US421 to Damascus

Section	1-2ab-3ab
Trail south point	US421
Trail north point	Virginia boarder
Distance	11.3 Miles
Min Elevation	3,251 Feet
Max Elevation	3,785 Feet
Governing Body	Watauga
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(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

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. Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club sponsors the Trail from this point north through Damascus and the Grayson Highlands.

Maps

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Photos

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  Photo of the former Mt. Rogers sign that marks the TN/VA stateline.