At 6,300 acres, Doughton Park is the largest recreation area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It boasts nearly 30 miles of trails, two historical cabins, mountain overlooks, a picnic area, camping, The Bluffs Restaurant, a visitor center, gift shop, and more.
The Bluffs Coffee Shop originally opened in 1949, and remains true to its history by serving delicious homestyle meals, including ham biscuits, sweet potato pancakes, fried chicken, and barbecue. Visit BluffsRestaurant.org for hours and menus.
The Visitor Information Center and Gift Shop offers books, toys, maps, snacks, gear, and T-shirts, and most importantly, knowledgeable staff. The shop even offers a special National Park Passport stamp and stickers, plus Junior Ranger and Bark Ranger programs.
Two 19th century historical cabins pass down chapters of the area’s history. Brinegar Cabin is easily accessible from the Parkway and showcases Appalachian farm life. From spring through autumn, interpretive demonstrations, such as spinning, are presented by National Park Service rangers. From Wildcat Rocks Overlook, visitors can spy Caudill Cabin, a one-room log home that sits far below in Basin Cove. Adventurers can hike the Basin Creek Trail to step inside the cabin, one of the few structures that survived a devastating flood in 1916.
For more information, including directions, visit DestinationDoughton.com.