SOBO - Damascus to Carvers Gap

[klpicktown]

This is my next section for this summer (starting June 7th-ish)....

Anything I need to know? Anything I shouldn't miss? Features along this section?

Thanks!

[bigcranky]

Great section. Easy start sobo out of Damascus. Don't miss Kincora Hostel. Bob Peoples is awesome. Plan to spend time hanging out along the balds the last couple of days.

[klpicktown]

Thanks Cranky

[Terry7]

If you need any gear then stop in at Mt. Rogers Outfitters. They are the best outfitters on the A.T.

[10-K]

If you want to mix it up a bit consider hiking the Iron Mt. Trail which is the old AT out of Damascus and get on the AT at TN 91. It's just a short walk from the southern terminus of the Iron Mt. Trail to the AT - very easy to find.

[klpicktown]

If you want to mix it up a bit consider hiking the Iron Mt. Trail which is the old AT out of Damascus and get on the AT at TN 91. It's just a short walk from the southern terminus of the Iron Mt. Trail to the AT - very easy to find.

Is IMT more scenic? or really just a suggestion to mix it up? Thanks

[10-K]

It's completely different - not sure if scenic is the right word but it definitely has a more wildernessy vibe.

The AT out of Damascus is almost a sidewalk. The Iron Mt. Trail isn't groomed and I'd bet you dinner anywhere you wouldn't see another hiker.

I really liked it - even saw a bear. :)

[klpicktown]

know off hand what's the mileage on the IMT before you reconnect to the AT?

[Kerosene]

You might also look to stay at Mountain Harbour Inn & Hostel about 15 miles south of Carvers Gap. In fact, consider parking your car there and having them shuttle you to Carvers Gap so you do a dayhike over the Balds.

Mountaineer Shelter is pretty nice, and be sure to check out the little water falls on the short side trails.

Damascus to US-19E is very easy. It took me 3.5 days in October 2009, in 18, 23, 24, and 9 mile days. I slacked from Carvers Gap back to US-19E on a very cold, extremely windy but clear day with 6" of snow that was a blast. The next day I continued south to Erwin.

[klpicktown]

thanks Kerosene. The wife is going to be down in Tennessee to drive me back up to Damascus so at least if I need a shuttle somewhere I should be good to go.... shes not a hiker (unless its flat - she just says NO to hills)

I was thinking about ending around TN143...... tough to tell without my maps yet (on backorder still?????????)

[bigcranky]

One note, Mountain Harbour is north of Carver's Gap, not south. It's where the trail crosses US 19-E.

[klpicktown]

That would leave me about a 15 mile day for pickup on TN143.... sounds like a plan is staring to come together

[Likes2travel]

I am planning on doing the same hike going north bound the first or second week of June.

[mhurley]

Also take some time at Laurel Fork Falls. None of the photos do it justice.

[Blissful]

The AT out of Damascus is almost a sidewalk. :)

Well it is heading north along the Creeper, yes. Heading south, no, you've got a nice assortment of little continuous puds, and for a a section hike, they are testy.

[Blissful]

Also take some time at Laurel Fork Falls. None of the photos do it justice.

Yes, totally agree. I also camped near Watauga Lake. Nice

[Blissful]

I am planning on doing the same hike going north bound the first or second week of June.

Grayson Highlands! Great part of the trail

[wornoutboots]

Grayson Highlands is on the North side of Damascus, it is a Great Section but they would need to extend the hike to Massie Gap or Fox Creek

[klpicktown]

ya... Ive done from Pearisburg down to Damascus so Ive been through the highlands.... craziest night Ive ever spent out on the trail on top of the highlands. So foggy I could barely see my hand on my outstretched arm.... and was wholly unprepared clothing wise for the mountain change in weather. I had both legs jammed into the waterproof stuff sack and was wearing smaller stuff sack mittens and shivered the whole night. What a sight.