Doughton Park Hiking Trails (click to enlarge)

There are seven hiking trails in the Doughton Park Recreation Area that either run along the ridge of Basin Cove Valley or descend into it. Most all are very long out-and-back trails, making day-hikes difficult without having a ride at one end. Round trip distances range from 9 to 15 miles in length. There is a primitive, backcountry campground within the Recreation Area for those wanting to tackle some of the longer hikes. Only the Fodder Stack Trail offers a relatively short hike at less that two miles round trip.

Fodder Stack Trail

This 1.5-mile round trip trail runs along a ridge and offers views into the valley below. This is the only short trail in the park.

Bluff Mountain Trail

This 7.5-mile one-way trail runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Brinegar Cabin to the Basin Cove Overlook. You can access it at other stops along the Parkway, including the Doughton Park Campground, Low Notch Overlook, Doughton Park Picnic Area, Alligator Back Overlook, and Bluff Mountain View. Be sure to have a ride at one end, otherwise it’s a 14-mile round trip hike. The Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Guide reports that it covers mainly level terrain and rates it as moderate in difficulty. You can also pick up other trails that head into the valley from various points along the trail.

Cedar Ridge Trail

This trail also starts from near the Brinegar Cabin. The strenuous hike descends 2,000 feet to the Grassy Gap Fire Road. The trail is 4.4 miles one-way. You can park a car at the other end on Longbottom Road.

Grassy Gap Fire Road

This is an old road that runs 6.5 miles from the parking area on Longbottom Road to the Bluff Mountain Trail just north of the Basin Cove Overlook. The trail is open to horseback riding, but those on horses must enter and exit at the Longbottom parking area. The trail also connects with the southern ends of the Bluff Mountain Primitive Trail and the Basin Creek Trail.

Basin Creek Trail

This 3.3-mile one-way trail can only be accessed by hiking 1.5 miles on the Grassy Gap Fire Road. This is a true out-and-back trail with no possibility of a ride waiting at the other end, making this a 9.6-mile round trip hike. The trail is rated as moderate in difficulty. At the end is the Caudill Cabin, the only cabin in the valley that survived a 1916 flood.

Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail

This trail can only be accessed by hiking part of the Bluff Mountain Trail or the Grassy Gap Fire Road. The quickest way to get there from the Bluff Mountain Trail is either from the Doughton Park Picnic Area or the Alligator Back Overlook parking area. This is a strenuous trail that makes the steepest and quickest descent into Basin Cove.

Flat Rock Ridge Trail

This trail begins at the Basin Cover Overlook and runs 5 miles to the Longbottom Road parking area. It is rated as moderate.

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