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Have you ever hiked or mountain-biked the trails at Douthat State Park?

View from the top! Mountain Top Trail at Douthat State Park (photo taken Nov 7th)

View from the top on Mountain Top Trail

The start of the trail that connects with Mountain Side and Mountain Top Trail (Guest Lodge Trail)

The trails are a-callin'! There is a small parking area up near the Douthat Lodge

Douthat State Park trails

Trails connect from Guest Lodge Trail to Mountain Side to Mountain Top Trails. 

TRAILS

Hiking, horseback and bicycle trails (mountain bikes only). There are more than 40 miles of wooded hiking trails to choose from throughout the year, ranging from easy to difficult. Many park trails are open to mountain bikers, however hikers have the right-of-way. Douthat has six miles of bridle trails. Visit the park office for a map depicting trails at Douthat.
 
Douthat State Park offers over 40 miles of trails. Except for the YCC and Heron Run Trails, all are designated for both hiking and mountain biking. Many of these trails experience steep and rocky uphill and downhill with rough narrow paths that in some places run close to fairly steep drop offs. Mountain bikers in particular should use extreme caution, yield to hikers, and always wear a helmet. Everyone is reminded that for their safety and to best preserve the trail people should not venture off the trail. Enjoy the many beautiful overlooks in the park but be mindful that black bears can be seen here from time to time.
 
Visit the Explore Virginia Outdoors website for enhanced maps and video tours of Douthat's trails.
 
Guest Lodge Trail
The Guest Lodge Trail is a .64 mile difficult multi-use trail that connects the Douthat Lodge to the Mountain Top and Mountain Side Trails. It runs near a ridge top and is a fairly easy climb from the lodge to the Mountain Top and Mountain Side Trails. This trail may also be used to access the Ross Camp Trail in several locations.
 
Mountain Side Trail
The Mountain Side Trail is a 1.2 mile moderate to difficult hiking trail that is accessible in two places along the Mountain Top Trail and from the Guest Lodge Trail. This narrow trail runs along the side of the mountain with few changes in elevation. Users should use particular caution on this trail as it runs along a fairly steep edge and a false step could result in a bad tumble or fall.
 
Mountain Top Trail
As its name suggests the Mountain Top Trail is a 2.4 mile moderate to difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from the Mountain Side, Buck Hollow, Beard's Gap, and Brushy Hollow trails. The trail follows several ridges via a series of switchbacks and runs along a wooded ridge line before descending via another series of switchbacks. This trail is fairly narrow and, except for the portion along the ridge line, is fairly steep. From this trail one can access the George Washington National Forest network of trails.
 
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Remember the views increase when the leaves fall, what trails will you enjoy this year?
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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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