Posted by Jill
Damascus, VA is a special place. It's directly on the Appalachian Trail and the people that live there are so into the outdoors. Not to mention how welcoming and warm everyone is. When I moved there in 2009, I didn't know a soul. I was just a girl in love so I left Chicago and followed a boy (Serial, duh) to the middle of Appalachia. I knew it would be an adjustment going from a city of 2 million to a town of under a thousand, but I never could have known just how wonderful it would have been. The three years I spent in that town are filled with cherished memories.
But this post isn't about my sappy love for all things Damascus. (Although I could ramble on for another 4 or 5 paragraphs, that's for sure). It's about the amazing trails that are in Dtown. When we lived there, we got out several times a week for a hike or run and often we didn't even have to leave town. Most times I could just walk out my door and go.
Asheville is no slouch, don't get me wrong. But there is nothing like small-town living and hiking. So when my good friend Meghan suggested we meet in Damascus for a day hike, I jumped on the opportunity. It's the perfect halfway point between our homes and our friendship really developed on the SWVA trails. When we both lived in Damascus, we used to go for long runs and catch up on life, while our dogs wore themselves out on the trails. Perfection.
Damascus, VA is a special place. It's directly on the Appalachian Trail and the people that live there are so into the outdoors. Not to mention how welcoming and warm everyone is. When I moved there in 2009, I didn't know a soul. I was just a girl in love so I left Chicago and followed a boy (Serial, duh) to the middle of Appalachia. I knew it would be an adjustment going from a city of 2 million to a town of under a thousand, but I never could have known just how wonderful it would have been. The three years I spent in that town are filled with cherished memories.
But this post isn't about my sappy love for all things Damascus. (Although I could ramble on for another 4 or 5 paragraphs, that's for sure). It's about the amazing trails that are in Dtown. When we lived there, we got out several times a week for a hike or run and often we didn't even have to leave town. Most times I could just walk out my door and go.
Asheville is no slouch, don't get me wrong. But there is nothing like small-town living and hiking. So when my good friend Meghan suggested we meet in Damascus for a day hike, I jumped on the opportunity. It's the perfect halfway point between our homes and our friendship really developed on the SWVA trails. When we both lived in Damascus, we used to go for long runs and catch up on life, while our dogs wore themselves out on the trails. Perfection.
Since we had two cars that day, we decided to do the AT/Backbone route that we love. It's about 7 miles (6.92 according to my Garmin) and there are two options. The route joins 2 steep miles on the Backbone Rock Trail with 5 gradual miles on the AT. So you can start at Backbone Rock parking lot and knock out the steep 2 mile climb, then enjoy the 5 mile descent into town on the AT. Or you can do the gradual climb out of town, then hike the 2 miles down to Backbone.
One thing to note, there isn't water along the way, even for the dogs. So we carry a big bottle of water each and share it with our pups.
We chose to climb Backbone first, since we love that route and prefer to start with a good sweat. So we busted out the tough 2 mile climb. It starts out friendly enough, but there are 3 false summits and each one gets steeper and steeper. It's a nice workout though and the scenery is spectacular.
One thing to note, there isn't water along the way, even for the dogs. So we carry a big bottle of water each and share it with our pups.
We chose to climb Backbone first, since we love that route and prefer to start with a good sweat. So we busted out the tough 2 mile climb. It starts out friendly enough, but there are 3 false summits and each one gets steeper and steeper. It's a nice workout though and the scenery is spectacular.
The whole route took us about 3.5 hours, but we really took our time and were chatting the whole way. When we used to run the last 5 miles back into town, it took us about 2 hours total. The first 2 miles consistently take us an hour, the last 5 are pretty dependent on how hard we're pushing it.
Either way though, the dogs have a blast. This is Rooney's friend, Tucker. Don't you just want to squish his little face and smother him in kisses?
Either way though, the dogs have a blast. This is Rooney's friend, Tucker. Don't you just want to squish his little face and smother him in kisses?
Tucker thinks Rooney is a touch crazy. He's right.
And of course, it always feels good to be reunited with a white blaze. Hello, old friend.
We stopped and guzzled some water once we finished our climb. Then snagged some pics with the pups. Apparently in the direct sunlight. Sorry, Roon.
A few miles from Damascus, you cross from TN into VA. On a thru-hike, this is such a special spot. You know you're going to be in town shortly, you've crossed another state off the list, and soon you'll get to say you made it to Damascus!
Then you catch your first glimpse of Damascus through the trees and you start hustlin. Like, omgpizzabeershower type hustlin.
You gradually get closer and closer, until finally you are in the town park. The AT actually runs through the town and it's pretty fantastic. Only a few trail towns actually have the trail through the town, and it was really nice to call this home for a bit. I promise you, Damascus is a special place.
