Hike along Basin Creek in Doughton Park

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 trail next to the river. A little less than 2 miles into the trek is the Basin Cove primitive camping area - this is the only camping allowed in the park.

The trail follows Basin Creek into the gorge all the way to the old Caudill Cabin - the only remaining living quarters to survive the flood of 1916. Multiple old home sites and chimneys can be seen throughout the hike, as well as two waterfalls. A little over 1800ft of elevation gain is had on the way to the cabin. Caudill Cabin can also be seen from the WIldcat Rocks Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 241.1). Once you've made it to the cabin, go inside and sign the "guest book". There is also a family tree with photographs.

There are 15 stream crossings (30 total as an out-and-back) so trekking poles or water shoes will be handy. The total trip time could take as long as 6 hours, depending on how long you stop for lunch and picture taking, so plan accordingly. The hike out is less strenuous, but the water crossings can still be slippery - avoid the green mossy rocks if you can. 

Doughton Park

Caudill Family Cabin