Each year, over 200,000 people flock to Douthat State Park to enjoy its natural beauty and wide range of outdoor activities. Whether it’s camping in the historic cabins, hiking the park’s scenic trails, fishing in its stocked lake, or spotting majestic bald eagles, great blue herons, and osprey, Douthat offers something for every nature lover. At Douthat, the history of the Great Depression and the Civilian Conservation Corps meet nature.
Douthat: A testament to the longevity of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ (CCC)
Douthat State Park, nestled in both the Alleghany Highlands and neighboring Bath County, stands as a testament to the longevity of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ (CCC) craftsmanship and vision. Established on June 15th, 1936 as one of Virginia’s six original State Parks, Douthat’s original structures and dam have stood the test of time.
Beginning in 1933, approximately 600 CCC enrollees completely transformed the landscape by blazing over 45 miles of trails, building a dam and spillway, and erecting more than 30 cabins–all of which can be seen during your visit to the park today. The cabins feature iron door knobs and hinges that were crafted in the original Blacksmith’s Shop which is available to be toured in the Park Office. Along with cabins, the park has four campgrounds with a total of 57 sites and 13 covered horse stalls. All of the original cabins have been renovated with modern amenities while maintaining their rustic charm.
The 50-acre lake, created by damming Wilson Creek, has become the centerpiece of the park. Guests can swim, paddleboard, kayak, and fish in the trout-stocked waters. Douthat Dam is the largest dam created by the CCC in Region One and won the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association’s Award for Best Operated and Maintained Dam in 1998. The earthen dam is over 600 feet long and serves as a great fishing location and backdrop for photos.
The Conservation Corps blazed 45 miles of trails with two intentions: recreation and firewatching. One of the most iconic spots is Tuscarora Overlook, near Tuscarora Cabin, which was originally constructed for Conservation Corps firewatchers to survey the surrounding National Forest for smoke. The hike to the overlook is long but worth it: hikers can either take Blue Suck Falls Trail or Stoney Run Trail to Tuscarora Overlook Trail. Douthat’s trails are also considered some of the best mountain biking trails in the state.
All of the original CCC-constructed cabins and structures remain one of the best places to stay in the Alleghany Highlands. During the early years of construction, CCC crews experimented with a variety of cabin layouts, refining their approach with each build. Their trial-and-error process culminated in Cabin 19, which became the model for “the perfect cabin” across the entire Virginia State Parks system. With its efficient floor plan, stone fireplace, exposed beams, and handcrafted iron hardware, Cabin 19 represents the pinnacle of CCC “parchitecture.” A scenic drive or walk through the cabin area of the park is a great way to see the variation in cabin styles.
Among those cabins is Douthat Lodge, perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The lodge has long been a destination for family vacations, weddings, and reunions. While the lodge is currently being renovated, the rest of the original cabins are open and freshly remodeled with modern kitchens, bathrooms, and furniture while simultaneously keeping their historic look and feel.
Whether you’re spending the day hiking, fishing, or paddling, or staying for a week in one of the park’s cabins, Douthat State Park is one of a kind. You’ll see the lasting impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the park’s trails, buildings, and overall design.
