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Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly!

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Exterior detail
Welcome to Happy Trails Cottage
Expansive backyard with chairs and fire ring
Well appointed kitchen
Fun family board games

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Damascus, VA
  • Place, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Damascus Town Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Virginia Creeper Damascus
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Airport, Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bunk w/ double down & single up + trundle bed

1 Single Bunk Bed

Main Floor - Queen

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Master Bedroom w/full bath

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Main Floor - Full Bath w/ Shower

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs Master Bath w/ Shower & jetted bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly!

Enjoy quiet relaxation from either the front or back porches. Watch hikers coming down the mountain from TN on the AT while listening to the rolling waters of Beaver Dam Creek. Our cottage-style home is at the end of the Town Park next to the Damascus Library. You have a front row view of the Trail Days festivities, plus the many other fun, music and fall festivals. It is a short walk or easy bike ride to town and the Virginia Creeper Trail. Damascus has great eateries, a brewery and a distillery. There is a grocery store on your way into town, and bike rental shops galore like The Bike Station, plus much more!

Nearby Abingdon has the Barter Theater, great foodie destinations like The Tavern or 128 Pecan, and there is the Abingdon Vineyards with summer entertainment in Alvarado between Damascus and Abingdon!

Happy Trails Cottage is great for families or couples. There is a gas log fireplace, a smart TV for streaming, Wi-Fi, and a fully stocked kitchen. The third bedroom has a bunk bed with a double on the bottom and a single on top with a single trundled bed that pulls out, so there is plenty of room for families with multiple kids! HTC is Pet Friendly with a medium-size dog crate available.

The two main bedrooms (one upstairs and one downstairs) both have queen beds. There are extra linens, pillows and blankets available at all times. The washer and dryer will have some limited washing detergent and dryer sheets for a few rounds of laundry. Towels, washcloths, toilet paper are provided. There is an iron and ironing board set in the laundry room. There is a small library with puzzles and games for 'old school' family fun. The back porch has a picnic table and gas grill.

The kitchen has a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, an oven (electric), a microwave overn and a dishwasher. There are both K-cup and regular coffee makers.

There is a large backyard for family outdoor fun. Bring outdoor activities with you for there or the park. Bring water shoes for wading in the creek beside the park or at Backbone Rock just up the road a couple of miles. Fly-fishing is a thing, so check on the regulations, seasons and stocking times. Check out Virginia Highlands State Park (about 45 minute drive) and see the wild ponies and fabulous views. Mt. Rogers is fantastic for hiking or trail riding horses. Bristol has all kinds of fun on State Street and HTC makes a great place to stay for the NASCAR races and the drag races, as well a Bristol's Rhythm & Roots Festival in September. Nearby Shady Valley and anywhere in SWVa, including the Back of the Dragon between Marion and Tazewell, is great for bikers wanting to hit the curves on their Harley's and see the scenery! Football season at Emory & Henry, Virginia Tech or ETSU - even the University of Tennessee is only two hours away, come and use HTC as a home base.

NOTE - Please look at photos of both front and back as there are steps/staircase to enter the house.

Family vacations, couples retreats, Girls Weekend or Guys Weekend - Come see it all and stay at Happy Trails Cottage! - Russ & Erin

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (12 reviews)
Cozy home in Damascus located next to River, Trails, Bike Shops, and Dining.

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
There is a medium size dog crate in 3rd bed closet
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Damascus

Damascus is home to this cabin. Adventure Damascus and Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Triplett Mill and Wolf Hill Shopping Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Fred Selfe Stadium or Fullerton Field.
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Map
Damascus, VA

What's nearby

  • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Damascus Visitor Center and Branch Library - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Damascus Town Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Virginia Creeper Damascus - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Damascus Town Hall - 7 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Damascus Brewery - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Abingdon Vineyards - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Damascus Old Mill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Tipsy Bear - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Damascus Diner - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly!?

As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly! on 1 July 2026 start from NZ$327, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cozy retreat in Damascus on the AT and Creeper Trail. Pet Friendly! located?

Situated in Damascus, this cabin is steps away from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Damascus Town Park and Damascus Visitor Center and Branch Library. Virginia Creeper Damascus and Damascus Town Hall are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathleen b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the location, cleanliness and the amiable host.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay. The location of the cabin was perfect! Right off the creeper trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great and safe location. Beautiful property and has everything you need. I would stay there again if going back to ride the VA creeper trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Clean cottage, nice town
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family trip

Very nice house, clean nice location. Would stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Conveniently located. Very clean, well stocked and comfy beds. We loved this house!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice house with a well stocked kitchen and a good layout. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was clean and cozy and had everything necessary to host a Thanksgiving meal. The owner was helpful and easy to communicate with - recommend 10/10!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect home for a week in Damascus for the whole family. Host was very prompt at communicating what to expect and we would stay there again.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location and well-maintained property. Outstanding location for those wanting to day-hike the creeper and Appalachian trail. The kitchen is well-stocked and the house was well-cleaned. Would most definitely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay in Damascus. This house is beautiful and right on the Creeper trail. The bike rack outside was greatly appreciated and the playground across the street was a big hit.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristina S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing stay at the happy trails cottage! It is one of the nicest places we have stayed through VRBO. Great location, very clean, and the owner went above and beyond to help us out with a last minute booking! 100 percent will come back in the future!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gene B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place and location!

Great location with easy access to the Creeper Trail and AT. Would definately recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a comfortable, clean, wonderful home in a perfect location! Damascus is the friendliest town, and it had absolutely everything you needed. With the AT literally out your front door, we could not have asked for a more perfect place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Delane T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for enjoying the Creeper Trail and/or the Appalachian Trail. The house is very nice and clean, with comfortable beds and linens. Aslo, the property owner was very helpful, not only with the house details, but also information about the local area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place. Really convenient. Would stay at again.

This was a great place! The pictures didn't do it justice. The location is excellent as the AT runs right by the front door. Would stay at again
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexis V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Creeper Trail weekend

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Damascus at Happy Trails Cottage. The kids enjoyed swimming in the creek across the street both afternoons, and we were able to walk to several restaurants for lunch and dinner. The home is cozy and had eveything we needed for our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really enjoyed the home , Excellent Very Clean, Up dated… The host was most gracious,”..

Really enjoyed the home, Excellent Very Clean, Up dated… The host was most gracious,”…
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nisrine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time

Great in all areas: great location next to the public library and trails, owner was very communicative, house was clean and well maintained.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home with an amazing host! We left items, and the host graciously mailed them back to us. Thank you so much for everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gwendolyn G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Beautiful house! Just what we needed for the weekend! Clean and well appointed with everything we needed.😊 n, well-appointed with everything we neede
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy Trails Cottage

We had a great time! Happy Trails Cottage is in a great location and the host was extremely accommodating and easy to communicate with. When we got back to the cottage in the evenings after hiking/biking nearby, my children especially enjoyed the town park and creek, right outside the front door.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter and Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just the right thing for stay with family

Very clean, well furnished home. Very comfortable for three couples. Absolutely no complaints!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic home, fantastic location. We've stayed in Damascus many times over the years. This is by far the best rental ever. The host has thought of everything. We wanted for nothing. I absolutely recommend this stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family retreat for 4th of July

We had a lovely time at happy trails. So convenient to the creek, downtown Damascus, and the trails - right from the front door. We will 100% stay here again. The house was so cozy and clean, and had a couple of nice porches for outside seating in the evening. Just what we needed! Thanks for a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Lawrence (Russell) Johnson

Host profile image
I am originally from Southwest Va, but have lived in East TN since graduating from college at Auburn - War Eagle! My wife and I have owned a house in Damascus since 2006. Happy Trails Cottage is our second Damascus home.

Why they chose this property

You can sit on the front porch a watch hikers coming from TN walk past and turn on the trail into the park. It is a front row seat for Trail Days and all of the events and festivals in the park. Beaver Dam Creek makes for a peaceful background of ripple water, sometimes rushing water.

What makes this property unique

HTC was custom built in 2010 so it is newer than most every house in town and it has the modern amenities, but a cozy feel with plenty of room.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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