Damascus is one of the only towns in America where seven nationally recognized trails and routes intersect, offering outdoor recreation and Appalachian culture year-round.

Virginia Creeper Trail
34-mile multi-use rail trail from Whitetop to Damascus to Abingdon

Activities

• Biking (family-friendly, mostly downhill)
• Walking and joggin 
• Horseback riding (gravel sections)
• Scenic photography (trestles, creeks, foliage)
• Picnicking along Laurel Creek

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Wildflowers and cool riding temperatures
• Summer: Shaded creek sections
• Fall: Nationally known fall foliage
• Winter: Quiet walks and snowy scenery (weather permitting)

Appalachian Trail
2,190-mile footpath from Georgia to Maine

Activities

• Day hiking and backpacking
• Overnight camping at shelters
• Scenic ridge and mountain views
• Experiencing Appalachian Trail culture

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Thru-hiker season and wildflowers
• Summer: Long daylight hiking
• Fall: Crisp air and colorful ridges
• Winter: Advanced hiking only

Iron Mountain Trail
Remote backcountry trail connecting to the Appalachian Trail

Activities

• Rugged hiking
• Wilderness exploration
• Forest and ridgeline photography
• Quiet, low-traffic nature experiences

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Cool temperatures and solitude
• Summer: Dense shade and remote feel
• Fall: Leaf-off views
• Winter: Snow hiking for experienced users only

Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route
Long-distance adventure route for motorcycles and overland vehicles

Activities

• Adventure motorcycling
• Overland vehicle travel
• Primitive camping (where permitted)
• Exploring remote mountain backroads

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Ideal riding temperatures
• Summer: High-elevation routes stay cooler
• Fall: Peak scenic riding season
• Winter: Limited access

TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
Historic coast-to-coast cycling route

Activities

• Long-distance bicycle touring
• Section rides through Southwest Virginia
• Cyclist camping and town stops
• Meeting cross-country riders

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Touring season begins
• Summer: Peak cycling activity
• Fall: Cooler rides with fewer crowds
• Winter: Not recommended

TransVirginia Bike Route
Statewide network of road cycling routes

Activities

• Road cycling
• Multi-day bike touring
• Exploring rural Virginia towns
• Route planning and navigation

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Mild temperatures
• Summer: Early-morning rides recommended
• Fall: Ideal cycling conditions
• Winter: Weather-dependent

The Crooked Road
Appalachian music and cultural driving trail

Activities

• Live bluegrass and old-time music
• Scenic driving
• Festivals and jam sessions
• Visiting cultural and historic sites

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Festival season begins
• Summer: Weekly live music events
• Fall: Major heritage celebrations
• Winter: Select indoor performances

• Seven nationally recognized trails in one town
• Outdoor adventure combined with Appalachian culture
• Walkable, welcoming, and scenic year-round

Damascus truly earns its name: Trail Town USA.