Damascus (US 58) → Massie Gap / Grayson Highlands
Damascus to Mount Rogers Highlands
60 mi · 4-6 days · Moderate
Virginia's Appalachian Trail begins at the Tennessee line and climbs out of Damascus — arguably the friendliest trail town on the entire AT — into the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
The character changes as you gain elevation: hardwood forest gives way to spruce-fir, then to open balds where the trail is marked by posts and cairns rather than blazes on trees. Free-roaming ponies graze the highlands, and Thomas Knob Shelter sits close to Virginia's high point.
This is the most weather-exposed section in the state. Fog is common, wind is constant on the balds, and winter conditions can be genuinely alpine.
Waypoints
| Name | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Knob Shelter | Shelter | Two-level shelter near the Mount Rogers spur, high on the open highlands with a nearby spring.Ponies frequent the area. Use the food storage provided and never leave packs unattended. |
| Massie Gap | Trailhead | Primary access into the highlands from Grayson Highlands State Park via the Rhododendron Trail spur.Day-use parking fee. Overnight parking requires arrangement with the park. |
| Damascus, VA | Resupply | Full-service trail town where the AT, Virginia Creeper Trail, and several other routes converge.Businesses change seasonally. Verify hostels, outfitters, and shuttle services before arriving. |
| Elk Garden (VA 600) | Road crossing | Open gap crossing with a small parking area — a common start or finish for highlands section hikes. |
Highlights
- Damascus trail town
- Grayson Highlands ponies
- Mount Rogers spur to Virginia's high point
- Rhododendron Gap
Road crossings
- US 58 in Damascus
- VA 603 Fox Creek
- VA 600 Elk Garden
Resupply
- Damascus — full resupply, outfitters, hostels
- Troutdale — limited
Nearby towns
- Damascus
- Troutdale
- Marion
- Abingdon
Planning details
- Elevation gain
- Not yet verified
- Parking and access
- Damascus town parking, Elk Garden (VA 600), Massie Gap in Grayson Highlands State Park (day-use fee).
- Shuttles
- Shuttle operators work out of Damascus and Marion. Services change frequently — confirm directly before your trip.
- Terrain
- Rocky footing across open balds; navigation can be difficult in fog. Several stiff climbs but nothing technical.
- Wildlife
- Free-roaming ponies will chew salty gear. Black bears are present; use the food-storage boxes or a canister.
- Seasons
- Rime ice and high wind are normal December to March. Rhododendron blooms in June. Summer fog is frequent.
- Regulations
- Camping regulations differ between the state park and the national recreation area. Verify with the managing agency.
- Emergency
- Nearest hospitals are in Marion and Abingdon. Cell coverage is patchy on the balds.