Doughton Park Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 238.5-244.7
Doughton Park is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 238.5 and 244.7. This 6,000-acre park has picnic areas, visitor center, restaurant, park store, hotel lodging, campground, trailer sites, comfort stations and drinking water. The park has 30 miles of trail over bluegrass bluffs. The mountain landscape of open meadows has a mix of large-toothed aspen, Carolina hemlock, Fraser, dogwood, magnolia, witch-hazel, rhododendron and mountain laurel. Doughton Park is a landscape of open meadows and pioneer cabins, a place to view wildlife and get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as the Bluffs, this area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway. Doughton Park is one of the best places along the motor road to view white-tailed deer, raccoon, red and grey foxes, and bobcats, as well as spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring.
Doughton Park a must-experience destination along the Parkway offers things to do such as exploring the The Brinegar Cabin dates from about 1885 and was the home of Martin Brinegar and his family. Brinegar was a cobbler as well as a farmer. His home is open on summer weekend afternoons. Hand-loom weaving and other craft demonstrations are often given during the summer months. In the summer season there are interpretive programs from rangers that lead nature walks and talk about wildlife and the history of the area.
Doughton Park is an area of open meadows, ideal for viewing wildlife and visiting numerous historic locations. It is one of the best places along the Blue Ridge Parkway to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and grey foxes, and bobcats, as well as spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring. There are craft demonstrations and ranger talks throughout the summer and a campground open seasonally. Hiking opportunities range from a short hike at Fodder Stack Trail to the strenuous 7.5-mile Bluff Mountain Trail. Visit the Brinegar Cabin or hike into Basin Cove to view the Caudill Family Homestead.
Originally known as the Bluffs, this area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Hours of Operation:
Open year-round, with facilities open May through October. Doughton Park also has a restaurant, a gift shop, restrooms.
Hiking Trails
Has over 30 miles of trails to hike and see the area.
Cedar Ridge Trail, a strenuous 4.2 mile hike
Bluff Mountain Trail, a moderate 7.5 mile hike, both accessible from the Brinegar Cabin parking overlook (milepost 238.5).
Fodder Stack Trail (milepost 240.6) showcases the varied plant life of the area.
Bluff Ridge Trail, Grassy Gap Fire Road, and Flat Rock Ridge Trail are all moderate to strenuous trails that provide the hiker with beautiful views and abundant wildlife.
Campground
Campsites are shaded under an umbrella of thick trees, and provide campers with tables, campfire rings and grills. The site also offers modern conveniences like flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station. Changes and Cancellations A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.
Facility Rates* Phone : (336) 372 8568 Park Season Site Type:Nightly/Daily Rates
Peak Season: May 18 2012 -Oct 19 2012
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC $16.00
RV NONELECTRIC $16.00
Restaurant
Visitor Center
Hiking Trails
Historic Brinegar Cabin
Directions
