Open for the 2024 Season May 1st

Things to Do in Damascus, Virginia

There’s something for everyone in Damascus.

Want to visit Damascus?

Why choose the Damascus Inn for your Appalachian or Creeper Trail lodging? Known as “Trail Town, USA,” Damascus is traversed by several trails, including the famous Virginia Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail, the Crooked Road Musical Heritage, the Trans-America National Bicycle, the Iron Mountain, and the Daniel Boone Heritage Trails. Damascus, Virginia is one of only a few towns where can you walk through the center of town and say you hiked the Appalachian Trail!

Damascus-fly-fishing(2)

ATVs and Dirt Bikes

If you like a little power for your trail-riding exploits, there are plenty of ways to explore the Southwestern Virginia backcountry on ATVs and dirt bikes. You’re allowed to legally ride ATVs, dirt bikes, and other Off-Road Vehicles in Virginia’s two national forests.

Birding & Watching Wildlife

Damascus, Virginia is home to a variety of native bird species, with Canadian geese, bald eagles, owls, hawks, and so many more. The Virginia Creeper Trail is home to three designated birding and wildlife-viewing sites, not to mention the grounds of the Damascus Old Mill Inn are full of wildlife and birds, too!

Damascus-hiking-2
Damascus-hiking-2

Birding & Watching Wildlife

Damascus, Virginia is home to a variety of native bird species, with Canadian geese, bald eagles, owls, hawks, and so many more. The Virginia Creeper Trail is home to three designated birding and wildlife-viewing sites, not to mention the grounds of the Damascus Old Mill Inn are full of wildlife and birds, too!

Damascus-fly-fishing(2)

Damascus Fishing

Fishing has always been a very important part of Southwest Virginia’s culture. The beautiful scenery surrounding Damascus, Virginia has countless fishing destinations to lure any fisherman. No matter if you are a young rookie fisherman or aged expert, Southwest Virginia has the best locations to cast your lines and have an unbeatable fishing experience.

Hiking or Walking the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or simply the AT, stretches from Georgia to Maine. Over 11,000 people have informed the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that they have completed the entire 2,181 mile trail passing through 14 states. Virginia is home to the most miles of the Appalachian Trail with over 550 miles of AT trails in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Damascus, Virginia is considered the friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail.

Damascus-hiking-2
Damascus-hiking-2

Hiking or Walking the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or simply the AT, stretches from Georgia to Maine. Over 11,000 people have informed the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that they have completed the entire 2,181 mile trail passing through 14 states. Virginia is home to the most miles of the Appalachian Trail with over 550 miles of AT trails in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Damascus, Virginia is considered the friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail.

damascus-biking

Hiking or Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail

Bicyclists from around the region have discovered that the Virginia Creeper Trail provides a ride like few other bike trails in the eastern United States. From Whitetop to Damascus, the Creeper runs through the Jefferson National Forest, crossing wooden trestles, running through thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel, and for much of its length accompanying Whitetop Laurel Creek, a fine trout stream.

Horseback Riding & Wild Ponies

The Grayson Highlands State Park in Southwestern Virginia is known for its mountain meadows, its hiking and nature walk opportunities, and—most notably—its thriving population of wild ponies. Additionally, you can always charter a guided horseback riding tour to traverse the riding trails!

Damascus-Crooked-Road-2
Damascus-Crooked-Road-2

Horseback Riding & Wild Ponies

The Grayson Highlands State Park in Southwestern Virginia is known for its mountain meadows, its hiking and nature walk opportunities, and—most notably—its thriving population of wild ponies. Additionally, you can always charter a guided horseback riding tour to traverse the riding trails!

Damascus-Bristol-motor-speedway-offices

River Floats, Kayaking, & Whitewater Rafting

For a waterborne thrill, enjoy all of the river floats, kayaking, and whitewater rafting that Damascus has to offer. At the epicenter of fun and excitement is Whitetop Laurel Creek, a 2.5-mile stretch of Class I-III whitewater that is perfect for the moderately experienced whitewater rafter or kayaker.

Virginia Mountain Music Heritage & Crooked Road Trail

Damascus and the rest of Southwest Virginia is known for its mountain music which formed the start of country, bluegrass, folk, and country rock music. The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Music Heritage Trail was conceived in 2003 to focus on the region’s rich music heritage.

Damascus-Crooked-Road-2
Damascus-Crooked-Road-2

Virginia Mountain Music Heritage & Crooked Road Trail

Damascus and the rest of Southwest Virginia is known for its mountain music which formed the start of country, bluegrass, folk, and country rock music. The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Music Heritage Trail was conceived in 2003 to focus on the region’s rich music heritage.

215 West Imboden Street,
Damascus, VA 24236
Phone: 276-475-3745