Virginia State Park

Douthat State Park

About 7.8 driving miles from the Heritage Center

Add a flexible Alleghany Highlands outdoor stop with a 50-acre lake, more than 40 miles of trails, cabins, camping, picnicking, and current Virginia State Parks guidance.

The place

About Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park is a 4,545-acre Virginia State Park at 14239 Douthat State Park Road near Millboro and Clifton Forge. The park dates to 1936 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the influence of its design on park development.

A 50-acre lake, more than 40 miles of wooded trails, stream and lake fishing, boating, seasonal swimming, picnic areas, cabins, lodges, and campgrounds support visits ranging from a short lakeside break to an overnight stay. Activity rules and seasonal services vary, so the live park notice and reservation system control.

Virginia State Parks identifies selected accessible features rather than claiming that the entire mountain park is accessible. The list includes the park office and restrooms, selected lodging and campsites, a fishing pier and shoreline pods, the camp-store entrance, a swimming-area ramp, and an amphitheater ramp. Visitors should contact the park about the exact route or facility they need.

The park publishes daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. hours. A parking fee applies, but this guide does not hardcode an amount because the statewide fee schedule controls. From the Heritage Center, the checked route is about 7.8 miles and roughly 19 minutes without unusual traffic.

What stands out

Choose a lake-centered stop

Use the 50-acre lake for a picnic, walk, fishing plan, boat outing, or seasonal swim when current conditions allow.

Match a trail to the group

The trail system ranges from easier options to challenging mountain routes; use the current trail guide before setting out.

Extend the trip overnight

Cabins, lodges, and campsites make the park useful for travelers building an Alleghany Highlands weekend.

Read the park's design history

Douthat's 1930s development and National Register listing add a historic-landscape layer to the outdoor visit.

Plan around exact access needs

Virginia State Parks lists selected accessible facilities; call ahead to verify the specific route or activity your group needs.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a C&O Railway Heritage Center trip

Douthat State Park is about 7.8 driving miles from the C&O Railway Heritage Center, making it a practical second stop for a lakeside walk, picnic, trail outing, or overnight stay after the museum.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Park hoursDaily 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; current alerts and facility schedules can narrow what is available
  • Admission and parkingThe park identifies a daily parking fee; use the current statewide park-fee page rather than relying on a hardcoded amount
  • Lake50 acres with fishing, boating, and seasonal swimming; licenses, permits, posted hours, and seasonal rules apply
  • TrailsMore than 40 miles of wooded hiking trails, with mountain-bike and bridle use on designated routes
  • Overnight optionsCabins, lodges, and campgrounds are reservable through Virginia State Parks; minimum stays and availability vary
  • Accessible featuresSelected facilities and sites are identified as accessible; contact the park about the exact path, lodging unit, campsite, or activity needed
  • Food and suppliesThe park lists a camp store, snack-bar service, picnic areas, and gift-shop facilities; check the live notice for seasonal operating status
  • ArrivalFrom I-64 Exit 27, follow State Route 629 north two miles to the entrance sign and another four miles to the park office
  • Train-trip pairingAbout 7.8 driving miles and roughly 19 minutes from the Heritage Center under the checked route

Return to the Clifton Forge train guide

Add C&O Railway Heritage Center

Use the Heritage Center guide for current museum hours, Little C&O and handcar availability caveats, equipment boundaries, and direct contact.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What are Douthat State Park's hours?

Virginia State Parks publishes daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. park hours. Check the current notice because individual facilities and seasonal services can have shorter schedules.

Is there an entrance fee?

The park identifies a parking fee. Use the current Virginia State Parks fee page for the applicable amount instead of relying on an older quoted price.

What can visitors do at the lake?

The 50-acre lake supports fishing, boating, and seasonal swimming. Licenses, permits, posted fishing hours, and seasonal rules can apply.

How many trails does the park have?

The park publishes more than 40 miles of wooded trails ranging from easy to difficult, with mountain-bike and bridle use on designated routes.

Is Douthat State Park wheelchair accessible?

The park lists selected accessible buildings, lodging, campsites, fishing facilities, swimming access, and other features. It does not claim that every trail or activity is accessible, so contact staff about the exact facility needed.

Can visitors stay overnight?

Yes. The park offers cabins, lodges, and campgrounds through the Virginia State Parks reservation system. Minimum stays and availability vary by season and arrival date.

How far is Douthat from the C&O Railway Heritage Center?

The checked driving route is about 7.8 miles and roughly 19 minutes without unusual traffic.

How do I reach the park office from I-64?

Take Exit 27 near Clifton Forge, turn north on State Route 629, continue two miles to the park entrance sign, and travel another four miles to the office.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-25. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.