Appalachian Trail Days

Last month, we headed to Damascus, VA, for Appalachian Trail Days, the biggest festival in the world celebrating the Appalachian Trail and the thru-hikers who complete it.

For nearly forty years, Damascus, VA, has welcomed more than 20,000 visitors to celebrate Appalachia, reconnect with friends from the trail, and shop the best outdoor gear in the world. The festival is three days filled with music, food, and presentations from avid hikers and conservationists.

We love how this festival brings together hikers of all skill levels who love Appalachia and the conservation efforts that keep the land wild and the trails accessible.

To commemorate this shared love of the wild, we invited festivalgoers to snap a Polaroid and pin it to their home state on the Venture Out banner hanging in our tent. Talking with fellow hikers and exchanging stories was one of the best parts of the festival for us.

We also brought along our favorite tees, hats, and gear– including designs inspired by the iconic landmarks and diverse wildlife along the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.

Whether you’re one of a handful of people completing the Appalachian Trail each year or simply curious about this wild and beautiful place, AT Days is worth the trip. From storytelling to art and conservation, AT Days is a great kickoff to a summer outdoors!