South bound to Damascus next week...

[David S.]

A friend and I are hiking southbound into Trail Days, from Partnership to Damascus, next week. I'm thinking maybe most hikers will be stopping in damascus around that time; how full do you think the shelters will be along this section? We will be leaving May 7 with arrival into Damascus on the 13th or 14th. I will be bringing a shelter but I'm just curious if I will likely have to use it or not.

[A-Train]

I replied on TJ's as well. Bring the tent, you'll most likely use it. Many thru-hikers are hiking ahead of damascus and passing thru NOBO or are hiking SOBO back to traildays. The week before is generally a high traffic area around Damascus as a lot of folks are also doing what you are, besides the thru-hikers. Alumni thru-hikers re-visiting the Grayson highlands