Dougton Park- 17 Mile Loop Hike

Doughton Park is the largest recreation area the National Park Service manages on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is on the border between Wilkes and Alleghany Counties in North Carolina. Renew your senses amid this landscape of open meadows.

We will be doing a very difficult 17 mile loop hike with 3,500 foot elevation gain. Along the top of the mountains we will be have excellent views looking south. It's truly a wonderful hike worth the effort.

Trails: Cedar Ridge, Bluff Mountain Trail, and Grassy Gap Fire Road. Note: some water crossings on Grassy Gap Fire Road (the trail we will be taking down the mountain) may get your boots wet so may want to pack water shoes. We will be hiking counter-clockwise.

Pack plenty of food and water. We will stop for lunch. Please pack extra layers as it is colder along the ridge at the top. There are no restrooms at the trailhead and along this hike.

Trekking poles are recommend. It can get windy and cold along the ridge of the mountain. Wear layers and be prepared for the cold on this hike.

**If you haven't hiked with me before, you need to contact me in advance to attend this hike. 704-516-1001 **

Afterwards, we will have dinner and drinks at Southern On Main in Elkin, NC which is on the drive home. Address: 102 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621