Shuttle needed from Damascus 9/25 weekend

[ScottC]

I need a shuttle (2 hikers) south from Damascus on 9/25 or 9/26. Depending on Friday work conflicts, we're either hiking NOBO from Walnut Mtn Rd-Watauga Dam 9/26-27 or NOBO Watauga Dam-Damascus 9/25-27.

Any problem leaving a car at Watauga Dam?? Also, would appreciate any info on Damascus hostels, etc. for a late arrival.

Thanks

[Cool AT Breeze]

PM Lone Wolf. He will fix you up.

[ScottC]

I haven't heard from Lone Wolf - anybody have a phone number?? Less than 2 weeks away & I need to get a shuttle worked out.

Thanks

[Lone Wolf]

I need a shuttle (2 hikers) south from Damascus on 9/25 or 9/26. Depending on Friday work conflicts, we're either hiking NOBO from Walnut Mtn Rd-Watauga Dam 9/26-27 or NOBO Watauga Dam-Damascus 9/25-27.

Any problem leaving a car at Watauga Dam?? Also, would appreciate any info on Damascus hostels, etc. for a late arrival.

Thanks

i'll be out of town the 25th-27th for a wedding

[Tennessee Viking]

Call Braemar Castle in Hampton or Kincora Bob Peoples in DennisCove of Hampton.

[ScottC]

Thanks for the feedback. Any recommendations on another shuttle service? MRO?

[Jayboflavin04]

The people at Mt Rogers are very professional. I would recommend them. You may wanna give them a call.

[Midway Sam]

I used MRO when there because LW was out of town then too. Like the previous poster said, very professional. Here's a link to their rates...

http://mtrogersoutfitters.com/hostshut.html

[ScottC]

Went with MRO - I appreciate the comments...

[cravenberg]

If you can't start from Walnut Mt road, you should at least try starting at Dennis Cove rd. I did a NOBO hike from there to Damascus last year starting on a Friday afternoon around 3-4pm. The section through Laurel Fork gorge (including waterfall) was well worth the time. I camped at a superb campsite just north of Laurel Fork shelter right next to the creek. I finished up in Damascus around noon on Monday.

[ScottC]

So did you start at Walnut Mtn Rd or Dennis Cove Rd?? I've already done the section SOBO from Walnut Mtn Rd.

[cravenberg]

I started from Dennis Cove rd (small gravel parking lot) and hiked north. I'm thinking of a NOBO hike from Iron Mtn Gap, through Roan highlands and ending at Dennis Cove. You mentioned you did the section south of Walnut Mtn. rd - What were your thoughts on that section?

[ScottC]

That was the best section I've been on - Roan Highlands are amazing!! We talked to many NOBO thru-hikers that said that section was the best scenery they'd experienced yet.

I definately want to do the SOBO Walnut Mtn Rd to Hughes Gap section again...

[Rambler]

You can arrive anytime at the hostel across the from the Mt. Rogers Outfitters. It is pretty much an honor system. You pay at the store during business hours. You can also camp in front of the hostel. There are plenty of places to stay in Damascus right on the trail which goes down the middle of town. Others, too have an honor system and first-come-first serve.

[ScottC]

We'll be at MRO tonight & shuttled to Watauga Dam Fri AM...

I appreciate all the feedback - looking forward to some time in the woods & praying for better weather than the forecast...

[cravenberg]

How was the hike? More importantly - what was fall color like? I'm hitting Roan Mountain section next wednesday.

[ScottC]

The hike was great. Very wet but I saw 6 bears so it was worth it. Not much fall color yet - only the maples were turning a bright red.

[Blissful]

The hike was great. Very wet but I saw 6 bears so it was worth it. Not much fall color yet - only the maples were turning a bright red.

First time I've heard someone say that the sight of bears made the trail worth it. Most run or balk.