Spring is in the air, and adventure is calling! After the quiet of winter, Douthat State Park is coming back to life, offering visitors beautiful views, fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities.  

If you’re planning a spring getaway, here’s what you can look forward to at this Virginia gem. 

Park programs and events 

Green Pastures Recreation Area. Photos courtesy of Tina Eisenhower Carter 

With the start of spring, Douthat launches a full lineup of ranger-led programs and special events. Some of the highlights include: 

• Nature walks at Green Pastures Recreation Area: Green Pastures, located 20 minutes from the park, is a significant cultural and historical site. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and was the first only African American USDA Forest Service recreation site within Virginia. Today, Douthat manages the area, which features hiking and biking trails, a picnic area and restrooms. Ranger-led wildflower and tree ID walks are among the educational programs you’ll find at Green Pastures.  
• Earth Day Invasive Plant Removal: Celebrate Earth Day and make a lasting impact on the park’s natural landscapes by volunteering to help remove invasive plant species that threaten the park’s native ecosystems. 
• Monthly Volunteer Workday: Each month, volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to work together on a project to help improve and maintain the park. Projects may include trail maintenance, park beautification, litter cleanup or special restoration projects. 
• Let’s Go on an Archery Adventure: Learn the basics of archery, including finding your draw length, proper safety and shooting techniques, and more. All equipment is provided for this adventure. 

For the complete list of programs and events, go to virginiastateparks.gov/events. 

Improved hiking and biking trails 

Mountain biking at Douthat 

For the last year, park rangers and volunteers have been updating blazes and replacing junction signs on every trail, totaling more than 40 miles.  

The project is complete just in time for spring. From easy hikes less than a mile long to difficult climbs with mileage, Douthat has a trail for all skill levels and ages, and most of them are open to mountain bikers, too. 

While Douthat has updated trail signage, we still recommend downloading the geo-referenced PDF map of the park from Avenza Maps before getting to the park since cell phone service is limited. These types of maps will show your exact position on a trail even if you don’t have reception. 

To learn more about the park’s hiking and biking trails, visit virginiastateparks.gov/douthat. 

Cabins and camping 

A CCC-era log cabin 

Like many Virginia State Parks, Douthat closes some of its campgrounds and cabins in the winter, leaving 23 campsites and 20 cabins open from December through March. However, on April 1, the remaining 64 campsites and 15 cabins are de-winterized and ready for visitors.  

Whether you want to spend the night in a furnished CCC-era log cabin, pitch a tent and sleep under the stars next to the lake or park your RV at a full-service campground, Douthat has it.  

Accommodations book up fast, especially in the warmer months, so don’t wait. Make a reservation today at reservevaparks.com.  

More to come 

Canoeing Douthat Lake 

In case you need more reasons to visit Douthat, the swimming beach opens Memorial Day weekend, and this is when you can start renting paddle boats, kayaks, canoes and hydrobikes. 

Just a few steps away from the beach is Nature’s Outpost, which will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Not only is it an interpretive center but it's also a one-stop shop for beach toys, snacks and more. 

Spring is a great time to reconnect with nature, and Douthat State Park is ready to welcome you! So come explore, unwind and make memories this spring. 

For more information on park hours, reservations and upcoming events, visit virginiastateparks.gov/douthat.