Point of Interest
Doughton Park
49800 Blue Ridge Parkway, Laurel Springs, NC 28644
As the largest recreation area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Doughton Park is a haven for hikers, wildflower watchers and those drawn to the rustic charm of the Blue Ridge. Located near Laurel Springs, the park is named for Congressman Robert L. Doughton, well known for being the major force behind the creation and routing of the Parkway. Here you'll find more than 30 miles of trails winding through rolling meadows and hardwood forests that blaze with color in the fall; the Brinegar Cabin, a preserved 19th-century homestead; and The Bluffs, the first dining establishment to open on the Parkway.
The area is celebrated as one of the best places along the Blue Ridge Parkway to try your hand at spotting white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and grey foxes, and even bobcats. Whether you’re picnicking under open skies, spotting deer or stepping back in time, Doughton Park delivers a memorable connection to this area and the people who shaped it.
