Trail Days in Damascus Virginia is as good as it gets

One of the states that the AT runs through is Virginia, and in fact it runs through the entire state and also runs right through the small town of Damascus VA. The trail town of Damascus is known as trail town USA and every year is the destination point for thousands of hikers, veteran hikers and those that just love the hikers and the Appalachian Trail. You will also find an abundance of services and retailers in this small town once a year with all the people. That is because every May 14, 15, 16 Damascus Virginia hosts what is known as “Trail Days”. And this year during trail days there will be even more reasons to make sure you do not miss it! There are going to be more camping places, more vendors, new films being shown, new eating contests, new book signings, new events, live music, free food, free gear repairs, free medical screenings and free hiking dog check ups. In fact the list is so ling that I cannot list it all right here so I have included the link to the official Trail Days website and you can go and check out all the freebies and new happenings.

Every year Trail Days is the hikers dream event, many AT hikers time their hike just right so that on the 12th-16th of May they end up in Damascus Virginia for Trail Days, that way they can stop and camp with thousands of hikers and be apart of the largest trail event in the world. The amount of freebies and vendors that are at this event is staggering, but it is because the trail and the AT hikes are loved without end. In fact this year they will be talking about and probably showing slides on the new and first ever AT Museum that is due for its grand opening on June 5th 2010. Hikers will gather from around the globe for this event. If you want to know what it resembles, then Woodstock is the event that closely relates. If you known anything about this very interesting event that also takes place every year then you will have some idea of just how awesome Trail Days is. There are always gear raffles, free gear repairs by the actual makers of brand name gear, free blood pressure and blood sugar checks and even for the dogs on the trail, free dog checkups by veterinarians.

There will be free food, free showers and a tent city where hikers can stay and fellowship. If you are into the hippy scene you will love “Trail Days” there will be a drum circle where you can sit around the fire and enjoy hippy music as well as folk, jazz, classic rock. It's the whole community scene and there will be people there from all walks of life, in fact this is a great time to find a hiking partner if you do not already have one. Many hikers are given their “trail name” at this annual event by hikers they hardly know and the name is taken and used with a sense of attachment and honor. If you have never attended Trail Days then it is highly suggested that you make plans to be in Damascus Virginia this weekend! Hike on!

For more information on Trail Days:
Official schedule for Trail Days 2010
Trail Days 2010 website
Official site for the new AT museum