Bluffs Restaurant to Bluff Mountain Overlook, Doughton Park

Description - Let's enjoy the mountains full of fall colors and the final weekend of The Bluffs Restaurant! Join ASTA for a hike from the Bluffs Restaurant & Visitor Center to the Bluff Mountain Overlook in Doughton Park (out and back). This is a great hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail and the MST trail as it goes through Doughton Park. The hike offers excellent long-range vistas from the open meadow portions. Other parts of the hike are thru the forest and woodlands. This will be about a 6.5 mile out and back hike. You are welcome to turn around at any time. Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome.

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

Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate. 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 6.5 miles. The trail has moderate elevation changes, except along the steeper Alligator Back section.

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 Bluffs Restaurant Parking lot 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.

Google Maps - Bluffs Restaurant & Visitor Center

[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.