Doughton Park

The National Park Service wants to hear your ideas for the future of Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The National Park Service just released information about an upcoming controlled burn near Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here is the release: Controlled Burn Planned Near Doughton Park

This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, but in 1972 crowds observed another centennial: the establishment of Yellowstone as the country's first national park. That's right. The first park preceded the National Park Service, which was established in 1916 to protect the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the Department of the Interior and those yet to be established.

Just in time for a fall hike or backpacking trip, there's a new bridge on Grassy Gap Trail. In the past, the crossing over Basin Creek was often difficult, with only a long, precarious log spanning the waterway for hikers. Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation by members of the Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club, a 30-foot bridge now makes the trek safer and more accessible for everyone.