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Newb
02-22-2005, 17:42
Hey all:

how long does it take to hike Springer to Damascus? Consider an average to slower than average pace.

In Damascus, if you want off the trail, how can you find transport to a railhead?

Footslogger
02-22-2005, 17:48
You should be able to hike from Springer to Damascus in 45 days at a reasonable pace.

I would probably check with the folks at Mt Rogers Outfitter in Damascus about a ride to the closest rail station.

'Slogger
AT 2003

The Weasel
02-22-2005, 17:51
Easy to hitch/get a ride to Abingdon, ride the Dog anywhere from there.


The Weasel

Lone Wolf
02-22-2005, 17:52
1. 5-6 weeks
2. Nearest train service is 2 hours away. Greyhound 30 miles.

Lone Wolf
02-22-2005, 17:53
Abingdon Dog service is no longer.

fehchet
02-22-2005, 17:59
How about Johnson City, TN? They had busses 6 months ago.
45 day hike is kinda nice.:sun

orangebug
02-22-2005, 18:19
Probably closest Amtrak is either Danville, Lynchburg or Charlottesville.

Lone Wolf
02-22-2005, 18:20
Yup there's bus service in J.C. It's 60 miles from Damascus.

The Weasel
02-22-2005, 19:30
Sorry about the bad info on Abingdon, but there the Dog also runs to Marion, VA, about 25 miles from Damascus. Rides are also good to/from there.

Newb
02-22-2005, 21:28
Ok. Then, I want to hike for 2 weeks ending in Damascus for trail days. Where would be a good start point that I could reasonably get to by commercial transport South of Damascus? Anyone?

Jack Tarlin
02-22-2005, 21:39
Newb:

I'd START in Hot Springs and simply walk on your own power to Damascus.

This takes about two weeks, covers some spectacular terrain, and includes two of the best hiker hostels on the Trail. Plus, you don't have to worry about an automobile.....all you have to do is get to Damascus on your own power at your own speed. When Trail Days breaks up, it'll be simple to get wherever you need to go, as there are folks giving rides to just about anywhere.

Jack Tarlin
02-22-2005, 21:43
Newb:

That was an incomplete answer to your question. Hot Springs is not accessible by bus or train. If you want to start in or near Hot Springs, you can get a shuttle from Asheville (many fiolks offer this service, but it's sorta pricey).

A good alternative would be to drive or fly into Johnson City and have Miss Janet (who is in nearby Erwin) shuttle you to wherever you decide to start hiking.

cutman11
02-22-2005, 22:19
Hot Springs would be 2 weeks or so hiking away, could get shuttle from Damascus there I think.

Sly
02-23-2005, 01:26
Hey newb,

If you make it into Asheville and need a ride to Hot Springs, I'll give you the non-commercial rate if I'm available. Give me a day and I should be able to get it off.

Sly's email ([email protected]) :sun

anneandbenhike
02-23-2005, 10:04
We could be happy to transport from Damascus to local bus...Bristol has greyhound, too, only 40 minutes from Damascus...closer than JC. We are closer to airport than Miss J. Reply for email.