US421 to Damascus
(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. Sleeps 5. Water source is located 275 yards down blue blaze trail behind shelter.
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 narro 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.
Damascus, Virginia
The intersection of Laurel Avenue & Reynolds Street is the northern boundary of TEHCC-sponsored Trail. Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club sponsors the Trail from this point north through the Grayson Highlands. Damascus, aka Trail Town USA, has a number of outfitters and is home to the annual Trail Days celebration.