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At the center of intertwining trails running all throughout Douthat State Park lies Douthat Lake. This 50-acre body of water is located on the border of Alleghany and Bath County. Douthat Lake is fed by Wilson Creek, a part of the Jackson River watershed.  The creek flows into the Jackson River at Clifton Forge and is the last tributary to contribute to the Jackson’s flow before it merges with the Cowpasture River. The manmade Douthat Lake was constructed in the mid-20th Century, and the state park surrounding it has been around for nearly 90 years. The park is one of the original six state parks planned in Virginia during the 1930s. It is recognized as a Nationally Registered Historic District and has received a number of awards commemorating its success. Whether you want to completely immerse yourself in nature or enjoy the lake’s beauty while being able to grab a snack at the concessions stand, Douthat State Park has what you are looking for.

Douthat State Park has been acknowledged as one of the top parks in the nation. Clean public areas, campsites, and trails help create a memorable experience for visitors. Water and environmental quality also play a key role in ensuring that the park’s recreational opportunities are placed in an elite category.

Image 1. Still water on Douthat Lake reflects the colors of the sunset.

 

Water Quality

Douthat Lake supports a wide variety of designated water uses, including fishing and swimming. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s 2018 Water Quality Monitoring Assessment indicated that Douthat Lake has the capacity to fully support aquatic life, recreational use, and wildlife. The high-quality status of the lake is attributed to the lake’s management policies and the limited development along its shoreline. The lake’s boat ramp, fishing piers, and swimming beach are located on the side of the lake closest to Douthat State Park Road. Confining these amenities to one side of the lake helps limit shoreline disturbance and preserve natural views of the lake. It is important that visitors of lakeside facilities help keep the lake unpolluted by picking up and disposing trash in the proper containers, keeping fishing gear and line from being lost in the water, and picking up after your pet. Boats that are gasoline powered are prohibited from being used on the lake. This helps keep oil and gasoline from leaking into the water. It also cuts down on shoreline erosion caused by high-powered boat wakes.

The lake’s water quality plays an integral role in maintaining a high number of visitors, especially during the summertime. The lakeside beach is a popular amenity. Increased temperatures during the summer can put stress on less healthy waterbodies, causing algal blooms and other undesirable conditions for swimmers. Fortunately, Douthat Lake is able to sustain a swimmable environment when it is coveted most. When you are out enjoying the lake yourself, remember to keep in mind the important practices that will help keep the water in tip-top shape.

 

Recreational Opportunities

Douthat State Park offers endless activities that cater to all users, from casual weekend goers to high-intensity trail riders and hikers. Over 43 miles of trails weave through the state park surrounding Douthat Lake. The trails come in a variety of lengths, uses, and difficulty levels. Whether you are looking for a flat trail to take an easy stroll or a path to test your mountain biking and horseback riding skills, there is something for you. Waterfalls and scenic overlooks provide points of interests to plan your hike around. Check out the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Trail Guide to find the perfect fit for your adventure.

Camping and lodging around Douthat Lake is widely available. There are over 110 different sites to choose from that accommodate anywhere from 2 to 16 guests. Cabins and lodges are available for those who are looking to have a mixture of outdoor adventure and a cozy living space. Campsites provide RV and tent sites so you can fully immerse yourself in a weekend outdoors. Sites for all different housing styles are available in various areas around the state park, so you can choose if you prefer to have Douthat Lake close by or if you want to escape into a more secluded area. More information about these sites can be found on the Douthat State Park camping webpage. A facilities guide shows where the different campgrounds are located throughout the park.

Image 2. Campers enjoy an evening fire overlooking Douthat Lake.

Douthat Lake and Wilson Creek offer anglers an excellent opportunity to fish waters stocked with various trout species by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF). The area is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout at various times of the year. DGIF’s Douthat Lake informational page provides the stocking schedule and regulations that apply for anglers. The lake is home to many species, including largemouth bass and black crappie. Two fishing piers are located on opposite ends of the lake so shoreline anglers can cast their lines over a large area. Wilson Creek is stocked with trout above and below the lake, so there is plenty of water to explore and find where the fish are hiding.

With Douthat State Park’s close proximity to Interstate 64, an outdoor weekend getaway has never been closer. The park’s versatility gives you the option to spend your time lounging on the beach or exploring the endless miles of trails that surround the lake.

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