Appalachian Trail Days

About Us

Damascus, Virginia calls itself “Trail Town USA” and every May it lives up to the name. Trail Days is the world’s largest celebration of the Appalachian Trail, drawing more than 25,000 hikers past and present for a weekend that feels part reunion, part festival, and part pilgrimage. The Hiker Parade is the centerpiece, with hundreds of thru-hikers in costume moving through downtown, alongside trail races, live music, gear vendors, and extensive free camping in a town of just 800 people. There is no admission and no formal agenda, just the trail community coming together.