Damascus, VA

[nilesrob]

We just came back from a most awesome vacation, having spent most of it in Damascus, VA - highly recommend!

Damascus is on the southern part of VA, close to the TN line and not far from NC - maybe a 2 hour drive north of Asheville, NC. We rented bikes and road down the VA Creeper - a 15-20 mile bike ride (downhill) on an old rails-to-trails conversion. The entire ride is nothing less than spectacular - the trail runs parallel to a gorgeous river most of the way.

The Appalachian Trail runs right through the center of Damascus, so we used the opportunity to do a little hiking on the AT, and we look forward to going back better prepared to explore more of the trail - maybe do an overnight or two.

We camped with our Airstream in a tiny 5-6 site campground right in the center of town (I'll find the name, but Russell the owner was a hoot - and a big help); full hookups, and right on a bubbling river.

Check it out!

[Kevin245]

Hey Brad,

Thanks for the 411 on the campground as we'll check it out when we are up that way in July.

We hit the Creeper Trail last Fall and had a blast.

StanandLynn's Son is currently trekking the AT from Georgia to Maine. I believe he goes by the trail name Burly.

Kevin

[Aviator]

Brad that sounds great. Can that accommodate a 34' at the campground?

[nilesrob]

Absolutely - no problem for a 34'.

[pmclemore]

We always camp at Grayson Highlands State Park - not far from Damascus but a world away from most places in the East. Scenery is as much like what I've seen out west as anyplace. Horses graze the ridges so you get great vistas from the "balds".

Hike the AT on Wilburn Ridge and see the ponies (along with laurel, rhododendron, blueberries).

Pat

[nilesrob]

Grayson looks great - will definitely check it out, next tine!