Allegheny Vacation at Douthat State Park
Mountain Resort is Favorite of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine
Aug 21, 2008
A video kiosk at Douthat State Park features Virginia Governor Tim Kaine talking about family visits to Douthat State Park. It's been a favorite of the Kaine family since his children, now older teens and young adults, were in diapers. The Kaine family loves the outdoors and sports like fishing, kayaking, and bicycling. They can get plenty of them all within the nearly 4,500 acres of Douthat, which includes more than 43 miles of trails. All provide great hiking and scenery and most of the trails are suitable for mountain bikes. The small lake at the center of the park is stocked with fish. The Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers are on either side of the parkland and they form the headwaters of the James River a few miles south of the park at Clifton Forge, Virginia. The James is perfect for whitewater kayaking and fishing. Douthat is also a gem of a park because is was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC-built log cabins, stone walls, and dam are works of art.
Visiting Douthat State Park
Douthat is located in Allegheny and Bath Counties north of Interstate 64 at Clifton Forge. Travelers coming from the north and east who enjoy the scenic route should exit Interstate 81 and travel west on 250 at Staunton. Turn south on Route 42, then west on Route 39, and finally south on 629 to the park. The mountain vistas and pastoral farms along this route get the vacationer in the mood for that treat in store once inside the gorgeous state park.
Accomodations
Douthat features more than 30 rustic log cabins, most built by the CCC, and a lodge. There are nearly 100 camping sites in several campground locations.
The Lakeside camping area is best for families with young children. It is on the lake, which provides non-stop entertainment for children who love nature. This campground is close to fairly level, family-friendly hiking and a short walk from the sand beach with roped-off swimming area and sliding and diving platform. Paddle boats and kayaks are also available for rent there.
The White Oak camping area is nestled slightly higher and farther from the center of park activity. The sites are larger and more private.
The rustic log cabins are also nestled into the wooded moutain setting. Fireplaces and front porches make visitors feel like pioneers. Although there are kitchens and indoor plumbing facilities, that is where the modern amenities stop. There are no televisions, computers, or telephones. Your cell phone won't work in the center of the park.
Take a Hike or Mountain Bike
This is what Douthat State Park is all about! Outdoor recreation and natural beauty! Young families can prevent nature-deficit disorder by teaching childen to walk on the wild side. Easy trails can get them started on hiking, plant identification, bird watching and more. Park Interpreters lead programs every day to sharpen skills in wildlife appreciation, nature journaling, kayaking and the list goes on and on.
A longer day hike for older children and adults can be crafted from the trails that soar upward to altitudes over 3,000 feet above sea level. The Tuscarora Overlook is not to be missed. About six miles up and west from the center of the park, it can be reached by way of Blue Suck Falls or Stony Run Trails. Hike up Beards Gap to the east from the center of the park and you'll soon enjoy spectacular views from the Mountain Top Trail.
Peace and Quiet
Couples come to Douthat just to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet. The Lakeside Restaurant provides great meals with a view. Some points of interest outside the park include the Nature Conservancy's Dan Ingalls Overlook and Trail, the Homestead Resort, and the C&O Heritage Center.
Virginia Parks
Virginian's like Tim Kaine love the outdoors with good reason. The state park system features parks from the Cheasapeake Bay to the Highlands. There are also federal preserves like the George Washington Forest and Shenandoah National Park. County parks like New Quarter Park near Williamsburg provide respite for recreation and nature-lovers.
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