i’m hiking southbound into trail days, partnership to damascus, next week. i’m thinking maybe most hikers will be stopping in damascus around that time; should i take my tent, or will it be safe to count on shelter space?
hephzibah
Sobo va - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
You DEFINATELY wanna have a tent or some form of shelter. Tons of hikers hit Damascus before TDays and hike north to Atkins or Bland or Pearisburg and catch rides back to Damascus. Especially if your hiking south, you’ll have no idea how many people may show up at the shelters before you get there. I wouldn’t roll the dice.
Plus the thru’s might not wanna make room for a lowly section-hiker:)
A-Train
system
#3
You should take a hammock, the “big and mighty” thru’s will be jealous of your enclosed shelter off the hard boards and away from the mice and bugs.
actually dont worry about it, whether thru hiking or not, we are all backpacking, and as I recall thats the bond that brings us all toegether. the act not the length.
:cheers
mr. peppers
system
#4
Even if the shelters are full and the tentsites nearby are used (both real possibilities this time of year), there are LOTS of camping opportunities between shelters. Many are nicer than what you’d find at the shelter areas. But any way you go, you will want (no, make that NEED) to bring your own portable shelter.
I’m doing an abbreviated version of your hike into Damascus starting next Tuesday from Massie Gap, with at least two other hikers and my dog. We have no intention of staying in or near the established shelters.
Skyline
system
#5
I did this hike last year - oh is it a nice one!! Lots of hikers doing the same thing. Take your tent. Take your camera. Have fun!
Marsha