Doughton Park, Recreation area at Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.
Doughton Park is a recreation area along the Blue Ridge Parkway with more than 30 miles of trails through highland meadows and mountain slopes. The paths connect several historic structures and viewpoints across elevations ranging from roughly 3,500 to 4,000 feet.
Robert L. Doughton, a North Carolina congressman, championed the creation of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the 1930s, leading to this area being named in his honor. His efforts transformed the region into a protected recreational space accessible to the public.
The Brinegar Cabin displays exhibits and maintains a demonstration garden showing how early mountain families lived and sustained themselves in the Appalachian region. Visitors can observe the homestead layout and the crops that residents cultivated.
The campground has 135 designated sites with tables, lantern posts, and fire rings, along with access to restrooms and water. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and wear sturdy footwear, as trails cross uneven terrain throughout the park.
The Basin Creek Trail leads to the century-old Caudill Cabin, a destination reached after a full-day hike through the abandoned Basin Cove settlement. This remote site reveals how early residents lived in complete isolation and built their homes within the forest landscape.
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