Place

Doughton Park Picnic Area

A large evergreen spreads its canopy over two stone picnic tables on a wide hill.
Spread out and enjoy your lunch or room to roam at this large historic picnic are.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts
Location:
Parkway Milepost 241
Significance:
Doughton Park picnic area is one of the most beloved sites on the Parkway.

Benches/Seating, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Grill, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Doughton Park Picnic Area is one of the most beloved sites on the parkway. The expansive 56-site picnic area showcases how the parkway has changed over the years. Visitors may notice that the stacked tables at the start of the drive look much different than the newer, more modern tables at the end of the loop. Some of the original tables, installed in the 1940’s and 50’s are still available for use.  The last loop does not have any grills attached to picnic sites, and here the scenery changes, too.

After following a tree-lined drive, the view opens up to long meadows and mountains as far as the eye can see. The tables here offer views of the mountain ranges surrounding the park. There are two comfort stations and large dumpsters for visitor use. Thank you for doing your part to keep the parkway clean by using these amenities. 

At the end of the loop access to the Bluff Mountain trail entices visitors with its spring and summer flowers!  After enjoying a picnic be sure to veer right before heading back on your way: Wildcat Rocks Overlook and the old lodge are located at the end of the road!

Check the conditions of the area before you visit.

 

Blue Ridge Parkway

Last updated: November 1, 2024