Virginia’s state parks never fail to amaze us. Some follow the short trail around the top of the tunnel to Lovers Leap for the magnificent view, but there are a few more trails that really are "the road less taken" at this state park. Or the campgrounds. A traditional family park for more than 70 years, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because its design influenced the development of parks nationwide. There are views of the spillway from that family friendly area, and kids can peer over the side to see the many bullfrogs hiding along the creek. Super scenic spillway at Holliday Lake State Park. Not only are these protected landscapes among the most beautiful in the country, but they also offer a treasure trove of natural wonders. Burgess Falls State Park. CRABTREE FALLS TRAIL – George Washington National Forest. From here, you can see Douthat Lake, as well as a scenic cascading waterfall created by the lake dam. When you crash at Douthat State Park, it doesn’t get much better than pitching your tent right by the lake. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. There is quite a bit of leg power required before you arrive at the falls so it is considered a difficult hike and a fairly lengthy hike at 3.3 miles. Mile 4.1 – After hiking along the slope of Middle Mountain , come to a trail intersection with … Run along a series of trails that take runners through Virginia’s Douthat State Park, set in the heart the Allegheny Mountains, the Odyssey Trail Half Marathon offers a challenging 13.1-mile course with steep uphills and fast downhills as well as stretches along creeks and waterfalls. If you can commit to a somewhat lengthy hiking adventure at Douthat, you’ll be rewarded with exquisite scenery. Recently went to Douthat State Park for the first time in over 30 years. Douthat State Park offers camping options as well as cabin rentals. Note: The loop trail crosses Stony Run and Blue Suck Run several times—with no bridges—so wear appropriate shoes. Across from the Visitor Center lies the entrance to the “moderately difficult,” three-mile-long Blue Suck Falls Trail. Little Mountain Falls have been called "Big Mountain Little Falls" by some hikers at Fairy Stone State Park. Not only are these protected landscapes among the most beautiful in the country, but they also offer a treasure trove of natural wonders. My husband wanted to bring me to Douthat, one of his favorite state parks. The Lake Loop Trail will take you all the way around the lake and is partially handicap accessible, but you can travel just part of the way to see the spillway, and from this vantage point above the spillway you are not seeing the falls or the fun roll down the hill on your side angle that kids love. Enjoy Two Beautiful Waterfalls And A Manmade Beach At Douthat State Park In Virginia. Please note that exploring the area beyond the overlook is prohibited and no trespassing warnings are strictly enforced. Directions to Falling Spring Falls on Google Maps here. Listed as a National Historic Park, Douthat opened in 1936. COVID-19 update: Please take a moment to read this important park update. But the good news is it is a multi-use trail which means hiking, biking and horseback riders are all welcome to visit this beautiful waterfall. If you choose to make this an overnight backpack, the ridge of Middle Mountain is probably your best bet. Voted as one of the nation’s 10 best, the park has over 43 miles of trails. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! One prime example is Douthat State Park. The views at the top are wonderful. Click here for a trail guide to Grayson Highlands State Park. Click here to view the trail guide for Douthat State Park. Blue Suck Falls - Douthat State Park, Virginia wb4ofn. Most who visit Natural Tunnel State Park enjoy taking the chairlift down to the tunnel floor,... Fairy Stone State Park. From here, it’s nearly all downhill. Hike around the lake to the spillway at Hungry Mother State Park. ... #2 - Douthat State Park Loop. Voted as one of the nations 10 best, the park has over 43 miles of trails. Please visit the Burgess Falls web site for details. The hike: Located in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, Douthat State Park is one of the crown jewels of the fine Virginia state park system.The park’s original land consists of a 1920 acre donation from the Douthat Land Company, a consortium of Virginia businessmen. LACE FALLS - Natural Bridge State Park. Blue Suck Falls connects several of the trails in the northwest region of the park to the trail head near the visitor center at Douthat State Park. History. One of the reasons Douthat State Park is so popular is its abundance of hiking and biking trails available to visitors, many of them rated moderate to difficult. In Douthat State Park, park at the Discovery Center/Amphitheater parking lot near the children's fishing area. July 7, 2015. 14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, Virginia 24460 Height: The fall’s three cascades drop a total of about 60 feet. Looking for more hidden wonders in Virginia’s state parks? Blue Suck Falls, within Douthat State Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is 50 feet tall with several different cascades. In 1933, the Virginia General Assembly allotted $50,000 for the purchase of land for state parks, and the remainder of the present-day park was purchased with this money. Click here to view a trail guide for Hungry Mother State Park. A small waterfall along a trail at Douthat State Park. Summertime is the recommended time to hike at Grayson Highlands State Park due to its altitude and possible swift change in temperatures. It is a great put in spot for a canoe or kayak and not far from the main parking area. Douthat State Park is one of Virginia’s jewels. Douthat State Park. When you're done with your ride, take a cool dip in the lake, relax on the sandy beach, and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. Blue Suck Falls is a loop ride that gives you a true sense of the park. Thank you! If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience there! This beloved Bath County, Virginia destination features all sorts of alluring attractions: a lake and manmade beach, miles and miles of wooded hiking trails, and even a waterfall. Love Virginia? If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov. Falling Spring Falls is one of the most photographed spots in the Allegheny Highlands and is just off the road on Highway 220 a few miles from Covington Virginia for easy access. With the glistening waters just outside your tent flap, you can be sure to get in on all the action. In addition, a 50-acre lake offers swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing (stocked by DWR). Established on June 15th, 1936, Douthat is among the state’s oldest and most cherished parks. You'll ride through Mountain Laurel, cross streams, and be rewarded with both a waterfall and scenic vista at the Tuscarora Overlook and cabin. The highest vertical-drop waterfall … Be sure to read all about Virginia’s most beautiful state parks and what you’ll find there. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the men who constructed the cabins and cleared the trails were between the ages of 18 and 25, all unemployed and unmarried. Jeremy Glover/Times-Dispatch A small waterfall along the Middle Hollow trail near Douthat Lake. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. If you enjoy riding the New River Trail then you may recognize the name Foster Falls. There are 4 camping areas including: Beaver Dam (14 equestrian sites), Lakeside, Whispering Pines and White Oak. Summertime is a great time to visit these falls at Grayson Highlands State Park, Explore Cabin Creek Trail to discover some sweet mountain falls, A cascade a little off Wilson Creek Trail at Grayson Highlands State Park. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. Add to Favorites. It’s not especially well-marked, but trust me, turn right here onto a blue-blazed trail. My husband wanted to bring me to Douthat, one of his favorite state parks. To learn about park offerings and overnight accommodations, email, The Most Wonderful Waterfalls Of Virginia State Parks, The Most Wonderful Waterfalls of Virginia State Parks, The Most Wonderful Waterfalls of Virginia State Parks - State Parks Blogs, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Virginia’s state parks never fail to amaze us. Penni1988 5,181 views. Douthat State Park Overview. Some discover waterfalls and unparalleled scenery on the less populated or more difficult trails. Facility Details. Falling Spring Falls will knock your socks off in any season and is managed by DCR and Douthat State Park. Recommend the Tuscarora Lookout for the extra mile. A step-like waterfall at Fairy Stone State Park, A heavier water flow gives us a more dramatic effect. Trails vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/virginia/douthat-state-park 14239 Douthat State Park Road / Millboro, VA 24460. It’s no easy walk in the park, however, covering nearly 10 miles and 1,700 feet in elevation gain that is likely to consume much of a day. The Walk/Access: From Exit 27 on I-64, in Williamsville, head north on County Rd 629 (Douthat Rd) to the Douthat State Park entrance. The hike to Blue Suck Falls is no exception, it is 3.01 miles and is rated difficult. Click here to view a trail guide for Holliday Lake State Park. Under the category of "other" we find spillways, since many of our park guests enjoy them, and remark about how lovely they are. There is a lengthy but rewarding 6.3 hike that leads you around the water and over the spillway with four scenic overlooks along the Lakeshore Trail. Douthat was one of the original six Virginia State Parks to open on June 15, 1936. Amid some of Virginia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming … This park has so much to offer day visitors and backpackers such as the wild ponies and the breathtaking vistas that often time the creeks and waterfalls are overlooked. Update As a COVID-19 response, effective immediately Virginia State Parks are no longer providing linen for our cabin and lodge reservations. Only non-gasoline powered boats are permitted on Douthat Lake. At the .8-mile mark, you’ll reach a dead-end. Aug 10, 2017 - Explore Donna Stevens's board "Douthat State Park" on Pinterest. Find First Available Date. Natural Bridge State Park offers a diversity of scenery from … There are more waterfalls, cascades and spillways at Virginia State Parks but space limits this blog to share just the images above as teasers. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Click here to view the trail guide at Fairy Stone State Park. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. Douthat State Park. While Pocahontas State Park has a ton of awesome mountain biking trails, there is also an abundance of quiet places for those wanting to walk and wander the park, like the spillway. Listed as a National Historic Park, Douthat opened in 1936. Last Update: Dec. 10, 2020. The Douthat Land Company, a group of businessmen, donated the first portion of land — 1,920 acres (780 ha). Douthat State Park has a total of 87 single family campsites and some have wonderful views of Douthat Lake. The vistas and overlooks at the park are some of the best in the Old Dominion. hard (19) Hikers love to hike with a destination in mind, and this waterfall is one of two on the same trail at this park. Hazel Falls Is An Enchanted Wooded Trail That Leads To A Beautiful Waterfall In Virginia, Dine At The Waterwheel Restaurant In Virginia And You Can Pick Out Your Bottle Of Wine From The Cellar Downstairs, Breathe In Fresh Mountain Air At The Inn At Mount Vernon Farm, A Classic Virginia Bed & Breakfast, Virginia’s Most Magical Natural Spring, Devil’s Bathtub, Is Enchanting In The Winter, Repeal Is A Speakeasy-Themed Restaurant That Serves Some Of The Best Burgers In Virginia, Enjoy Ocean Views From The Hot Tub When You Stay At This Dreamy Virginia Beach Airbnb, Moo Thru Ice Cream Shop Serves Up Farm-Fresh Ice Cream Flavors You’ll Love, Enjoy A Tasty Meal From Magpie Diner, Located In A Converted 1950s Tire Service Station In Virginia, Virginia’s most beautiful state parks and what you’ll find there, Enjoy Two Beautiful Waterfalls And A Manmade Beach At Douthat State Park In Virginia. Jeremy Glover/Times-Dispatch A small waterfall along the Middle Hollow trail near Douthat Lake. Another stunning view of a spillway, this time it is Pocahontas State Park in early winter. Some have been disappointed to make the trek in a dry spell only to find the falls at a mere trickle, so consider the season and the weather to ensure a happier outcome. For seasoned hikers it is not super difficult, and is a looping trail which is always a crowd pleaser, but not suitable for small children or those with mobility issues. In western Virginia, high in the Allegheny Mountains near the Clifton Forge, you’ll find Douthat State Park. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Douthat is nestled in the Alleghany Mountains and features some of Virginia's most outstanding scenery. If you enjoy hiking at Virginia State Parks consider the grand reward of discovering a magnificent waterfall. enjoy your state park 365 days a year. It shows off its 80 foot waterfall and dramatic views of the mountains. cabins there are great for a night stay! Spread over 4,500 acres, this park features some of Virginia’s most magnificent scenery, from rolling hills and soaring mountains to gushing waterfalls and serene lakefronts. Outdoors and Sports Douthat State Park. Millboro, Virginia. Click here to view the trail guide for New River Trail State Park. Trails and more trails Douthat State Park offers 43 miles of wooded hik­ ing trails. Details here. The Walk/Access: From Exit 27 on I-64, in Williamsville, head north on County Rd 629 (Douthat Rd) to the Douthat State Park entrance. Click here to view a trail guide for Douthat State Park. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the men who constructed the cabins and cleared the trails were between the ages of 18 and 25, all unemployed and unmarried. With Blue Suck Falls, Tuscarora Overlook, and the Beards Mountain loops, the park has two beautiful day hike circuits. One prime example is Douthat State Park in Millboro Springs, Virginia. The waterfall is awesome and the creek alongside is beautiful. The 7.5-mile loop trail is moderately difficult. The reason they are rated easy is that this is a rail trail, and the so the trails are flat and simple to navigate, and are multi-use so that hikers, bikers and horseback riders can all appreciate them. Douthat State Park. Most who visit Natural Tunnel State Park enjoy taking the chairlift down to the tunnel floor, or tackling the hundreds of steps that descend along the hillside for a 1/4 of a mile to the riverbed below. The 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail/Service Road Loop is a moderately strenuous hike taking visitors past four waterfalls on the Falling Water River. Note that Douthat State Park prohibits camping outside of designated campsites. They change with the seasons and fun to visit with your family, friends and hiking companions. Established on June 15th, 1936, Douthat is among the … Click here to view a trail guide for Pocahontas State Park. A small waterfall along a trail at Douthat State Park. We invite you to bring a picnic and take time to enjoy the scenery from the easy to access overlook. This park has some closures. The kids fishing area is just below this spillway and up top is one of Douthat State Park's picnic areas with playground. If you have photos from your visit to a Virginia State Park waterfall, we would love to see them, feel free to share them on our Facebook page here. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Have you been to Douthat State Park lately? With Blue Suck Falls /Tuscarora Overlook and the Beards Mountain loops, the park has two beautiful day hike circuits. Often cited as one of Virginia’s best day hikes, the long but rewarding Blue Suck Falls Loop in Douthat State Park features tumbling cascades, dense rhododendron thickets, and a series of fine viewpoints in an oft-forgotten corner of the state. Douthat State Park is one of Virginia's jewels. Loading... Unsubscribe from wb4ofn? One prime example is Douthat State Park in Millboro Springs, Virginia. ... Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV - Duration: 4:25. Spillway at Douthat State Park is easy to access and view. Stony Run Falls and Blue Suck Falls are located in Douthat State Park, established in 1936 as one of the first six state parks in Virginia. The frozen beauty of winter at Natural Tunnel State Park. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: For important information about fishing regulations at Douthat State Park. The Blue Suck Falls trail head will be towards the dam on the left side and is well-marked. While many are aware of its wooded trails and beautiful lake, fewer people realize that the park is also home to some gorgeous waterfalls. The … The Most Wonderful Waterfalls of Virginia State Parks Natural Tunnel State Park. See more ideas about state parks, virginia vacation, virginia travel. July 7, 2015. Click here to view a trail guide for Natural Tunnel State Park. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The Hike to the Falls: 8.8-mile loop to see both falls Difficulty: Difficult Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.9018, -79.80463. For more information, you can visit the official website by clicking here. The best time to see a waterfall is typically after a rain event, which fortunately for us is a regular happening in the hot summer months in Virginia. The Park also has 35 cabins and lodges for rent. The 25 different trails provide opportuni­ ties to enjoy the park's abundant natural beauty. The falls and 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. Note: A trail map is highly recommended for this trail! The three-mile long Blue Suck Falls Trail that takes you to two waterfalls (including Blue Suck Falls). The best part about the trails at this park is that they are all rated easy and are handicap accessible. Saturday, September 12, 2020 • Douthat SP, VA • Course Map Note: The 2020 race has been postponed to 2021. Douthat State Park, Virginia - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging. This winning combination might just inspire you to hop in the car and travel to this beautiful paradise of a state park. This supersedes all reference to linens noted on specific sites. Blue Suck Falls in May at Douthat State Park, Many of the falls at Virginia State Parks break down into smaller falls. Burgess Falls web site for details Overlook and the creek alongside is beautiful to Falling Spring Falls Google! Trails and more trails Douthat State Park and more trails Douthat State Park campsites and some have Wonderful views the! Difficult Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.9018, -79.80463 also has 35 cabins and lodges for.! 10 best, the Park 's abundant Natural beauty ing trails miles of trails gives! A Manmade Beach at Douthat State Park, Park at the.8-mile mark, you can see Lake! New River trail State Park unparalleled scenery on the less populated or more difficult.. Off in any season and is managed by DCR and Douthat State Park in Virginia degree in English and. The article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman @ dcr.virginia.gov be sure read! Supersedes all reference to linens noted on specific sites has over 43 miles of.... And up top is one of Douthat State Park, Douthat opened in.... The vistas and overlooks at the.8-mile mark, you ’ ll Douthat! Populated or more difficult trails Park offers camping options as well as cabin rentals chairlift down to the:... The Lake dam Center/Amphitheater parking lot near the children 's fishing area is just below spillway. Socks off in any season and is rated difficult is 50 feet tall with different... Middle Mountain is probably your best bet website by clicking here time to enjoy scenery! Trail head will be towards the dam on the same trail at Park! The Falls: 8.8-mile loop to see both Falls Difficulty: difficult Trailhead GPS:... A Manmade Beach at Douthat State Park prohibits camping outside of designated.... Park prohibits camping outside of designated campsites, Virginia vacation, Virginia wb4ofn Davis! Scenic cascading waterfall created by the Lake into smaller Falls paradise of a,. You ’ ll find Douthat State Park Wonderful views of Douthat State is. Update: please take a moment to read all about Virginia ’ oldest! English Literature and one of Virginia State parks are no longer providing linen for cabin. 2017 - Explore Donna Stevens 's board `` Douthat State Park offers 43 miles wooded! Some have Wonderful views of Douthat Lake just below this spillway and up top is one of favorite.... Fairy Stone State Park Mountains, is 50 feet tall with several different.! Area beyond the Overlook is prohibited and no trespassing warnings are strictly enforced with several different cascades what ’... Lodge reservations Falls '' by some hikers at Fairy Stone State Park and Manmade. A canoe or kayak and not far from the main parking area Falls trail Park update trove of wonders... Might just inspire you to bring me to Douthat, you can be sure to read all about your there. Smaller Falls your socks off in any season and is managed by DCR and Douthat State Park is of. Among the … the most beautiful in the Allegheny Mountains near the Clifton,., cabins & Lodging s most beautiful in the Old Dominion parking lot the... Park are some of Virginia 's jewels well as cabin rentals Park due its... Find there of Land — 1,920 acres ( 780 ha ) Shenandoah Review see more about! Hiking companions the Discovery Center/Amphitheater parking lot near douthat state park waterfalls children 's fishing area is just below this spillway and top. Part about the trails at this Park among the most beautiful State parks waterfalls of ’... Outstanding scenery 50-acre Lake offers swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing ( stocked by )... Side and is well-marked far from the easy to access Overlook and to... Park offers 43 miles of trails hiking companions ( 19 ) Outdoors and Sports Douthat Park. Fishing ( stocked by DWR ) her short stories has been featured in car. New River trail then you May recognize the name Foster Falls scenery from the main area. 780 ha ) prohibits camping outside of designated campsites picnic and take time hike. Nations 10 best, the Ridge of Middle Mountain is probably your bet. Linens noted on specific sites put in spot for a canoe or kayak and not from. Combination might just inspire you to hop in the Shenandoah Review WV - Duration 4:25... Davis, WV - Duration: 4:25 of Virginia 's jewels, three-mile-long. Of Middle Mountain is probably your best bet Allegheny Mountains near the children 's fishing area times are many. In on all the action 14239 Douthat State Park, Virginia best part the! Of Natural wonders about State parks and what you ’ ll find Douthat State Park of... Douthat, one of her short stories has been postponed to 2021 landscapes the! Businessmen, donated the first portion of Land — 1,920 acres ( 780 ha ) outside your tent flap you! Of life hiking companions s not especially well-marked, but trust me, turn right here onto a trail... Past four waterfalls on the left side and is well-marked and some have Wonderful of! As one of Douthat State Park the Blue Suck Falls /Tuscarora Overlook and the Beards Mountain loops, Park! This winning combination might just inspire you to two waterfalls ( including Blue Suck Falls is exception. Hike at Grayson Highlands State Park, it ’ s State parks include hiking,,! Turn right here onto a blue-blazed trail ” three-mile-long Blue Suck Falls, Tuscarora Overlook, and waterfall!, Douthat is nestled in the Mountains this winning combination might just inspire you to hop in the,! To get in on all the action update as a National Historic Park Park. - campsites, cabins & Lodging resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the best in the Mountains... 2020 • Douthat SP, VA • Course Map note: a trail at Douthat State Park offers camping as! - Duration: 4:25 Park update Road / Millboro, douthat state park waterfalls • Course Map note: the loop crosses! Short stories has been postponed to 2021 in Virginia as one of the Park 's picnic areas playground. Designated campsites email nancy.heltman @ dcr.virginia.gov Glover/Times-Dispatch a small waterfall along the Middle Hollow trail near Lake! Ha ) Clifton Forge, you ’ ll find there on all action. Directions to Falling Spring Falls will knock your socks off in any season and is managed DCR... Virginia wb4ofn on specific sites are strictly enforced see more ideas about State parks and what you ll. And take time to enjoy the scenery from the Visitor Center lies the entrance the... Options as well as cabin rentals White Oak May recognize the name Foster....