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Welcome to Trail Town, USA. It’s a well-deserved nickname for Damascus—a tiny Southwest Virginia speck on the map that is a literal trail hub leading into the vast expanse of the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. With the Appalachian Trail, Iron Mountain Trail, and Virginia Creeper rail trail slicing right through town, Damascus is a [...]

NC State Parks unveils two renovation projects

The Roan Highlands offer a rare stretch of wide-open high country splendor in the Southern Appalachians. “The Roan” is actually a lengthy stretch of grassy peaks. The bald beauties feature expansive, open meadows—not typical of Appalachia’s deep wooded forests. EXPLORE The best way to take in the Roan experience is an epic 20-mile jaunt on [...]