appalachian trail ·
Community Pathway Project ·
Damascus
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches Community Pathway Project in Damascus, Virginia
Monday, June 23, 2014
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community™ of Damascus, VA, has launched the Community Pathway Project, enabling individuals to purchase engraved bricks that will repave the sidewalk from S. Smith Street to Trestle Street in downtown Damascus. Funds raised will benefit organizations who dedicate time and resources to promote, protect and improve the A.T., including the Town of Damascus, the ATC and the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club. Sidewalk production is projected for late November 2014.
Phase one of the Community Pathway Project will only offer 2,180 engraved bricks, a number that symbolizes the total miles of the A.T. from Maine to Georgia. A minimum donation of $100 will provide individual donors with the opportunity to leave their mark of support, and for corporate supporters, $1,000 premium sponsorships with a custom logo are also available. Orders will be accepted through the summer or until the limit of 2,180 is reached. All donations are tax deductible through the ATC.
“This exciting opportunity is designed to highlight the Appalachian Trail as a resource and asset in the community while providing direct support to the partners, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, that protect and promote this famous and well-used stretch of Trail,” said Brady Adcock, project manager and U.S. Department of Interior Volunteer in Service to America in Damascus.
Damascus, designated as an A.T. Community™ in 2011, is known as “Trail Town, USA” due to the influx of hikers and bikers taking advantage of the various trails within the community. The A.T. follows Laurel Avenue through the heart of Damascus, and as hikers stroll through downtown, they pass by outfitters, bed and breakfasts, the town library, and restaurants and shops that all offer services for hikers. Damascus also hosts one of the largest hiking festivals in the country, “Trail Days,” which attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year.
For more information about the Community Pathway Project, or to place an order, please click here.
Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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“This exciting opportunity is designed to highlight the Appalachian Trail as a resource and asset in the community while providing direct support to the partners, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, that protect and promote this famous and well-used stretch of Trail,” said Brady Adcock, project manager and U.S. Department of Interior Volunteer in Service to America in Damascus.
Damascus, designated as an A.T. Community™ in 2011, is known as “Trail Town, USA” due to the influx of hikers and bikers taking advantage of the various trails within the community. The A.T. follows Laurel Avenue through the heart of Damascus, and as hikers stroll through downtown, they pass by outfitters, bed and breakfasts, the town library, and restaurants and shops that all offer services for hikers. Damascus also hosts one of the largest hiking festivals in the country, “Trail Days,” which attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year.
For more information about the Community Pathway Project, or to place an order, please click here.
Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
After about a half-mile we turned onto the Appalachian Trail, which led us up the rugged, rocky outcrops of Wilburn Ridge before passing through Rhododendron Gap. From Rhododendron Gap, it's an easy 1.5-mile hike to the short spur trail to the summit, located just past the Thomas Knob Shelter. This section of trail is just spectacular. The best views and the most beautiful scenery are located along this section of the hike.
Upon turning onto the half-mile spur trail that leads to the summit, we finally reached the tree-line. Unlike most mountains, the forest in this area of the highlands still claims the highest elevations. The 5729-foot summit of Mount Rogers is covered by a thick spruce-fir forest, which means that you won’t have any views at the summit, and is the only place on the entire route where you'll walk amongst trees.
