Douthat State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping, and a restaurant overlooking the lake. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: From Interstate 64 and Interstate 81 North of Lexington: Follow I-81 south to exit 56 and exit 191 onto I-64 west (signed, Clifton Forge). Follow I-64 west to exit 27, turn right onto Route 629. The park entrance is two miles farther; guest registration is another four miles. Register at the green-roofed building on the right. Drive time from Lexington is 35 minutes.

From Interstate 81 South of Roanoke: Follow I-81 north to exit 150B (signed, 220 North, Clifton Forge). Bear right onto U.S. 11 south, then turn right at first light onto U.S. 220 north. Follow U.S. 220 north. After passing through Iron Gate, take the first exit to the right (signed, Covington). Once on the three-lane road (Exxon on your right), continue under the interstate. This road becomes Route 629, which leads into the park. Its entrance is two miles farther; guest registration is another four miles. Register at the green-roofed building on the right. Drive time from the intersection of I-81 and 220 north is 55 minutes.

From U.S. 460 East or West of Roanoke: Follow U.S. 460 to U.S. 220 alternate, turn north at light. Stay on U.S. 220 north through Iron Gate. After passing through Iron Gate, take the first exit to the right (signed, Covington). Once on the three-lane road (Exxon on your right), continue under the interstate. This road becomes Route 629, which leads into the park. Its entrance is two miles farther; guest registration is another four miles. Register at the green-roofed building on the right. Drive time from intersection of U.S. 460 and 220 Alternate intersection is 65 minutes.

From U.S. 220 South of Roanoke: Follow U.S. 220 north to the Roy L. Webber Expressway. Follow the expressway to Interstate 581 north. Follow I-581 north to intersection I-81, exit right onto I-81 north. From here, follow I-81 north to exit 150B (signed, 220 North, Clifton Forge). Bear right onto U.S. 11 south, then turn right at first light onto U.S. 220 north. Follow U.S. 220 north . After passing through Iron Gate, take the first exit to the right (signed, Covington). Once on the three-lane road (Exxon on your right), continue under the interstate. This road becomes Route 629, which leads into the park. Its entrance is two miles farther; guest registration is another four miles. Register at the green-roofed building on the right.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Richmond, three hours; Roanoke, one hour.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Picnic Tables, Grills, Food for Sale

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Natural Area (lake, beach)

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Bath House, Rental Equipment

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Snack Shop, Gift Shop, Restaurant

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Hiking, bridle and mountain bike trails (no horse rentals). There are more than 40 miles of wooded hiking trails to choose from throughout the year, ranging from easy to difficult. Many park trails are open to mountain bikers, however hikers have the right-of-way. Douthat has 6 miles of bridle trails. Visit the park office for a map depicting trails at Douthat.

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Single Track, Horseback Riding, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Mountain Biking Features, Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Play frisbee or catch, Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake, Creek/Stream