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 2023, 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 newly-opened 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 19, 2023

Meet & Greet with BearVault | Noon at the Town Park ATC booth

Stop by Appalachian Trail Conservancy 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. 

Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail | 2 p.m. at the Damascus Trail Center classroom

The version of the A.T. from Damascus to Roanoke followed an entirely different route from the one it takes today. A.T. historian Mills Kelly tells the story of this 300-mile long lost section of the Appalachian Trail and will show us photos he gathered from archives and personal collections, many of which have never been seen by the hiking community. Click here to reserve your spot for the free program.

Outdoor Gear Raffles | 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Town Park ATC booth

Beginning at 11 AM on Friday, ATC will raffle off outdoor recreation gear. The final raffle will be Sunday, May 21st at 10:00 AM. Participants must be present to win. Swing by the booth to toss your name in the raffle! 

Saturday, May 20, 2023

American Chestnut Presentation | 10:30 a.m at the Damascus Trail Center classroom

Do you believe in ghosts? Well we’ve got proof! Come hear the story of the once great American Chestnut, it’s untimely demise, and how it may yet return with your help. Presented by the American Chestnut Foundation. 

Meet & Greet with BearVault | Noon & 2 p.m. at the Town Park ATC booth

Stop by Appalachian Trail Conservancy 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. 

Hardcore Reunion | 12:30 p.m. at 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. Light refreshments will be provided.  

Outdoor Gear Raffles | 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Town Park ATC booth

Beginning at 11 AM on Friday, ATC will raffle off outdoor recreation gear. The final raffle will be Sunday, May 21st at 10:00 AM. Participants must be present to win. Swing by the booth to toss your name in the raffle! 

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Outdoor Gear Raffle | 10 a.m. at the Town Park ATC booth

The final raffle will be Sunday, May 21st at 10:00 AM. Participants must be present to win. Swing by the booth to toss your name in the raffle! 

Rain Garden Talk | 11 a.m. at the Damascus Trail Center classroom

Upper Tennessee River Roundtable will host a rain barrel 101 class in the Damascus Trail Center Classroom. Participants who attend will be entered to win their own rain barrel. Click here to reserve your spot for the free program.

Damascus Trail Center Rain Garden Planting & Native Plant Giveaway |12:15 p.m. in the Damascus Trail Center courtyard

Love native plants or wetlands? Help the Washington County Master Gardeners and Appalachian Trail Conservancy plant a native wetlands garden at the Damascus Trail Center. All supplies and refreshments will be provided. Volunteers who help will be entered into a native plant raffle!