The Economic Impact of Trails on Damascus, Virginia

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The Economic Impact of Trails on Damascus,
Virginia

• A Case Study on a Rural Town

by Thomas Horsch
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Where Is Damascus, Virginia?
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Damascus lies at the western gateway to the Mount
Rogers National Recreation Area, part of the
Jefferson National Forest. A 125,000 acre
playground.
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Mt. Rogers Whitetop Mountain
The two highest mountains in Virginia
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Damascus Virginia Where Trails Cross

• Daniel Boone Heritage Trail
• Trans-America 76 Bike Route
• Iron Mountain Trail
• Appalachian Trail
• Virginia Creeper Trail

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Daniel Boone Heritage Trail
This route follows the approximate route that
Boone used to travel through the area on his
search for the Cumberland Gap
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The Trans-America 76 Bicycle Trail passes
through Damascus
The route that made cross-country cycling
famous...
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The Iron Mountain Trail
A 42 mile singletrack, multi-use trail whose
western terminus is in Damascus. This trail is
shared by hikers, bikers and equestrians.
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The Appalachian Trail
The AT corridor goes right up the main street
in Damascus. Damascus is a welcome destination
for many trail weary hikers.
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Damascus is known as the friendliest town on the
trail
Hold for AT Hiker is a common delivery address
for packages at the local Post Office.
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The Place
A hiker/biker hostile operated by the local
Methodist Church. For 3 a night you get a bunk
and a shower.
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The Virginia Creeper Trail
A 34 Mile Rails-To-Trails. Damascus is at the
center point along this trail.
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The Lumber Boom of the Early 1900s
Logging the Old-Growth Forests
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Wooden Trestles Highlight the Creeper Trail
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Early Damascus Prospers
Jobs, Growth and the Railroad
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Population Decline
From 1960-1990 the industrial and retail base was
gone and people moved away.
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The Economic Comeback Begins

• Business Based on Outdoor Recreation
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting

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Appalachian Trail Days
Hikers Parade Down Laurel Avenue
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Trail Days Help Expose Damascus to Visitors
People are allowed to camp in public areas
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World Famous Virginia Creeper Trail Brings
Thousands Each Year
There are 30 wooden trestles crossing the
world-class trout streams between Whitetop
Damascus.
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The Economic Statistics

• Population increase to over 1100
• Real Estate Personal Property Tax Revenue has
  doubled
• Local sales taxes have increased 70
• Cash liquidity has tripled
• Food Lodging Tax has generated 30,000 the
  first year
• Scarce empty retail space

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Bike Related Business

• Shuttle Van Service
• Bike Rentals
• Bike Sales
• Guided Tours

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Other Tourism Related Businesses

• Six Restaurants and a Coffee Shop

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Eight Bed Breakfasts
Mountain Laurel Inn
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Rail-Trail Users Spend More Money Per Day than
Other Users
1995. Mowen, Willliams. Differences in Economic
Impact between Rail-Trail Users and General Trail
Users of a National Recreation Area.
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The Goal is to Maintain Our Small Town Charm
A View Up Laurel Avenue
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Trails are Good

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For More Information About Damascus

• www.Damascus.org
• www.bikeguy.net
• www.AdventureDamascus.com
• http//www.fs.fed.us/gwjnf/