Dougton Park- 16.5 Mile Loop Hike- High of 70 Degrees!

Let’s take advantage of the forecasted cool weather, yes, I did say cool weather, and get out and hike! Forecasted temperatures of a high of 70 and low of 61 degrees at Doughton Park.

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 16.5 mile loop hike with 3,100 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 Flat Rock Ridge Trail. We will be hiking counter-clockwise.

Pack plenty of food and water. We will stop for lunch. Note: the restaurant at the top, Bluffs Restaurant, https://www.bluffsrestaurant.org/, is open and we will be doing a pit stop there along the hike. There are NO restrooms or cell service at the trailhead. There are restrooms at Bluffs Restaurant and probably one other place along the route.

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

**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 Angry Troll in Elkin, NC which is on the drive home. Address: 222 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621.