Trail Days first-timer

imported
#1

Hi folks. I’m pumped for my 06 through hike. So pumped, in fact, that I’m thinking about making a 8 hr + drive to Damascus for some Trail Days action. I know very little about the weekend other than it being a celebration of Past and Current Thru-hikers. My question: Is there room for the Future Thru-hiker as well? What can I expect for the weekend? Can I plan on pitching my tent somewhere, or should I look for a place with 4 walls to stay? Any other suggestions for the Trail Days First-timer?

First-timer

#2

hiya friend! i hiked from Va-Ny in 03, and it was a very spontaneous decision after checking out Trail Days. i was made to feel so welcome ( i even got my Trail name while there: i had a truck and was hauling all the hikers around, hence the name)that i had to be a part of it. i was bitten by the bug and made the best decision of my life. i decided @ Trail Days 03 to jump on the AT a few weeks later. i did va-ny that year, i did ga-va last year, and i plan on completing a thru hike in about two years. you are definately welcome! you will love it! no worries.
see you there!
much love, roadie:girl

roadie

#3

i would recommend pitching your tent. there will be a large field that the hikers congregate in and just set up several little “communities”. but there are several hostels and hotels in town if you’d prefer. they will fill up quickly, though. you might wanna think about making reservations if you would enjoy 4 walls. if you go that route, i have to plug Dave’s Place. great hostel. owned by Mt. Roger’s Outfitters. cheers!

roadie

#4

Timer,

You basically have three choices. First you can choose from among about a dozen B&B type places by looking at the list at www.damascus.org/dlodging.html. These include places like the Appletree, Maples, Lazy Fox, Old Mill and Montgomery’s. There are others which do not come with breakfast and they are cheaper (Creeper Cabins, for example).

Your second choice will put you in the midst of the happenings and give you a flavor for what its all about. This includes staying at The Place, Dave’s Place or the Hiker Inn (listed in order of expense). Get there early because these will fill up quickly.

A third choice would be to tent at permitted places and really get the flavor of trail daze. This also comes, with no extra charge, with noise and music until all hours and some funky smelling smoke. The only tent sites that I saw (permitted at least) were the old ball field (that’s the one Roadie referred to and is the BIG site), the lawn at The Place and the open field under the Creeper bridge (which may no longer be authorized).

My only other suggestions are (a) obey the parking and open container laws and (b) enjoy a burger at Dot’s Bar and Grill © rent a bike from the Old BArn and ride the Creeper down from WHite Top.

Sidetrack

Sidetrack