Erwin to Damascus

imported
#1

I have 12 actual on the foot days and 5 travel days for my vacation in September. I’m thinking 12 days will be enough to hike between Erwin and Damascus. This will be my first official section hike of the AT in probably 12 years. I’m 59 and in good physical shape. I’ve been power walking 6 to 12 miles a day for the past 5 years. Yes, I live in no hills Florida. But 115 miles in 12 days seems like plenty of time to me. Any thoughts on this plan will be most welcome?
Also, how to travel from Sarasota to Erwin or Damascus on public transportation seems the big brainer.
Thanks, Timothy.

fehchet

#2

fehchet… I just finished a section hike of PA. I’m 53 and feel that I’m also in decent physical condition. I hiked the 230 miles in PA in 15 foot days without much trouble. If your mileage estimate is correct, it appears to me, barring any problems, you should be able to complete your goal very easily, with time to spare. Good luck for a nice hike. Wish I was going with you!

NJpacker

#3

Great idea - Erwin to Damascus-Damascus being one of my favorite hiker towns. You say you power walk 6-12 miles a day-good for you, AND you’re 59. 115 miles in 12 days is perfect. I’m 47, a few pounds overweight, asthmatic, anemic, but I get out there and hike when I can, some days I do good, some days I can barely make it. I never let anything stop me. Hey, if you can’t do the miles you’ve planned, then blue blaze it, or shuttle out. Have a great time and keep on goin. I would just drive to Erwin, park my vehicle, get shuttled north. You have lots of resources in these areas.

StarLyte

#4

Thanks for your info NJpacker and StarLyte. Parking my car in one spot and a shuttle is probably the best way to go but I’m planning on public transportation like Grayhound or Amtrak. Does anyone know the towns near Erwin and Damasacus where I can get to on a bus or… Thanks again.

fehchet

#5

Miss Janet has emailed how to travel to Erwin. (Grayhound to Johnson City) So now all I have to do is sit on the edge of my seat for 8 weeks and plan and dream. Happy Fourth, all. fehchet

fehchet

#6

I don’t know if Miss Janet covered public transportation to Damascus or not, so here it is. Greyhound goes to Abingdon, VA, about 15 or 20 miles away, and Mt. Rogers outfitters can shuttle you to or from Damascus, as well as to and from the trail. Or, if you’re really ambitious, you could hike the Virginia Creeper trail between the two towns. You have to call and make arrangements with Mt. Rogers Outfitters ahead of time.

disco

#7

I’ll give you a ride to or from the bus station. I’m lots cheaper and almost always available. e-mail me.

wolf

#8

fehchet
That is a tough section. I took my 24 year son with me last week for three days and it was very tough on him. It was his first time out on tough terrain. Watch the weight your carrying. Don’t carry to much. You will not starve out there, and you should be able to hike from shelter to shelter. Cold nights might be a problem. I’m sure you can make it. But make sure you have a positive attitude. It rained on us for three straight days, every place was wet and no views from the hard climbs. I’m going back out at the end of the month from Hot Springs back through Roan Mtn. and then to 19E. I want to finish what we couldn’t do last week. Good Luck.

Bilko

#9

Disco’s idea is the best. The terrain is better too. And yes, Fehchet could indeed do the Creeper-it is flat and paved…and quite beautiful! Do this.

StarLyte

#10

Thanks once more to all you folks who have offered advice and wisdom. I was looking at the Creeper Trail a few weeks ago when I was beginning my vacation plans. I thought I would base in Damascus and then do a loop out and back with the Creeper Trail involved in some way.
But, I remind myself how the main goal is to section hike parts of the AT before I attempt a Thru when I retire. Erwin to Damascus or vice versa sounded pretty good because of the distance. I’d also be able to meet Miss Janet and maybe others from the hiking community I only know by name.
I have all my equipment except a tent. fehchet.

fehchet

#11

The 5 days of hiking or so after damascus were some of the prettiest I had on the trail, you might want to arrange it so you hike that trail.

danny