Doughton Park

Doughton Park is one of the most scenic and expansive areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Located at milepost 241.1, it covers over 6,000 acres of rolling meadows, forested slopes, and stunning vistas. The park is named after Robert L. Doughton, a prominent North Carolina congressman who was instrumental in the creation of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The park is dotted with scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Wildcat Rocks Overlook offers a particularly famous view of the Caudill Cabin, a solitary homestead tucked away in a remote valley below.

There are over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous in the Doughton Recreation Area.  Some popular trails in the park include the Bluff Mountain Trail, which runs along the ridge offering panoramic views, and the Cedar Ridge Trail, which descends into the more remote and rugged areas of the park. The Fodder Stack Trail and the Grassy Gap Fire Road are also popular trails.  On this hike we started at the Doughton Park Campground and hiked the ridgeline between along the Blue Ridge Parkway between the Basin Cove Overloook to the Bluffs Picnic area.  There are scenic views on this hike but it is a popular one in the park for its proximity to the campground.