Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in the Town of Damascus, Virginia, as we once again celebrate Appalachian Trail Days, the largest A.T.-specific celebration in the world.

Open to everyone, Appalachian Trail Days celebrates the hikers attempting to thru-hike the entire A.T. in 2024, as well as those who have successfully traversed the Trail in years past. The event also brings a spotlight to the thousands of A.T. volunteers and supporters who help ensure the Trail is protected and maintained for another year of adventures.

In addition to the variety of events scheduled by the Town and the hundreds of vendors, the ATC will host hiking workshops, contests, volunteer opportunities, and other festivities at the Damascus Trail Center in celebration of the Trail and the community of hikers that make the A.T. so unique. Learn more about Trail Days programs below. For more information, go to visitdamascus.org/traildays.

Schedule of ATC-Hosted Events

Friday, May 17, 2024

Virginia Native Wildlife | 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. in the Damascus Trail Center classroom

Stop by the center to learn about Virginia native wildlife and how to recreate responsibly. Leave with a better understanding of unique wildlife and natural history in Virginia from our partners, Virginia Wildlife Resources! 

Outdoor Gear Raffles | 10:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., & 4:45 p.m. on the Damascus Trail Center porch

Stop by the Damascus Trail Center for a gear raffle. Parties must be present to win! 

Meet & Greet with BearVault | 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the Damascus Trail Center lawn

Stop by the BearVault booth for a discussion on how to use a bear canister to properly store food while backpacking. Participants will have the chance to try out their skills in opening a BearVault canister, learn the best practices for food safety and storage, and compete in games to win a bear canister. 

I’ve Got a Trail to Tell | 1 p.m. in the Damascus Trail Center classroom

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail extends 330-miles across the Blue Ridge Mountains following a story from the American Revolution. What story could be important enough for its own National Trail? What does it mean to be a National Historic Trail and how is that different from everything else? Join the staff from the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail to hear the story, learn how it works, and discover how you too can hike in the footsteps of patriots.

Head Outside Award Acceptance | 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Laurel Creek Park

Join the ATC at Laurel Creek Park for the first Annual Head Outside Awards Ceremony. Following the awards participants can enjoy live music and a beer garden. 

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Meet & Greet with BearVault | 10 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m. on the Damascus Trail Center Lawn

Stop by the BearVault booth for a discussion on how to use a bear canister to properly store food while backpacking. Participants will have the chance to try out their skills in opening a BearVault canister, learn the best practices for food safety and storage, and compete in games to win a bear canister. 

Outdoor Gear Raffles | 10:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. on the Damascus Trail Center porch

Stop by the Damascus Trail Center for a gear raffle. Parties must be present to win!

Hardcore Reunion | Noon in the Damascus Trail Center classroom

Celebrate the good times! Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoe Club will be at the Damascus Trail Center for a celebration of previous Hardcore work trips. Come see old friends, find yourself in the Hardcore yearbooks, and learn about stewardship along the Appalachian Trail.

Journey to Kings Mountain | 4 p.m. in the Damascus Trail Center classroom

n the year 1780, 400 men from southwest Virginia joined a gathering army of Patriots from the mountainous frontier. These men journeyed hundreds of miles through extreme conditions and won a decisive victory during the American Revolution. Join the storytellers of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association for a dramatic retelling of this journey and how these men changed the course of American history. 

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Book Signing and Lecture | 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. in the Damascus Trail Center classroom

Meet U.S. Senator, and author of Walk, Ride, Paddle: A Life Outside, Tim Kaine. Hear first hand about his compelling memoir of a journey through the Virginia wilderness, and a unique and ultimately optimistic perspective on these pivotal moments in history, offering inspiration, wisdom, and hope. The book chronicles Senator Kaine’s journey on the “Virginia Nature Triathlon:” hiking all 559 miles of Virginia’s section of the Appalachian Trail, cycling 321 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and canoeing the 348 miles of the James River. 

Outdoor Gear Raffle | 10:45 a.m. on the Damascus Trail Center porch

Stop by the Damascus Trail Center for a gear raffle. Parties must be present to win!