New River Paddle

The Lump Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Purlear, North Carolina.

Cascades Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Deep Gap, North Carolina.

Before you head out, check the status of the Blue Ridge Parkway (it periodically closes during the winter).  The entire Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.1 mile trail that traverses the Doughton Park Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  To do this particular hike, park at the bathrooms in the Doughton Park parking area immediately off the parkway at MP 241.  There is a small trail to the left of the b...

A treasure in North Carolina that doesn't get as much attention as it should, Doughton Park has some of the best trails around. It is the largest park operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and has over 30 miles of trails available.  The parking area for the Basin Creek Trail is small, but rarely crowded. Park across the street from the trail head in the gravel parking lot and follow the right trai...

There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so if needed, drive a little past it to the park bathrooms on the left. Park at the summit trailhead and start your hike on the new gravel path. The trail gains 1000 ft in elevation in just under 2 miles so take your time if need be - and bring plenty of water if it's a hot day. There are a couple of benches for resting along the way and a beautiful sitt...

Located just inside the park entrance of Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia, Sugarland Overlook provides an outstanding easterly view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Sugarland Overlook is located about a mile up from the ranger station and is on the righthand side of the road.  Sugarland Overlook is easy to access and has a lot of parking spots for visitors to enjoy the amaz...