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The Outside Family Vacation Guide named Virginia’s Douthat State Park one of the nation's 10 best. The park, which straddles Bath and Alleghany counties, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Douthat is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened June 15, 1936. It's nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery. In addition, a 50-acre lake offers swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing.
The hike described here is one of countless loops that can hiked in the park. There are hikes for all levels possible at Douthat.
From the Beaver Dam Campground follow the orange blazed Salt Stump Trail up the mountain for 2.43 miles. Take a left onto the white blazed Middle Mountain Trail and follow the top of the ridge for 1.77 miles. Take another left onto the yellow blazed Tuscarora Overlook trail. In about 1 mile you will arrive at a Y intersection. Take a left to the overlook offering sweeping views of the region.
After taking a good break, backtrack to the Y intersection and take a right onto the blue blazed Blue Suck Falls trail. Follow it down the mountain to the waterfall. Continue to follow the trail along the creek. Make sure to follow the Blue Suck Falls trail all the way down to the Heron Run trail. Take a left onto the Heron Run trail, which takes you on the West side of the lake. You will then traverse the Lakeside Campground and take a left on the main road to reach the Beaver Dam Campground.
From I-64, take Exit 27 near Clifton Forge. Turn North onto State Route 629 (highway at exit ramp). Travel north three miles to the park entrance sign and another two miles to the park office.
You can also click on the marker on the map to get Google directions to the trailhead.
