Distance: 4.3 miles one-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: gain-1301′; loss-899′
source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Hike #12 of the 40 Hike Challenge is the last of the Challenge hikes that originates from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The MST follows the Bluff Mountain Trail through the Doughton Recreation Area. Doughton is the largest recreation area on the Blue Ridge Parkway with over 30 miles of trails. At the end of this hike is the Bluffs Restaurant, which was a welcoming place after the morning hike.
The hike begins just to the left of the sign at the Basin Cove Overlook. The trail is well marked and continues along the east side of the ridge, paralleling the Parkway for the majority of the time.
The trail comes in and out of the woods at various times and skirts across various mountain meadows. This was a bit challenging on the east side of the mountain due to the August sun bearing down. It was a relief when the trail returned to the thick Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels.
The Bluff Mountain trail has various, but well marked trail intersections and an occasional stile to snake through. As the trail parallels the Parkway, it connects to two additional overlooks: Bluff Mountain View Overlook (MP 243.4) and Alligator Back Overlook (MP 242.3).
For the majority of the trail, it is a gradual incline on an easy surface to walk on. After the Alligator Back Overlook the trail quickly ascends 400 feet (through a series of wooden steps) to the top of Bluff Mountain.
After the summit, the trail soon comes out near the Doughton Park picnic area into a series of hikes through open meadows.
The trail is well laid out and the fields were lush with wildflowers, bees and butterflies.
The trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Doughton Visitor’s Center and The Bluffs Restaurant. The Bluffs is a historic landmark on the Parkway. It originally opened in 1949 as the first restaurant on the BRP. Unfortunately it closed in 2010. However, in 2016 the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation took on the project and after fundraising and subsequent renovations in 2019, it has re-opened. The food was fresh and delicious with healthy options, and they offer indoor and outdoor dining. It has a welcoming atmosphere and a very friendly staff. I highly recommend that you make it part of your trip; it is a popular place, so be sure to call ahead.
I want to give a heart felt shout out to my wonderful wife, Kimberly, and my in-laws, Jack & JoAnne. For this hike and Hike #13, they dropped me off at each trailhead and picked me up at the end of each hike – spending their time enjoying the scenery, playing cards and hanging out. It was a joy to be able to share the drive and experience with family. I could not have done it without them.
THANK YOU! LOVE YOU!
It was a beautiful day for a day trip to spend time together and enjoy the mountains. The views were spectacular and your photos along the trail were amazing! Thank you again for a fun filled day with you and Kimberly.
Thank you! It was a great time and I am glad we all could share a beautiful day together.