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Mt. Rogers/Appalachian Trail, Virginia

Few things excite the adventurous spirit like the famed 2220-mile long Appalachian Trail, or simply the AT. Its unique characteristics offer unparalleled opportunities to explore and connect with nature. Throughout the Mt. Rogers region in southwest Virginia, where the Trail moves into the southern Appalachians, the floral displays of rhododendron and azalea in June and July are outstanding. This trip will take us along 33 miles of our favorite section of the AT (37 miles total with side hikes) where that spirit in you will come to life. From the quintessential “Trail Town”, Damascus, Virginia we will shuttle to Grayson Highland State Park where we access the AT and gradually make our way over scenic mountain passes back to Damascus. Climbing the state's highest mountain, Mt. Rogers, an area of spectacular highland meadows, will be just one of the highlights on this trip.

After arriving back in Damascus and spending a relaxing evening in a local bed and breakfast, the next day we enjoy an incredible 17-mile bike ride along the Virginia Creeper Trail. This multiple-use trail which began as an Indian footpath, then used by pioneers, including Daniel Boone, eventually becoming a railway in 1905 but was decommissioned in 1977. After catching a shuttle, we will enjoy the gradually descending trail through Jefferson National Forest and back to Damascus. This part of the Virginia Creeper Trail runs though some of the most rugged and picturesque country in the East and is widely lauded as one of the most beautiful trails on the continent.

Trip Dates: Choose your own dates - scheduled as requested
Days: 7 (1 night frontcountry camping: 3 nights backcountry camping and 2 nights lodging)
Price: Starting at $795 per person (based on double occupancy)
Trip Rating: out of
Price Includes

Professional guiding; all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7 except dinner Day 5 on your own in Damascus (6 breakfasts/5 trail lunches/4 camp dinners/1 celebration dinner); all group gear including tents, stoves and cooking gear, group first aid kit, water filter, and food storage system; 2 nights lodging; bicycle rental; and shuttle transportation.

Not Included

Transportation** to Damascus, Virginia; dinner on Day 5; personal equipment; insurance of any kind; extra snacks and energy food/drinks; guide gratuities; and items of a personal nature.

*Roundtrip ground transportation for this trip is available from Louisville, Kentucky. Contact Us for details.

Additional Fees

Single supplement - $195

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: We will meet at 1:00 pm on Day 1, so you may choose to arrive in Damascus, Virginia or nearby the night before the trip begins. After meeting with your guide(s) we will review personal gear, sort group gear and pack up. After securing vehicles, the group will shuttle to the starting point where we will enjoy lunch before hitting the trail. A short spur trail takes us to the AT where we will enjoy our first taste of the Virginia Highlands and the beauty that abounds. Gradually gaining altitude, we make our first night’s camp on the lower reaches of Mt. Rogers. Total mileage: 8 miles.

Days 2-3: After a relaxing breakfast, we break camp, pack up and head to the summit of Mt. Rogers. After taking a few photos, we continue our journey along the AT, through high country meadows and mixed forests in full summer bloom. Each night we camp just off the trail practicing Leave No Trace principles and enjoying each other’s fellowship and the sounds of nature. Total mileage: Day 2-13 miles/Day 3-9 miles.

Day 4: Today’s hiking takes us the rest of the way down the mountain and back into Damascus. We return to the vehicles, check into our accommodations and get settled into the quaint hospitality that Damascus offers. After a hot shower, many will enjoy a walk around town. Dinner is on your own tonight. Total mileage: 7 miles.

Day 5: After a restful night and relaxing breakfast, a short walk takes us to meet our shuttle to once again go back up the mountain towards Mt. Roger. But this time, we ride bikes along a 17-mile stretch of the Virginia Creeper Trail, enjoying the splendid views, exhilarating descents, and a trail side picnic lunch. We ride back into Damascus for the final evening where we enjoy a celebration dinner together and evening fellowship before retiring back to our accommodations contemplating the week’s events along with the memories and friendships made.

Day 6: Enjoy sleeping in a bit, with breakfast provided and then depart for home.

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