"I don't understand why folks make things complicated. The OP asked for suggestions from atkins to Damascus. They haven't hiked any of the at thru that stretch, the end point makes for a very simple logistical choice to get back to the car, and 17 miles of that choice is one of the most iconic stretches of the 2200 mile AT. People give great advice on here but with a forum comes too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Everyone gives their 2 cents and before you know it the OP has 100 bucks lol."
Gambit McKee--Please refrain from making assumptions about other posters. Some of us have both have both hiked the AT section in question (Fox Creek to Damascus) and also walked various connecting trails, including much of the nearby Iron Mountain Trail.
"What section of this is the best 17 miles so I make sure I don't miss it if I have to shorten the route at all?"
Staying exclusively on the AT, I especially like Fox Creek/Virginia Highway 603 to Elk Garden/Virginia Highway 600. That 16.9 miles passes through both designated wilderness areas, which are forested, and scenic open balds.
Or, continuing on the AT slightly further southbound, you could additionally visit open areas up on Whitetop Mountain. To do that you would end your hike at either Whitetop Mountain Road (19.4 miles from Fox Creek/VA 603), or at Beech Mountain Road/USFS 89 (22.6 miles from Fox Creek/VA 603).
If you instead decide to walk into Damascus. descending along the Virginia Creeper Trail rather than the AT, you will pass along a beautiful creek. But, while doing so you will probably find yourselves sharing that trail with many cyclists.