Damascus - Appalachian Trail

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#1

I’m planning a short hike up around Damascus, VA for somewhere between 2-5 nights within the next week or two. I have a few questions:

1)Could someone give me a sample list of how much food they might bring with them for such a hike? I’m not quite sure how much food to pack for trips longer than one night up in this area. Are there places to get food easily?

2)At this time of year and in that area, would a 40 degree bag be sufficient or should I pack my 15 degree?

3)Would a tarp be sufficient or are the bugs enough of a bother that I should bring a tent?

Mad Max

#2

Had Mad Max,

Southwestern VA is one of my favorite spots along the AT, so I know a good deal about the area.

  1. I like to bring oatmeal, breakfast bars, and/or bagels for breakfast. Lunch is usually pita bread with tuna in the little 3 or 4oz. packs. Supper is usually Lipton noodles, Ramen, or one of the Mountain House meals that I sometimes carry.

There are places to buy food along the way, but it depends if you are going 2-5 nights north or south of Damascus. Southbound: Hampton, TN is about 3 days south, Roan Mountain is about 5 days south of Damascus

Northbound: Troutdale is 3-4 days north of Damascus, Atkins, VA is 4-5 days north.

On the whole, you can resupply about every 3-4 days as a general rule.

  1. There is no need for a 15 degree bag at this time of year. It would just be extra weight and you would get mighty hot. Just this past weekend I was hiking a section south of Damascus and had to take off the shirt that I usually sleep in because I got so hot in my 45 degree bag.

  2. I prefer a bringing a tent. Sometimes it can get buggy up there, but the best solution is bug spray with DEET. One other thing you might try if you do not wish to bring a tent, try sleeping with a bug net over your face. Just a thought.

Hope this helps

Trekking Trav

#3

Mad, you need to give a little more info.

  1. Where are you starting and where are you going? How are you getting to the trail? Do you need a shuttle?
  2. 2-5 nights is a big difference in the amount of food you should bring.
  3. Your 40 degree bag will be fine.
  4. Tarping out is fine for some, not for others. If you have not tarped out before I would recommend you bring your tent.
  5. I agree with part of Trekking’s recommendation. However, Roan Mountain to Damascus is 88 miles, difficult for 5 days if you are just starting off.

I suggest starting at Carver’s Gap (by Roan Mt.) and hike north over to Watauga Lake a total of 59 miles. This is a beautiful section, truly one of the best in the south. In this section hike you would see the Overnight Shelter Barn, Little Hump and Big Hump mountains, the Apple House Shelter, cross US 19E (do not park here), Kincora Hostel, Laura Fork Falls and Lake Watauga. There are several shuttles in the area. I suggest parking at Kincora (contact Bob Peoples) and let Bob shuttle you over to Carver’s Gap. You can then walk north back toward’s Kincora (one of best hostels on the trail). Lake Watauga is a one day hike from Kincora, Bob could pick you up and take you back to your car.

Another suggestion is to hike from Lake Watauga to Damascus, a 40 mile trek. This may be more in line in what you can hike. The last 20 miles is all down hill.

Just thinking about that section and I may want to join you. However, I can’t get off work until the end of June. Good Luck with whatever you do.

bilko

#4

Thanks for all the input. I like the idea of the 88 mile trek, although it may be too much - we’ll see. Does the Road Mountain to Damascus start 88 miles south of Damascus and end up there?

As far as food goes, would the following be enough for a 4 day hike?

12 packs oatmeal
20 cliff bars
4 mountain house 2 serving meals

If not, what would be a reasonable amount?

Mad Max