| alert |
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| contractID |
NRSO |
| description |
This 7,000-acre park has picnic areas (milepost 241), a campground (milepost 239), trailer sites, comfort stations and drinking water. The park has 30 miles of trail over bluegrass bluffs. 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, raccoons, red and grey foxes, and bobcats, as well as spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring. |
| drivingDirection |
From Charlotte: Take I-77 North. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground. From Raleigh: Take I-40 West. Merge onto US-421 North via EXIT 188 toward Yadkinville/Wilkesboro. Go 28.3 miles. Merge onto I-77 N via EXIT 265A toward Elkin. Go 10.1 miles. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground. |
| facilitiesDescription |
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. |
| facility |
DOUGHTON PARK CG |
| facilityID |
72407 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72407&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
GPS devices and mapping programs do NOT provide accurate directions to Doughton Park Campground. GPS devices and mapping programs will take campers onto routes not intended for RV or trailer travel. These routes involve steep grades and gravel or dirt country roads. Comfort stations with flush toilets and cold running water and dump stations are available. Generator use is prohibited from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am. There are no showers, no electricity, water or sewer hookups. Horses are not permitted. Black bears frequent the area; visitors must follow food storage regulations. Firewood from outside the area is strictly prohibited due to the potential for invasive insects. Some campsites at this facility are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Firewood Regulation: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought onto the Parkway. Campers may still collect dead and down wood in the immediate vicinity of campgrounds and picnic areas. This rule is strictly enforced! Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. |
| nearbyAttrctionDescription |
Mount Airy, NC, Andy Griffith's hometown, the ideal American town that was the inspriation for Mayberry. (Hwy 52 South; 12 miles south of Fancy Gap, VA. www.visitmayberry.com World Famous Frescoes; MP 259 - The Last Supper, Mary Great with Child, Mystery of Faith 7 others. Episcopal Churches always open. www.churchofthefrescoes.com Northwest Trading Post - Located south of Doughton Park at milepost 258 near Glendale Springs, this craft store sells representative handicrafts of the Appalachian Mountain culture. www.CoolSparta.com |
| note |
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| orientationDescription |
Rolling ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides characterize the Doughton Park area. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. |
| recreationDescription |
Interpretive programs - Ranger led nature walks and talks are given in the summer season. Trails - Trails in the Doughton Park area include the Cedar Ridge Trail, a strenuous 4.2 mile hike, and the Bluff Mountain Trail, a moderate 7.5 mile hike, both accessible from the Brinegar Cabin parking overlook (milepost 238.5). The short Fodder Stack Trail (milepost 240.6) showcases the varied plant life of the area, while the 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. Brinegar Cabin - 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. Caudill Family Homestead - The one-room Caudill Cabin exhibit can be viewed from the scenic Wildcat Rocks (milepost 240.6). Fishing - Basin Cove Creek complex (mileposts 238 - 244) has Rainbow and Brook Trout where the streams are stocked. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations. |