One Of Virginia's Hidden Gem State Parks Boasts Breathtaking Lake Views And Trails

The Blue Ridge Mountains run along the western spine of Virginia, traveling southwards into North Carolina. Part of the greater Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge contains one of America's most iconic drives: the Blue Ridge Parkway. A short side trip off of this great road, in the unincorporated community of Millboro, is where you can find one of Virginia's hidden gem state parks that boasts breathtaking lake views and mile upon mile of stunning hiking trails.

Douthat State Park was established in 1936 and its design soon became a model for parks nationwide. At just over 4,000 acres, Douthat is not the largest state park in the Commonwealth's system, but it does pack in gorgeous mountain vistas, flowing streams, a beautiful lake, and numerous campsites and cabins. It's an amazing location to disappear for a weekend, or for a fun family camping vacation.

About 25 minutes from the nearest city, Covington, and over 40 minutes from Ingalls Field Regional Airport, Douthat State Park is a little out of the way, but not so much so that it becomes an inconvenience. If you're vacationing in Roanoke, which is a criminally underrated historic vacation spot, the drive is a little over an hour. However you experience this state park, you're in for some truly astounding Virginia scenery.

One of the most immediately recognizable landmarks of Douthat State Park is Douthat Lake. At 50 acres, the lake takes up a sizable chunk of the northern quadrant of the park. Fed by Wilson Stream, Douthat Lake is a refreshingly cold lake that is host to a number of different fish species. Stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout in the spring and fall, Douthat Lake and Wilson Stream are a haven for anglers. Any angler over 16 requires a Virginia state freshwater fishing license, as well as a daily permit to fish in the park. The day permits are waived in the summer when the stocking season breaks before the fall runs.

Swimming is another must at Douthat State Park. There is an excellent sandy beach that comes with plenty of amenities, including parking, restrooms, snack stand, boat rentals, and a gift/camp store. There are also plenty of cabins and campsites on the shores of the lake that offer up some of the most beautiful camping scenery the state has to offer. Those looking to rent cabins can have their pick of 32 different cabins throughout the park, as well as three lodges that can hold up to 18 guests for larger parties. 

Owing to the lake's smaller size, no gasoline powered boats are allowed on the water. This makes it a perfect and calm lake for canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, small sailboats, and row boats.

There are over 40 miles of trails lacing their way through Douthat State Park. They offer up a varied array of easy, moderate, and difficult trails that wend their way through woods, mountain ledges, streams, and waterfalls. If you want to get a different perspective on Douthat Lake, take the Tobacco House Ridge Trail and connect with Heron Run Trail that follows shoreline. You're likely to see some of the park's abundant wildlife, including herons, hawks, and songbirds.

Hikers in Virginia have no shortage of great waterfalls, but Blue Suck Falls and Stony Run Falls have to be among the best. Each cascade down the granite rock faces that are frequent throughout the park. You can hike to either by taking their aptly named trails, each of which are rated as difficult by the park trail map. If you're really feeling up for a challenge, you could create a near 10-mile loop through Stony Run Trail, Blue Suck Trail, and Locust Gap Trail. It'd be a commitment, but the payoff would be worth it.

Mountain biking is welcome on most trails and there are bridle paths for equestrians on the northern end of the park. If you're not into hiking, or you have small kids to entertain, there are several playgrounds located throughout the park. And with an amphitheater and various historical programs, however you like to experience your outdoors, there is something for everyone at this hidden gem tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains.