Damascus Weekend: Hostel Stay, Virginia Creeper Biking & Grayson Highland Hike

Interested in joining for a celebration of the Appalachian Trail in America's "Trail Town USA" of Damascus, Virginia? Join me as I celebrate section hiking to the Virginia state line on the AT. We'll round out the AT experience with a stay Friday and Saturday at Lady Di's Hostel, considered one of the nicest hostels in Damascus, and owned by AT thru-hiker Lady Di. We'll also spend time on portions of the southern Virginia Appalachian Trail, via a bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail and a hike up to see the famed ponies at Grayson Highlands. This section is considered a favorite by many AT hikers!

Friday: Check in to Lady Di's.
We'll stay at one of the cool hiker vibe hostels in Damascus, VA, recommended as one of the best. I'll be completing my last northbound Appalachian Trail section hike, making it to Virginia, and will walk to hostel from the trail.

Saturday: Bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail
After a home-cooked meal at the hostel, we'll walk .2 to The Shuttle Shack, for a shuttle to Whitetop Station. The Virginia Creeper Trail is 34.3 mile (we'll bike 17 miles with a lunch stop mid-way) multi-use trail popular with bikers and sharing a section with the Appalachian Trail. Beginning at Whitetop Station near Virginia's highest mountain, Mount Rogers, the trail follows the old railroad line and got it's name from the necessity of trains 'creeping' up it's 7% grade (on it's way out of Damascus). The Whitetop Station was the highest community east of the Mississippi to be served by regularly scheduled passenger trail service beginning in 1912, and closed in 1977. The trail is made of a combination of dirt, crushed gravel and coal centers, goes down hill for 17 miles to Damascus, and for those wanting to bike the full trail, uphills are included in the second half as it ends near the Virginia/North Carolina border. Afternoon/evening is free to explore Damascus.

Sunday: Grayson Highlands hike to see wild ponies
After breakfast, we'll head east to Grayson Highlands State Park with it's scenic views of alpine-like peaks of more than 5,000 feet. Prepare to hike on a moderate trail 5+ miles in weather conditions which could change quickly. We'll start at Massie Gap parking lot, and will circle up to Wilburn Ridge, the best spot to see the wild ponies, via several trails: the AT and the Rhododendron Trail. We'll have to get an early start, as the parking lot will fill up quickly.

How to stay on this hike: call and reserve a bed at Lady Di's Friday and Saturday as well as a spot for a 9:30 am shuttle at Shuttle Shack for the Creeper Trail (tell them you're with Valerie/Georgia Adventurers Group), then message me. If I do not hear from you in 24-48 hours, you'll be moved off 'going' list.

Lady Di's: 217 Damascus Drive, Damascus, VA
612.695.4738, website: Lady Di's Bed & Breakfast.

Shuttle Shack: 112 Douglas Drive, Damascus, VA
855-259-6567; E-mail: [info@shuttleshack.com](mailto:info@shuttleshack.com?subject=General%20Inquiry) (I was able to easily contact them via email), website: Shuttle Shack.

Cost for Lady Di's for a single shared bed is approximately $50 per night, there are 2 queens for approximately $100. (1 room with queen, and 1 room with queen and 2 twins). Please pay me via Venmo, Zelle or PayPal--request details if you have not already received an email.

Lady Di's has 4 parking spots, and we'll coordinate remaining cars to park in one of their public parking spots. Anyone parking in a public parking spot, will register their car for free parking here: Damascus Free Public Parking Registration. The closest public parking lot to Lady Di's is across from the Damascus Pool (299 Trestle St, Damascus). Please RSVP respectfully, especially as date approaches.

Cost for Shuttle Shack is $35 for bike plus shuttle.

Cost for Grayson Highlands State Park is $5 entrance fee per car. State Park info: Grayson Highlands State Park. General info: Where to see ponies.

Please note: map is not for navigational purposes.

Photo credit: Tripadvisor.com for educational purposes only.