Douthat State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Douthat State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Douthat Lake
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 Douthat State Park
Location in Virginia
Douthat State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bath / Alleghany counties, Virginia, USA |
| Nearest city | Clifton Forge, Virginia |
| Area | 4,545 acres (18 km2) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
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Douthat State Park Historic District
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The lodge at Douthat State Park
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| Nearest city | Clifton Forge, Virginia |
| Area | 4,493 acres (1,818 ha) |
| Built | 1933 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Architectural style | Log cabin style |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002183 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | September 20, 1986 |
Douthat State Park is a fantastic state park located in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. It's found across two counties: Bath and Alleghany. This huge park covers about 4,545 acres and has a lovely 50-acre lake. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures and learning about nature.
Park History
Douthat State Park has an interesting past! A group of business people, called the Douthat Land Company, gave the first part of the land. This was about 1,920 acres. In 1933, the government of Virginia set aside money to buy more land for state parks. The rest of the park's land was bought with this money.
Douthat State Park officially opened on June 15, 1936. It was one of the first six state parks in Virginia. All of these early parks were built with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a special program during the 1930s. It helped young men find work during a tough economic time.
About 600 men from the CCC worked hard to build most of the park. They worked from 1933 to 1942. When they started, the park area was mostly covered by forests. The CCC crews built everything you see today. This includes the cabins, campsites, trails, and roads. They even created the entire Douthat Lake!
Fun Things to Do at Douthat
Douthat State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
- Mountain Biking: Douthat State Park is a top spot for mountain biking. Twenty-four out of the park's twenty-six trails are open for bikes. Many people say it's one of the best places to mountain bike on the East Coast. Most of the 45 miles of trails were built by the CCC. They have been restored to be great for biking.
- Fishing: You can go trout fishing in Douthat Lake. The lake is stocked with fish. You will need a valid Virginia Fishing License and a daily permit to fish.
- Boating: A boat ramp is open from April through October. You can rent different types of boats. These include jonboats, canoes, paddleboats, hydrocycles, and funyaks (like kayaks). Boats with gasoline motors are not allowed on the lake.
- Hiking: The park has over 43 miles of trails. Some trails are easy, and some are more challenging. Many of these trails were first made by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Horseback riding is allowed on certain trails on the western side of the park.
- Swimming: You can swim at the lake's beach area. It is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Restaurant and Store: The Douthat Lake View Restaurant was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. Next to the restaurant, you'll find a camp store and a gift shop.
- Picnicking: There are three picnic areas with shelters. You can reserve these shelters for your group or family gathering.
- Hunting: Hunting is allowed in certain areas of the park. You need to make a reservation and have the correct permits.
Awards and Recognitions
Douthat State Park has received several awards and special recognitions over the years.
- 1986: Douthat was named a national historic district. This means its buildings and landscape are important to history.
- 1998: The park received an award for having the best-operated and maintained dam from the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association.
- 1999: It was given a Centennial Medallion from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
- 1999: Outside Family Vacation Guide magazine named Douthat one of its top ten state parks.
