Things To Do in Damascus Virginia!

So much FUN, So little time!

Use the following links to plan and make the most of your visit to Damascus.

Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is a 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail, traversing through two counties from Abingdon, Virginia, through Damascus, and ending just past Whitetop Station in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, at the Virginia-North Carolina border.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the Eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail is about 2,200 miles long, though the exact length changes over time as parts are rerouted or modified.

Backbone Rock

Backbone Rock Recreation Area, located along Beaverdam Creek, gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that abrubtly ends at a bend in Beaverdam Creek. In 1901 a tunnel was drilled through the rock to allow railroad access between Shady Valley and Damascus, VA. Today, motorists pass through what is known as "The Shortest Tunnel in the World" as they travel along TN 133.

Grayson Highlands Ponies

Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. It was established in 1965 and contains a total of 4,800 acres, and a 2.8 mile portion of the AT runs through the park. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. Wilburn Ridge is one of the most popular and scenic sections of the park--and where you're most likely to see the wild ponies.

The Channels

Located just 15 miles north of Abingdon and open sunrise to sunset, The Channels Natural Area Preserve is a 721-acre preserve located within the 4,836-acre Channels State Forest. It was established in April 2008 to protect a number of significant natural communities and habitats, including high-elevation forests, rock outcrops, and cliffs. Its name comes from a cluster of eroded crevices and sandstone boulders located on a portion of the land. The Great Channels are an otherworld experience, akin the the slot canyons and gorges of the Southwest.

Birthplace of Country Music

The Birthplace of Country Music showcases Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia’s role in the birth and development of country music through the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, WBCM Radio Bristol, and a multitude of community and educational outreach programs. The 2021 festival is scheduled for September 10-12 and will feature 100+ bands with performances on 16 stages.

Grayson Gravel Traverse

The Grayson Gravel Traverse is a 72-mile mixed-surface gravel bike route that connects the Virginia Creeper Trail and New River Trail over well-maintained and remote roads featuring a variety of challenging climbs. The route follows optimal west-east gravel corridors just south of the Grayson Highlands area, in the foothills of Virginia’s highest peaks, criss-crossing the creeks that carry water from the high mountains down to the New River. This overlooked gem of Virginia presents some of the best gravel cycling in the state, mostly unridden and undiscovered.

Blue Hole Falls

Located at the base of Holston Mountain, this series of three waterfalls is a local favorite and just a short hike from the parking area. Access it easily from TN-91. Be aware that there are a number of stairs if you choose to hike down to the lower pool. They may be slippery during rainy or icy conditions.

Abingdon Vineyards

World-class wines in the Virginia Highlands. Abingdon Vineyards is a rustic, family and dog friendly winery located in the gorgeous Appalachian mountains of Abingdon, Virginia.

Appalachian Heritage Distillery

Located directly on the Appalachian Trail in downtown Damascus, Appalachian Heritage Distillery proudly produces pristine spirits. Our generational family knowledge stems from a region steeped in cultural tradition. The unique design of our elegant and productive pot still forces a multiple distilled spirit with smooth yet robust flavor perfect for every gathering.