Appalachian Trail Days 2025 - Damascus, VA

Trail Days is the world’s largest celebration of the Appalachian Trail and hiker culture! The small and quaint town of Damascus swells to 20,000+ people celebrating all things Appalachian Trail – the environment is equal parts festival, block party, family reunion, shopping & giveaways, speakers, educational seminars, book signings, parade, talent show, live music, food...a fabulous weekend of motivation to HIKE MORE and enjoy life 😊

This posting serves “AS INFO” – meaning no formal host, structure or planned schedule. This is a self-guided, choose your own adventure weekend! Something for everyone!!! What to expect:

HIKING GEAR & CRAFTS - SHOPPING & GIVEAWAYS (100+ vendors)
Includes outdoor gear vendors (mainstream and cottage brands) along with handmade goods and crafts. Gear vendors offer discounts and specials for on-site purchases, along with FREE giveaways and raffles throughout the weekend. Some high-dollar items are available for purchase (with discounts) but shipped to your home.

SPEAKERS / EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS / BOOK SIGNINGS
Breakout sessions all weekend at various locations.

LIVE MUSIC / FOOD TRUCKS – smack in the middle of vendor area.

HIKER PARADE – Saturday
A celebration of past and present thru hikers – start at Sundog Outfitters, traverse the main drag through town, end at Town Park.

HIKER TALENT SHOW – Saturday @ Town Park Stage

LOCAL & NEARBY HIKING
▪ Appalachian Trail
▪ Virginia Creeper Trail (rails to trail conversion, bicycle friendly)
▪ Mount Rogers, Whitetop Mountain, Pine Mountain / Wilburn Ridge
▪ The Great Channels
▪ Devil’s Bathtub

TENT CITY
Tent City is a large walk-in camping area provided by the Town of Damascus during Trail Days. Restrooms, porta johns, dumpsters and firewood is provided. Camping is first come, first served with no reservation required; however, a one-time fee applies for entry into Tent city (visitor and/or pitch a tent). Wristband covers the entire weekend and is priced on a rolling schedule: Thu @ $20, Fri @ $15, Sat @ $10.

Other LODGING options
Inns, Hotels, Lodges & Hostels in Damascus, VA - VISIT DAMASCUS, VA