can be found to reply questions and join guests with a variety of out of doors assets throughout the area.
The Virginia Creeper Path, some of the well-known biking trails within the nation, is a prime choose and attracts an estimated 200,000 guests per yr. E-book a shuttle with any of the eight bike outfitters on the town and cruise downhill alongside the scenic 17-mile part from Whitetop Station again to Damascus. The path is beginner-friendly and passes via Jefferson Nationwide Forest on a relaxed railroad grade. When you’re feeling further adventurous, convey alongside a fishing pole or swimsuit and plan for a number of further stops alongside the best way.
On the fringe of city, step into Mount Rogers Nationwide Recreation Space. This 200,000 acre tract of public land contains 4 wilderness areas, elevations of over 5,000 ft, and over 500 miles of trails. Along with the Appalachian Path and Virginia Creeper Path, discover backcountry horseback driving on the Virginia Highlands Horse Path and ridgeline mountain biking and path operating on the Iron Mountain Path. Drive the very best street within the state to the summit of Whitetop Mountain for unbeatable sundown views. Hike amongst wild ponies on the excessive elevation balds at close by Grayson Highlands State Park for sweeping 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Though Damascus will get a number of hype for its trails, one in all its best-kept secrets and techniques is the plentiful waterfront entry. Trout streams Whitetop Laurel, Tennessee Laurel, and Beaverdam Creek all converge on the town to kind the South Fork of the Holston River. Whitewater boaters like to chase the seasonal flows of Whitetop Laurel Creek and the milder South Fork of the Holston. Flatwater paddling might be discovered at Beartree Lake and South Holston Lake. Accessible fishing spots are situated at Creek Junction Accessible Fishing Path and Beartree Lake. There are chilly, clear swimming holes round almost each bend, each alongside the Virginia Creeper Path and at Spine Rock Recreation Space.
Trying to attempt one thing new? Let the locals be your information and select from guided fly fishing with Expertise Damascus, horseback driving with Appalachian Horseback Using Adventures, herbalist hikes with Appalachian Teas and Botanicals, or guide a hiker shuttle with Lumpy at Mount Rogers Outfitters.
Discover Downtown
Decide up your morning espresso at Mojo’s Trailside Cafe and Espresso or Foremost Road Espresso and Cream. For a heartier sit-down breakfast, the Damascus Diner is the most effective round. On Saturday mornings from Could to October, cease by the Damascus Farmers Market to your choose of produce and fresh-baked snacks.
On the finish of the day, refuel at one of many native eating places. The primary cease off of the Virginia Creeper Path is Depraved Rooster Winghouse and Tavern, identified for its sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and wings. Swing by 7 Trails Grill for domestically sourced burgers, wood-fired pizza, and Catfish Fridays. For upscale eating, have a seat on the waterfront patio on the Damascus Outdated Mill Inn and order the filet mignon or blackened trout.
Ice cream earlier than dinner? Discover a wide array of hand-dipped ice cream flavors at each Depraved Rooster and Foremost Road Espresso and Cream. When you don’t wish to wait till you get again to city, cease midway down the Virginia Creeper Path in Taylors Valley at Hellbender’s Cafe.
Take your choose of spirits and cocktails at Appalachian Heritage Distillery, the one (authorized) distillery on all the Appalachian Path. Seize a neighborhood beer at The Damascus Brewery. Each watering holes are dog-friendly. Discover rotating faucets at many of the eating places and a bourbon bar on the Damascus Outdated Mill Inn. Observe the sound of music to find new artists alongside principal avenue on most weekends.
Lengthen Your Keep
Damascus boasts quite a lot of lodging choices and a protracted listing of causes to increase your keep. Select from conventional mattress and breakfasts, cabins, RV and tent tenting, hostels, and a boutique resort. A lot of the lodging is only a brief stroll or bike to downtown – a unique type of park and experience.
Widespread mattress and breakfasts embrace Girl Di’s B&B, Barrett Home Riverside Lodging, and The Dancing Bear. Not solely do you get a spot to sleep and a scrumptious meal, however you too can count on an additional dose of small-town hospitality and invaluable native data.
Discover your private home away from dwelling at one of many many trip leases on the town. For bigger teams, guide a number of cabins at Damascus Cabins or Creeper Path Cottages, or keep collectively on the six-bedroom Virginia Creeper Lodge. For a novel boutique resort expertise, Brinkwaters presents 13 suites and charming facilities proper on principal avenue.
Carry your individual lodging to Damascus Creekside RV Park or Laurel Creek RV Park. Discover extra personal, scenic campgrounds close by at Spine Rock Recreation Space and Beartree Lake Recreation Space.
When you’re considering of extending your keep in Southwest Virginia, use Damascus as your basecamp and enterprise out to catch a efficiency on the Barter Theatre, attempt your luck on the new Bristol On line casino, experience offroad at Doe Mountain Recreation Space in Tennessee, and verify different Virginia state parks off the listing with Hungry Mom State Park and Pure Tunnel State Park.
Plan your subsequent journey right here.
