Editing US421 to Damascus

{{Trail
|Banner Image=File:MtRogersSign.jpg
|Trail System=Appalachian Trail
|City=Erwin
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
|Trail Marking=White
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping
|Trail Features=Vistas, Mountains
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
|Hike Time=5 hrs
|Trail Distance=11.3 mi
|Round Trip Distance=22.4 mi
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
|High Point=3,913 ft
|Low Point=3,204 ft
|Elevation Gain=1,682 ft
|Elevation Loss=1,854 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
|Parking location=36.53868, -81.94907
|Trailhead location=36.53868, -81.94907
}}
{{Trail Map}}

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== Trail Overview ==

== How to get there ==

== Route Description ==

(Trail South > North)

=== Low Gap - US421 === 

Road crossing at US421. This is the closest access point to Bristol, TN/VA. Small parking area along roadside.

=== McQueen's Knob and McQueen's Knob Shelter === 

McQueen's Knob Shelter (3840') was built in 1934 and is an original AT log shelter. Today, it is no longer used as an official shelter and should only be used for emergencies. It has a dirt floor and no nearby water.

=== McQueen Gap Road === 

Last road access before reaching Damascus, VA. Parking is not advised here.

=== Abingdon Gap Shelter === 

[[Shelter:Abingdon Gap|Abingdon Gap Shelter]] (3773') is a concrete block shelter built by the United States Forest Service in 1959.

=== Backbone Rock Trail === 

[[Backbone Rock Trail]] is located 4.6 miles south of Damascus. It offers a 2.3 mile blue blaze trail on a narrow ridge from the AT to Backbone Rock Recreation Area which has camping and picnic facilities at a prominent rock wall which TN133 tunnels through just south of Damascus.

=== Tennessee/Virginia State Line === 

The "Welcome to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area" signifies entry into Virginia. It is a popular photo spot after the long ridge walk along Cross and Holston Mountains. As of Spring 2013, the TN/VA state line is now the official northern boundary of TEHCC-sponsored section of the Appalachian Trail. [http://mratc.pbworks.com/ Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club] sponsors the Trail from this point north through Damascus and the Grayson Highlands.

== Photos ==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}

{{Template:AT_Segments}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail sign
|Marker Title=TEHCC Terminus
|Marker Description=Northern Terminus of the TEHCC maintained portion of the AT. Closest access is to hike in/out of Damascus.
|Marker Location=36.6141747036, -81.8257268308
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Shelter
|Marker Title=Abingdon Gap Shelter
|Marker Location=36.5811291010, -81.902059119
}}