I did post some of this in a thread called "Damascus to ????" But I didn't really provide much detail, so this is for TJ and DB if they hike it. If you have time, Damascus to Marion or vice-versa would be a really nice section. But if you only have a few days, I would park in Damascus and get one of the outfitters to shuttle me up to the parking lot at Grayson Highlands State Park where the AT crosses it and hike SOBO back to Damascus. Going sobo I would push for Whitetop Mountain only about 11.8 miles (you will pass Wise Shelter after 1 mile and Thomas Knob Shelter 5.1 miles after that). The terrain is mostly a ridge walk with mild ups and downs, take the side trail to Mt. Rogers if time and weather permits ( I did not as I had 40 mph wind, rain, fog and little visibility). There are plenty of water sources along the way and at the shelters. I do not recommend staying at Thomas Knob Shelter its is nasty and I believe this is a bear problem shelter. Anyway when you get to the road at Whitetop Mountain, you have gone just a little too far, just trail north of the road as the trail is along the edge of the woods, look for a little trail on your west (right side as going sobo) leading from the woods into the field on the mountain. Just a little ways into this field you will find several fantastic camping sites with incredible views and a fire ring. Water is back on the AT just north and on the east side of the trail down hill maybe a 100 ft, it was a little hard to find but good water. There are also several camping spots in the woods thru here and good limbs to hang your food on.
Going south from there, the next 5 miles are downhill and I would go 12 miles to Saunders Shelter. A nice shelter with a large flat meadow next to it perfect for camping. Good water down the hill a little ways. From there it's just 9.1 to Damascus - a downhill followed by a 700 ft climb and then all downhill into Damascus. I cannot find my pictures but there are a few in the other thread. There were plenty of water sources through this section, mostly every mile or two except from the stream after Wise Shelter there is a 5 mile dry section until you get to Thomas Knob Shelter- see your guide book.
Going south from there, the next 5 miles are downhill and I would go 12 miles to Saunders Shelter. A nice shelter with a large flat meadow next to it perfect for camping. Good water down the hill a little ways. From there it's just 9.1 to Damascus - a downhill followed by a 700 ft climb and then all downhill into Damascus. I cannot find my pictures but there are a few in the other thread. There were plenty of water sources through this section, mostly every mile or two except from the stream after Wise Shelter there is a 5 mile dry section until you get to Thomas Knob Shelter- see your guide book.
"Dazed and Confused"
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Recycle, re-use, re-purpose
Plant a tree
Take a kid hiking
Make a difference