Douthat State Park, Virginia

Douthat State Park, Virginia The Outside Family Vacation Guide named Virginia’s Douthat State Park one of the nation's 10 best. The park, which straddles Bath and Alleghany counties, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Douthat is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened June 15, 1936. It's nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery. In addition, a 50-acre lake offers swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing. It's a scenic 45-minute drive from the Inn at Gristmill Square bed and breakfast.

Swimming: Memorial Day to Labor Day - The beach area, complete with bathhouse and concession, is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Click here for park fees. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and lodges, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.

Hiking Trails: There are more than 40 miles of wooded hiking trails to choose from throughout the year, with hikes ranging from easy to difficult. No bridle (horse) trails. Many park trails are open to mountain bikers, however hikers have the right-of-way. Download a Douthat Trail Map.

Mountain Biking: the Douthat State Park Mountain Bike Trail is an excellent single track. Middel Mountain Momma Mt. Bike Race is held here. Stony Run trail is a 2000' climb, Middle Mountain Trail takes you along the top, and there are a number of trails leading down the mountain on very technical singletrack. Mountain side and Mountain view trails are great on the other side of the Park. Download a Douthat Trail Map.

Fishing: The 50-acre Douthat Lake and adjoining Wilson Creek are stocked regularly with trout on a seasonal basis. A valid Virginia fishing license is required in addition to a trout license or daily permit depending on the season. Contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for licenses and/or additional information at (804) 367-1000. No fishing is allowed anywhere in the park during the five days prior to the first Saturday in April. Special seasonal regulations apply at Douthat Lake. Those 16 and older (in-state) or 12 and older (out of state) need a valid Virginia fishing license. In addition, a Virginia Trout license or daily fishing permit is required, depending on the season. There is a daily creel limit of six trout with a seven inch minimum. One pole per person allowed, separate stringers required. Fishing hours are posted at the park.

Boating: The boathouse is open from the first Saturday in April through the end of October. Jonboats with and without electric motors, canoes, paddleboats, hydrobikes and funyaks are available for rent during that time. A boat launch ramp is available for guests with their own non-gasoline powered boat. No launching fee is charged, but boats must be moored in designated areas. Year-round boat storage is also available from the park for a fee. No gas powered equipment is allowed on the lake.