What You Need to Know About Appalachian Trail Days

Appalachian Trail Days, an annual festival celebrating all things A.T., is coming up May 16-18 in Damascus, Virginia. Curious about Trail Days or planning your trip? Here’s important info to help you make the most of your time at Appalachian Trail Days.

Appalachian Trail Days welcomes everyone to join in the festivities. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker, a weekend warrior, or simply curious about the A.T., there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At the heart of the action lies the Damascus Trail Center, where the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will be celebrating its centennial year and hosting engaging events and activities. From educational workshops to gear raffles, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the Trail and its vibrant community.

Here’s a glimpse of what the ATC has in store for attendees. Click on the links below to RSVP:

Friday, May 16

Ticks on the Trail: Practical Prevention for Hikers: This presentation will cover evidence-based prevention measures with a focus on what’s realistic and accessible for long-distance hikers.

Trail Days Watercolor Workshop: Join Sketching Summits & Appalachian Trail Conservancy at the Damascus Trail Center for an in-person watercolor workshop!

Sketches and Snapshots: A Long-Distance Hike as a Creative Act: Join artist Mike “Sketch” Wurman & photographer Laura “Half Pint” Partain for a conversation on how to combine art & hiking.

The Lost Trail of Virginia: Historian Mills Kelly shares the story of the Appalachian Trail’s original route from Damascus to McAfee Knob and its lasting memory.

Outdoor Gear Raffles: Don’t miss your chance to win fantastic outdoor gear at multiple raffle sessions throughout the weekend.

Saturday, May 17

A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail: In this talk, A.T. historian and podcast host Mills Kelly will preview his forthcoming book, “A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail.”

The Bear Basics: Staying safe and respecting bears on the Appalachian Trail.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Centennial Celebration: Join us at the Damascus Trail Center to celebrate ATC’s Centennial with music, treats, and a special membership raffle.

Rebuilding Resilience: Hurricane Helene Recovery on the Appalachian Trail: Join ATC staff and partners to discuss how Hurricane Helene impacted the A.T. and ongoing recovery efforts.

A 35mm Thru Hike: Shooting over 250 rolls of 35mm film on her 2024 thru hike, Laura “Half Pint” Partain shares her photographs and her story.

Sunday, May 18

Hardcore Helene Recovery Volunteer Opportunity: Join the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoe Club for a day of volunteering to aid in Hurricane Helene recovery. Trail Days attendees interested in volunteering can register at the Tennessee Eastman booth at the Damascus Trail Center. Breakfast, a t-shirt, a Hardcore volunteer patch, transportation, and a spaghetti dinner are provided for volunteers.

Art Making and Hiking: Join 2024 Thru Hiker and photographer Laura “Half Pint” Partain for an informal and inspiring group-led conversation on hiking as artists.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can find the Appalachian Trail Conservancy booth at the Damascus Trail Center, serving as a hub of information, engagement, and celebration. Don’t miss your chance to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and learn more about how you can support the ongoing and future efforts to protect the A.T. and its landscape.

For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit the 2025 Trail Days event page. Be sure to tag the ATC and use #ATCSpotlight on social media to share your photos from the weekend. Join us as we come together to honor the Appalachian Trail and the incredible community that surrounds it. See you there!