Damascus to Pearisburg

imported
#1

I have about 15 days off in April and will be in the area and thought about hiking this section. It looks to be about 160 miles, meaning I’d have to average about 10 miles a day. I’ve never hiked any part of the AT. Judging by the guides and maps this section looks less challenging that the Smokies. I wonder if it would be a good introduction to the trail that wasn’t too hard. Another question I’d have is where I could leave my car in Damascus for the duration and also how would I get back to Damascus from Pearisburg? If I didn’t reach Pearisburg, what are some other options along the way to get to Damascus? I don’t know anybody in the immediate area.

joflaig

#2

This is a great section IMO, perfect intro to get you into thefeeling of the AT. 15 days should be more than enough. Most thru-hikers are doing it in about 8-12 days. You can break up resupply rather easy with Atkins and Bland in the middle and Troutdale too if you need it. It isn’t a super easy or hard section, pretty average. You’ve got a couple large climbs (Mt Rogers, Chestnut Knob) but lots of flatish miles, particularly from Jenny Knob shelter to Pearisburg.
Definately spend some time at Dismal Falls and Chestnut Knob as well as the whole Grayson Highlands.
I’m sure you can find a shuttler either here or on another website. Lone Wolf may be able to help out (from Damascus) and I know there are a couple Pearisburg residents on these forums. Yes there are some places you could bail and still hitch into Pearisburg, or Damascus if you walk south. I would get a set of maps for this section so you can visualize it. Good luck!

A-Train

#3

Thanks. I’m reassured you of all people replied. I read your entire journal last year.

joflaig

#4

Hi there,

I live in Damascus Va and i think you should check with mount rogers outfitters as they do some shuttling and picking up folks like your self. Ask for Jeff Patrick he works there and we know him to be a good guy .Also going thru the grayson highlands will be a neat experience as i have hiked that part several times before .The wild ponies there are neat too as they will come up to u begging for food lol.Also u can leave your car with Mount rogers outfitters in thier parking lot across from the store in Damascus Va should not be a problem with them.Have fun , enjoy the hike and good luck to ya.

treehugger

#5

Since you’ve never hiked on the AT before, may I suggest you bite off a smaller part of it to start. That first section which crosses near the two highest mountains in Virginia, though one of the most spectacular on the whole AT, isn’t that easy and can be subject to wild weather swings.

You might leave a car in Damascus, and get shuttled ahead by one of those suggested above to, say, Dickey Gap or Fox Creek (near Troutdale), then hike SOBO to Damascus (or vice versa, and hike NOBO).

If you’re still up for more hiking, it’s not a big deal to get a shuttle between Troutdale and Pearisburg (via Mark or Janet Holmes/Fox Hill Inn in Troutdale–276-677-3313; or perhaps someone like Bill Gautier in Pearisburg–540-921-4673).

Another way to break it up would be to split it in thirds (Damascus>Troutdale, Troutdale>Bland, Bland>Pearisburg). Breaking it up like this also allows you to resupply from what you keep in your vehicle, or gives you many more options because you can drive anywhere you want to shop. A benefit for you, and maybe others you meet on the Trail :slight_smile:

Skyline

#6

I left my truck in Damascus and was shuttled by the Mt.Rogers outfitter guys up to Atkins and walked back…what 40-50 miles. You can take your time and there are some decent shelters and decent little towns like Troutdale along the way. I left my truck in the outfitters parking lot and they only charged me a few bucks a day and I think $40 for the shuttle.

Doc Holiday