Doughton Park Picnic Area to Basin Cove Overlook

Description - Join ASTA for a hike from the Doughton Park Picnic Area to Basin Cove Overlook (out and back). This is a great hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail and Section 5 of the MST trail as it goes through Doughton Park. At the beginning, we will traverse down Alligator Back (and eventually up), which is a steep trail that is not in great condition, sticks might come in handy. The hike offers excellent long-range vistas from various overlooks. Other parts of the hike are thru the forest and woodlands. Due to road closures on the Parkway for paving, we will be unable to leave a car at Basin Cove Overlook. You are welcome to turn around at any time to make the hike shorter, just let the hike leader know.

Consider having a meal or snack at the Bluffs Restaurant after the hike, they are open 11-4.

Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate (and moderately strenuous for Alligator Back). The pace will be around 2 to 2-1/2 MPH but will be adjusted to allow the group opportunities for observing and photos. Total distance will be around 7.5 miles. Elevation gain is around 800 feet.

Emergency Contact Info: Please complete the attached Member and Emergency Contact Information Form so we have your emergency information; we can also send you information about how to put this info on your phone.
ASTA Member and Emergency Contact Information

ACCESS NOTE: We will meet at the Doughton Park Picnic Area Parking lot, near the Bluffs Restaurant, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Alleghany County, NC. A google map link to the parking lot is attached. A link to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a link to the NPS Doughton Park map are also attached**. Access is via Route 21.**

https://maps.app.goo.gl/56kAioXkMssEFHPA9

[Maps - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/maps.htm)

[Doughton Park Hiking Trails - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/doughton-park-trails.htm)

Weather: This hike is weather dependent. If the weather forecast turns inclement, we will possibly reschedule the event for a different day and time. If it is questionable, please check back here to the home page before the event to see if conditions have changed, we will try to update event status as timely as practical. Rain gear is always recommended for your pack.

Other Info: You should expect roots, rocks and poor footing in some locations on the trails. To reduce the chance of a fall and for balance, a hiking pole or poles is recommended. Also, please wear shoes with good ankle support and traction. You should bring water, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal hikes is always a good idea), a snack if desired (please pack out any trash), and during bug season a good repellant for mosquitos and ticks may be desired. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk. If you sign up on MeetUp and cannot make it, please remove your name so we don't wait for you to show up.