(540) 862-8100
14239 Douthat State Park RoadMillboro, VA 24460
Latitude: 37.896054
Longitude: -79.809300
The 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 dropoffs. 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.
Backway Hollow Trail
The Backway Hollow Trail is a .9 mile moderate multi-use trail that connects the Heron Run Trail to the Salt Stump Trail, while providing access to the Laurel View Trail. This trail is fairly wide and not too steep and excellent for biking and hiking with children. At its northern end this trail splits into two forks, both of which lead to the Salt Stump Trail.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.9
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Rocks
Beard’s Gap Hollow Trail
The Beards Gap Hollow Trail is a 1 mile moderate multi-use trail that is accessible from near the White Oak Campground and from the Locust Gap Trail. This trail gradually climbs uphill from the campground, passing through a wooded hollow and crossing a creek several times. As the trail nears the Locust Gap Trail, it becomes narrower with some switchbacks an a moderate increase in grade.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Beard’s Gap Trail
Not to be confused with the easier and similarly named Beard’s Gap Hollow Trail, the Beard’s Gap Trail is a 1.2 mile difficult multi-use trail that connects the guest registration area to a small shelter and the Mountain Top and Brushy Hollow trails. Near the registration area this trail is fairly flat and follows a creek, crossing it several times. As the trail climbs it becomes increasingly steep and difficult, with seven short switchbacks before reaching the ridge line.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 1.21
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Natural
Blue Suck Falls Trail
The Blue Suck Falls Trail is a 3 mile moderate to difficult multi-use trail that connects several of the trails in the northwest region of the park to the trail head near the Visitor Center. The falls, and hence the trail, get their unusual name from the Appalachian term for a whirlpool or a ‘suck’, which may be found at the base of the falls. At higher elevations the trail traverses the ridge top, often along a narrow path, and connects to the George Washington National Forest trail network. The trail features several east facing overlooks of the Alleghenies such as Lookout Rock. A highlight of the trail are the views of Blue Suck Falls. This rocky trail is actually steeper and more difficult at lower elevations.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 3
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Rocks, Steps
Brushy Hollow Trail
The Brushy Hollow Trail is a 3.7 mile difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from the Mountain Top, Beards Gap, and Flat Run trails. This narrow trail connects several overlooks with spectacular views of the park and the George Washington National Forest. The trail criss-crosses the ridge line by way of many switchbacks and several dramatic increases and decreases in elevation. The southern portion of the trail drops into Brushy Hollow crossing the creek several times. This somewhat easier portion of the trail passes an old CCC dynamite storage building and crosses Wilson Creek via bridge near the connection to the Flat Run Trail.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 3.72
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Bridge
Buck Hollow Trail
The Buck Hollow Trail is a 1.4 mile difficult multi-use trail that is accessible from nearby the park restaurant and from the Mountain Top Trail. Initially wide, flat and smooth, this trail gradually gets narrower, steeper, and more winding as it approaches the ridge line. Hikers will want to take the short side trail that leads to an overlook of Douthat Lake and a spectacular sunset view. The higher elevations of this trail become increasingly difficult, however do not be discouraged as the lower portions are much easier and the views are worth the effort.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 1.41
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Rocks
Buck Lick Trail
The Buck Lick Trail is a one-third mile, easy interpretive trail located near the restaurant. The trail makes a loop through Buck Hollow and features interpretive information about the unique ecosystems that make up Douthat State Park.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 0.28
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural
Flat Run Trail
The Flat Run Trail is a 2.5 mile easy multi-use trail that runs alongside the main park road and Wilson Creek. The trail connects the park entrance to the Contact Station as well as the Brushy Hollow and Stony Run trails. This trail is very flat and smooth and is grassy most of the way, passing several benches. At several points along the trail there are parking areas where hikers, bikers, and fishermen can access the trail and Wilson Creek as well as other small streams. Although these areas are accessible before reaching the Contact Station parking passes are required and all other park rules are applicable.
Blaze Color: Red