AT Hike- Taylor Valley to Damascus

The hike was very nice with a nice path. But, as soon as we were southbound on the AT we hit two rock scrambles, which were not nice after eating a hugh Hungary Hiker breakfast at the Damascus Diner. Other than the scrambles the trail was pleasant.

We encountered many other hikers coming out of Damascus on the trail.

The 6.9 mile hike will begin at the Taylor Valley trailhead for the Virginia Creeper Trail (bike trail) (2500 feet) and follow that trail for 0.3 miles to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail, where we will turn left and south.

At about a one mile we will cross a log bridge above a small falls. We will cross US 58 at Straight Branch Creek (2310 feet) in about 2.3 miles. We quickly intersect the Feathercamp Trail and take the steps to begin our ascent of of the Feathercamp Ridge and Cuckoo Knob (2920 feet). Before reaching the crest we should get nice views to the southeast of Fork Mountain. 

Once reaching Cuckoo Knob, at the 5 mile mark, we shall begin a steep descent of about 900 feet over the next 1.9 miles to US 58 in Damascus and the end of our hike.

This will be a one-way hike north to south hike and will require an auto shuttle. Plan on spending 4.5 hours on the trail.