Douthat State Park

Backway Hollow Trail

The Backway Hollow Trail is a .9 mile moderate multi-use trail that connects the Heron Run Trail to the Salt Stump Trail, while providing access to the Laurel View Trail. This trail is fairly wide and not too steep and excellent for biking and hiking with children. At its northern end this trail splits into two forks, both of which lead to the Salt Stump Trail.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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Beard's Gap Hollow Trail

The Beards Gap Hollow Trail is a 1 mile moderate multi-use trail that is accessible from near the White Oak Campground and from the Locust Gap Trail. This trail gradually climbs uphill from the campground, passing through a wooded hollow and crossing a creek several times. As the trail nears the Locust Gap Trail, it becomes narrower with some switchbacks an a moderate increase in grade.

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Beard's Gap Trail

Not to be confused with the easier and similarly named Beard's Gap Hollow Trail, the Beard's Gap Trail is a 1.2 mile difficult multi-use trail that connects the guest registration area to a small shelter and the Mountain Top and Brushy Hollow trails. Near the registration area this trail is fairly flat and follows a creek, crossing it several times. As the trail climbs it becomes increasingly steep and difficult, with seven short switchbacks before reaching the ridge line.

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Blue Suck Falls Trail

The Blue Suck Falls Trail is a 3 mile moderate to difficult multi-use trail that connects several of the trails in the northwest region of the park to the trail head near the Visitor Center. The falls, and hence the trail, get their unusual name from the Appalachian term for a whirlpool or a 'suck', which may be found at the base of the falls. At higher elevations the trail traverses the ridge top, often along a narrow path, and connects to the George Washington National Forest trail network. The trail features several east facing overlooks of the Alleghenies such as Lookout Rock. A highlight of the trail are the views of Blue Suck Falls. This rocky trail is actually steeper and more difficult at lower elevations.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Brushy Hollow Trail

The Brushy Hollow Trail is a 3.7 mile difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from the Mountain Top, Beards Gap, and Flat Run trails. This narrow trail connects several overlooks with spectacular views of the park and the George Washington National Forest. The trail criss-crosses the ridge line by way of many switchbacks and several dramatic increases and decreases in elevation. The southern portion of the trail drops into Brushy Hollow crossing the creek several times. This somewhat easier portion of the trail passes an old CCC dynamite storage building and crosses Wilson Creek via bridge near the connection to the Flat Run Trail.

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Buck Hollow Trail

The Buck Hollow Trail is a 1.4 mile difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from nearby the park restaurant and from the Mountain Top Trail. Initially wide, flat and smooth, this trail gradually gets narrower, steeper, and more winding as it approaches the ridge line. Hikers will want to take the short side trail that leads to an overlook of Douthat Lake and a spectacular sunset view. The higher elevations of this trail become increasingly difficult, however do not be discouraged as the lower portions are much easier and the views are worth the effort.

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Buck Lick Trail

The Buck Lick Trail is a one-third mile, easy interpretive trail located near the restaurant. The trail makes a loop through Buck Hollow and features interpretive information about the unique ecosystems that make up Douthat State Park.

Blaze Color: Red

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Flat Run Trail

The Flat Run Trail is a 2.5 mile easy multi-use trail that runs alongside the main park road and Wilson Creek. The trail connects the park entrance to the Contact Station as well as the Brushy Hollow and Stony Run trails. This trail is very flat and smooth and is grassy most of the way, passing several benches. At several points along the trail there are parking areas where hikers, bikers, and fishermen can access the trail and Wilson Creek as well as other small streams. Although these areas are accessible before reaching the Contact Station parking passes are required and all other park rules are applicable.

Blaze Color: Red

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Guest Lodge Trail

The Guest Lodge Trail is a .64 mile difficult multi-use trail that connects the Douthat Lodge to the Mountain Top and Mountain Side Trails. It runs near a ridge top and is a fairly easy climb from the lodge to the Mountain Top and Mountain Side Trails. This trail may also be used to access the Ross Camp Trail in several locations.

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Heron Run Trail

Heron Run is a .7 mile easy hiking trail that follows the western side of Douthat Lake. It is accessible from the Discovery Center, the Blue Suck Falls, Middle Hollow, and Backway Hollow trails. Near the discovery center the trail crosses a small bridge, traverses the spillway via concrete steps, and passes through wooded areas along the lake. The trail is fairly flat in most places with the exception of the spillway stairs and is an excellent trail for families with children.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Huff's Trail

Huff's Trail is a 1.08 mile moderate multi-use trail that connects the Blue Suck Falls Trail to the Heron Run Trail and crosses the Middle Hollow Trail. This trail is fairly flat and narrow and passes through areas that are lush with wild blueberry plants.

Blaze Color: Gold

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Laurel View Trail

The Laurel View Trail is a 1.48 mile moderate multi-use trail that is accessible from the Backway Hollow Trail and the Blue Suck Falls Trail. It also intersects the Middle Hollow Trail and runs parallel to the nearby Huff's Trail. This trail has more changes in elevation than its neighbor although it shares in the abundance of wild blueberry plants. The path is narrow but not too rough on this trail.

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Locust Gap Trail

The Locust Gap Trail is a 1.45 mile moderate multi-use trail that connects Blue Suck Falls trail to Stony Run Trail and is also accessible from the Beards Gap Hollow Trail. This trail passes through the wooded environment that typifies this park and is fairly flat with little change in elevation. The Locust Gap Trail is an excellent choice for small groups or family hikes.

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Middle Hollow Trail

Middle Hollow is a 0.7 mile moderate multi-use trail that connects the Pine Tree Trail to the Heron Run Trail, crossing the Laurel View and Huff's Trails in the process. A gradually sloping trail with a noticeable amount of rocks, hikers are advised to wear proper footwear. Where the trail meets Heron Run Trail there is a bench and a small bridge.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Middle Mountain Trail

The portion of the Middle Mountain Trail inside the park is a 1.77 mile long section of this much longer trail that extends into the George Washington National Forest. The trail primarily follows the top of the ridge and elevation change is minimal. This difficult, narrow hiking trail is accessible from the Stony Run, Blue Suck Falls, and the Salt Stump Trails and is an excellent connector for making a loop hike back to the park.

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Mountain Side Trail

The Mountain Side Trail is a 1.2 mile moderate to difficult hiking trail that is accessible in two places along the Mountain Top Trail and from the Guest Lodge Trail. This narrow trail runs along the side of the mountain with few changes in elevation. Users should use particular caution on this trail as it runs along a fairly steep edge and a false step could result in a bad tumble or fall.

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Mountain Top Trail

As its name suggests the Mountain Top Trail is a 2.4 mile moderate to difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from the Mountain Side, Buck Hollow, Beard's Gap, and Brushy Hollow trails. The trail follows several ridges via a series of switchbacks and runs along a wooded ridge line before descending via another series of switchbacks. This trail is fairly narrow and, except for the portion along the ridge line, is fairly steep. From this trail one can access the George Washington National Forest network of trails.

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Pine Tree Trail

The Pine Tree Trail is a 1.06 mile difficult multi-use trail that follows a somewhat constant elevation as it connects the Salt Stump Trail to the Blue Suck Falls Trail, and access to the Middle Hollow Trail. The name of the trail can be misleading as most, if not all, of the trees along this trail are hardwoods.

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Ross Camp Trail

The Ross Camp Trail is a .83 mile difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from the main park road and climbs to the Guest Lodge Trail. Initially flat smooth and easy to travel,the trail later gets steeper and moderate in difficulty as the elevation increases. The trail features a pleasant section through a wooded hollow and along a creek.

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Salt Stump Trail

The Salt Stump Trail is a 2.43 mile difficult multi-use trail that connects the Beaver Dam Campground to the Middle Mountain Trail and the George Washington National Forest. The Salt Stump Trail is also accessible from the Backway Hollow Trail and Pine Tree Trail. From the campground, this trail begins as a wide, flat, and smooth trail later becoming steeper and narrower as it continues uphill through the wooded mountainsides. The terrain varies from smooth earth to fine gravel to rough rocks.

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Stony Run Trail

The Stony Run Trail is a 4.2 mile moderate to difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from the trailhead parking area, from the Tuscarora Overlook Trail, the Locust Gap Trail, and from the Middle Mountain Trail that runs outside the park. This trail isn't as steep as others in the park because of the winding switchbacks that help hikers overcome the considerable changes in elevation. From the trailhead parking area the trail crosses Stony Run several times and passes the seasonal Stony Run Falls.

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Tobacco House Ridge Trail

The Tobacco House Ridge Trail is a .8 mile moderate multi-use trail that connects the White Oak Campground to the Blue Suck Falls Trail. It is fairly steep near the campground but passes by several benches that make good rest stops. The trail soon flattens out and then gradually decreases in elevation as it approaches the Blue Suck Falls Trail. Be sure to stop and rest at the beautiful overlook of Douthat Lake and the mountains.

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Tuscarora Overlook Trail

The Tuscarora Overlook Trail is a 1 mile difficult multi-use trail that connects the Stony Run Trail to the Blue Suck Falls Trail. This narrow, well shaded trail passes through flat areas and areas with slight changes in elevation. This trail accesses the Tuscarora Overlook, where hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of the park, Beard's mountain, and the nearby ridge of the Alleghenies. The overlook includes a cabin for shelter from foul weather at this high elevation.

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Wilson Creek Trail

The Wilson Creek Trail is a 1.5 mile moderate multi-use trail. It makes its way to the main park road by way of Creasey Lodge, several cabin areas, the Buck Hollow Trail and the Ross Camp Trail. For most of its length it passes through wooded areas with moderate elevation changes along the way.

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Youth Conservation Corps Trail

The Youth Conservation Corps Trail is a .9 mile, easy hiking trail that connects the boat launch area to the Discovery Center. Constructed by crews of primarily 14 to 17 year old participants in the Virginia State Parks Conservation Corps program, the trail closely follows the eastern shore of Douthat Lake via the beach area, the park restaurant, Camp Malone and the spillway. The trail passes near Camp Carson and the Discovery Center where there is access to the Heron Run Trail and Blue Suck Falls Trail. The YCC trail is fairly flat and smooth along most of its length, however the trail does include wooden stairways and bridges as well as several rest areas with benches.

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Park Gift Shop

The Gift Shop is located inside the Administration Office. There is an assorted array of gifts available for purchase.

• Season/Hours: Call Park/
• Fee: Call Park
• Location:

Amphitheater

Douthat's amphitheater is nestled on a point by Douthat Lake. Its bench seating accommodates up to 100 with room for blankets and lawn chairs. Electricity and lights are available, and the facility may be rented for weddings, performances, etc., by calling the park office at (540) 862-8100. No rentals Memorial Day-Labor Day or November-March

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 54.3033 -79° 47.9166

White Oak Campground

There are three large campgrounds and several cabins for overnight visitors. The White Oak Campground is accessible close to the guest registration building and offers water and electric site. All three campgrounds have their own bathhouses with vending as well as a dump station for RVs.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 53.7133 -79° 48.0966

Lakeside Campground

There are three large campgrounds and several cabins for overnight visitors. Lakeside campground is just north of the swimming area and offers primitive campsites (no water or elec) that are close to the parks 50 acre lake. At this campground there are sinks for cleaning fish as well as places to tie up small boats. All three campgrounds have their own bathhouses with vending as well as a dump station for RVs.

• Season/Hours: March 1 - October 31 /Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 54.7633 -79° 47.8466

Beaver Dam Campground

There are three large campgrounds and several cabins for overnight visitors. The Beaver Dam campground is in the northern part of the park and like the other campgrounds is accessible from the main park road. It consists of the standard water and electric sites as well as a bunkhouse. All three campgrounds have their own bathhouses with vending as well as a dump station for RVs.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: Elec & Water: $25; Overnight Pet: $5
• Location:37° 54.8650 -79° 47.8233

Camp Carson Picnic Area

The park has three picnic areas, Camp Carson, Camp Malone, and Camp Douthat, all situated on former camps of CCC crews that built the park and accessible from the main park road. Camp Carson is the southernmost, accessible near the Creasey Lodge and the guest registration building. Like the other areas it has several picnic tables and a few outdoor grills. The parks Discovery Center is located nearby as well as a small campfire amphitheater. Camp Carson also has a playground and a shelter. This shelter holds about 70 people and has water, but no electricity. For shelter reservations call 1-800-933-7275. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through October 31st, 8am to 10pm/Call Reservation Center 1-800-933-7275
• Fee: Daily Parking Weekdays: $2 Weekends: $3 - Shelter Fee Full Day: $84
• Location:37° 53.9050 -79° 48.1583

Camp Malone Picnic Area

Camp Malone is just north of Camp Carson and can be accessed from the main park road or by a long ADA wooden ramp taking users uphill from Camp Carson. Camp Malone offers a view of the spillway that forms the lake. It also offers restrooms and a playground. The shelter in Malone accommodates about 50 people with electricity and water. Camp Malone also has horseshoe games nearby. You can make reservations for Camp Malone Shelter by calling 1-800-933-7275. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through October 31 / 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. /Call the Reservation Center 1-800-933-7275
• Fee: Daily Parking Weekdays: $2 Weekends: $3 - Shelter Fee Full Day: $53
• Location:37°54.0499 -79° 48.2183

Camp Douthat Picnic Area

Camp Douthat is located north of Camp Malone. It also offers restrooms and horseshoes and its picnic shelter has two large chimneys with fireplaces, lights, electricity, and water. Several small outdoor fireplaces surround the shelter. Camp Douthat Shelter accomodates approximately 100 people. You can make reservations for Douthat Shelter by calling 1-800-933-7275. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through October 31 /8 a.m. to 10 p.m./Call the Reservation Center 1-800-933-7275
• Fee: Daily Parking Weekdays: $2 Weekends: $3 - Shelter Fee Full Day: $84
• Location:37° 54.0499 -79° 48.2183

Nature's Outpost

Nature's Outpost is a room in the beach house that is open in the summer. It has several live animal displays as well as taxidermied animals and pelts for visitors to learn about. There are activities for smaller children as well as many reference books for older children and adults to look up plants and wildlife that they may have seen on the parks many trails.

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• Fee: Call Park
• Location:

Fishing Area

The 50-acre Douthat Lake and adjoining Wilson Creek are stocked regularly with trout on a seasonal basis. A valid Virginia fishing license is required in addition to a trout license or daily permit depending on the season.Fee fishing is offered from the first Saturday in April through June 15 and Sept. 15 through Oct. 31. When stocking is suspended, the daily permit ($4) is not required and fishing is open until 10 P.M. Permits and licenses are sold at the park.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Dawn to 10 P.M.
• Fee: $4/day/person
• Location:37° 54.5316 -79° 47.8233

Boathouse

The parks boathouse is situated behind the restaurant and country store and rents out canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, jon boats, electric trolling motors, barracudas, and hydro bikes. Those with their own boats may launch them from the parks boat ramp, situated on the lake and accessible from the main park road. Nearby are pit toilets and a sink for fish cleaning. By the boat ramp are also places for long term storage of jon boats. Contact the park for more information concerning rates and availability. Boaters are reminded that gasoline motors are prohibited on the lake. Boats may be rented through the camp store if the boat house is closed.

• Season/Hours: First Sat in April - end of October/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: Contact Park
• Location:37° 54.2299 -79° 48.0033

Cabins

The park has 32 cabins, 25 built by the civilian conservation corps. Those wishing to stay in the cabins may choose from a one room cabin, a one bedroom log cabin, a two bedroom log cabin, a 2 bedroom frame cabin or a new 3 bedroom cabin. Cabins have rustic furniture and are climate controlled (heat and AC). All weekly rentals begin on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. No cabins have a view of water. Note: You must have with you either your reservation number(s) or your confirmation letter at check-in.Beards Mountain Lodge has a washer/dryer.There are cabin pet fees of $10 per night.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: loadlist
• Location:37° 54.4133 -79° 47.6833

Creasey Lodge

This one story woodframe lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. No cot rentals are available here. There are five bedrooms: one double bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds.Provided: Stove, microwave, refrigerator, drip coffee maker, dishes, silverware, basic pots and pans, dish towels. Deck. TV-VCR and telephone. TV is for use with a VCR only - no cable, satellite or broadcast reception. Charcoal grill. Three restrooms.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: loadlist
• Location:37° 53.8583 -79° 48.1200

Douthat Lodge

This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It accommodates 15 with rental of two cots. There are six bedrooms: one double bed, one double bed, one double bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed.Provided: TV/VCR and telephone in living area. TV is for use with a VCR only - no cable, satellite or broadcast reception. Stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, drip coffee maker, dishes, silverware, toaster, basic pots and pans; few dish towels. Stone patio. Charcoal grill. Two restrooms.

• Season/Hours: April 1 - First Monday in December/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: loadlist
• Location:37° 54.8466 -79° 47.6383

Douthat Lake View Restaurant

An original CCC facility, this restaurant is full-service, recently been renovated and overlooks the lake and has. It features a glass enclosed porch overlooking the lake, and central heat and air. The restaurant is open on weekends only from Easter through Memorial Day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturdays and Sundays for brunch, lunch and dinner from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Labor Day through October, the restaurant is open weekends only: It's open Saturdays for brunch, lunch and dinner, and on Sundays for brunch and lunch. The restaurant is available year-round for special catering needs.

• Season/Hours: See Summary/See Summary
• Fee: Call Park
• Location:37° 54.2299 -79° 48.0033

Conference Center

A conference room is available for reservation in the beachhouse facility. This heated/airconditioned room can accmodate around 60 people. It has audio visual equipment including a brand new flat screen TV. Food service can be arranged from the park restaurant. Contact the park for more details.

• Season/Hours: April 1 - November 30/Reservation required
• Fee: Contact park for details.
• Location:37° 54.3033 -79° 47.9166

Beach House

Located by the beach, the beach house offers a snack bar, swimming and beach equipment, a reservable conference room, Nature's Outpost and pay phone. Nature's Outpost is a room in the beachhouse that is open in the summer. It has several live animal displays as well as taxidermied animals and pelts for visitors to learn about. There are activities for smaller children as well as many reference books for older children and adults to look up plants and wildlife that they may have seen on the parks many trails.

• Season/Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day/Call Park (540) 862-8100
• Fee: Contact Park
• Location:37° 54.3033 -79° 47.9166

Swimming Area

Memorial Day to Labor Day - The beach area, complete with bathhouse and concession, is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11 A.M. - 7 P.M. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 11 A.M.. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.

• Season/Hours: Summer/See Summary
• Fee: Weekday/Weekend ages under 3: Free, 3-12: $2/$3, 13 and over: $3/$4
• Location:37° 54.3166 -79° 47.8116