Well what is “Trail days”? If you are an Appalachian Trail hiker you should know but if you are new to the scene or are just curious you may not have heard about this annual hiker’s event. Trail Days is the event of all hikers’ events and it happens every year in Damascus, Virginia. In a nutshell it is a huge hiker celebration of the Appalachian Trail and all those that hike this 2000 mile plus wilderness footpath. Trail Days is revered by hikers everywhere, even those that do not hike the AT have usually heard about the event.
It is so big that it makes national headlines every year. Hikers from all over the country as well as from all areas of the trail make their way to this small country trail town every year to participate. What goes on at trail Days you might ask? The better question and probably a shorter list would be, “What don’t go on at Trail Days”? Trail Days is so big and so much goes on for the hikers that when you miss it and hear about the events later by someone that was actually there you get depressed. You name it and conjure it up and it will probably be found at this great event.
If you have never gone to Trail days and you have always said year after year, like me, “I will go to that one day”, this is the year to do it! In fact take this resolution right now and make it your own, personalize it and stick to it. Even if you won’t be on the trail this year you can still make it a road trip and show up to the event. Trail Days always takes place the weekend after Mother’s Day and it lasts all weekend long. Hiker’s camp in the nearby campground in tents, cars, trucks, cabins, or just lay out under the stars. Once the campground is full they will start turning away those that wish to camp for the weekend, so if you are planning on staying on the grounds come early.
If you have gear that needs repairs, they will be offering free gear repairs, if you need to have your trail feet checked out they will be doing free medical screenings, if you need something to eat there will be plenty of free food! Bring your trail dog; there will be free food and treats for your pet! Need a new pair of hiking boots? There will be gear raffles where lucky hikers will be given free stuff. Hikers can fill up their food supply from the church food banks and hikers boxes and there will be vendors that are giving away free food. If you like good down home country music there will be live music all over the town. At Trail Days 2011 you will think you have died and gone to hiker heaven, well that’s what hikers say that have been there.
If it is your cup of tea you will get to be a part of the largest hiker’s parade in the US. Meet up with other hikers from your area or meet new hikers most of which are looking for partners to hiker with. You’ll get to meet the writer of the AT trail guide, the Data Book, the Companion and if you have those guides with you then you can have them signed by their authors for free too. Trail Days this year is Friday May 13th through Sunday May 15th, make your 2011 resolution to be there!
For more information:
The complete Trail Days schedule of events
Comments
lots of arrests and a rape last year. trail days is a mess
jim that could happen any where with 3000 people camping. my home has been damascus for 32 years. and iv been at every trail days sure things like that will happen from time to time but its mostly good people haveing a good time.
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