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Outdoors
Douthat State Park
Hiking, mountain biking, and a clear lake for swimming.
Staying near Douthat State Park
Our cottages are about 25 minutes from the park: close enough for a morning on the lake, quiet enough to come home to.
See the cottagesDouthat State Park is one of Virginia's six original state parks, open since 1936. It covers 4,545 acres of mountain forest around a 50-acre lake, and most of what you see there, from the dam to the trails and cabins, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1942. The whole park is on the National Register as a historic district.
The Inn at Firmstone Manor is about 14 miles away, roughly a 25-minute drive through Clifton Forge. Guests spend the day hiking or on the water, then come back to a cottage with a full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi and a quiet evening on the estate.
Getting there
From the inn, drive west to Clifton Forge, then north on Douthat State Park Road (Route 629). The park address is 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA 24460. It's open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, and there's a daily parking fee.
There's no cell service inside the park. Wi-Fi is available at the park office, the camp store and the beach complex, so download a trail map before you leave the cottage.
Hiking and biking
The park has more than 40 miles of trails through the woods and up the ridges, plus 11 miles of bridle trails. Many of the trails are open to mountain bikes; hikers have the right of way. Ask at the park office for a map and for trails that suit how much climbing you want to do.
The lake
The swimming beach is open from May through October. Swimming is allowed only inside the roped area, and there are no lifeguards. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day you can rent single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the lake.
Douthat Lake is a fee-fishing lake. During the fee season it's stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout twice a week, when weather and water allow; stocking pauses from mid-June to mid-September. Check the park's fishing page for the permit you'll need along with a Virginia fishing license.
Food
There's no sit-down restaurant in the park. The Lakeview Grill in the camp store serves a short carry-out menu in season. Most of our guests pack a picnic from the cottage kitchen, then stop in Clifton Forge for dinner on the drive back.
More close by
Photo: Virginia State Parks staff (vastateparksstaff) / CC BY 2.0
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Outdoors
Green Pastures Recreation Area
Day-use Virginia State Parks area inside the George Washington National Forest with a small fishing lake, a historic CCC-built picnic shelter, and 8+ miles of hiking and biking trails. Open May 1–Oct 31.
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201 Green Pastures Trail, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
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Shopping
Clifton Forge
Local eats, antique shops, and the C&O Heritage Center.
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Clifton Forge, VA
Photo: jpmueller99 / CC BY 2.0
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Activities
C&O Railway Heritage Center
A railway heritage museum and visitor center on the C&O Historical Society campus that tells the story of the C&O Railway from 1836 to CSX, with rail cars on display and a gift shop.
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705 Main Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
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Seasonal: Wed–Sun 11am–5pm (Jun–early Oct); Fri–Sun 11am–4pm (mid-Mar–May, Oct–Dec); closed late Dec–mid-Mar
Photo: WaldoJ at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
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Activities
Historic Masonic Theatre & Masonic Amphitheatre
A restored 1905 theatre in downtown Clifton Forge that hosts live music, theatre, films and community events. The outdoor amphitheatre behind it holds concerts and outdoor movies.
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510 Main Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
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Box office Tue–Fri 10am–3pm; opens 1 hour before shows
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Food
Jack Masons Tavern and Brewery
Convivial joint featuring burgers & other familiar bar fare, plus billiards, pinball & sports on TV.
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402 E Ridgeway St, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
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Food
Michael's New York Style Pizza
Family-run pizzeria serving New York-style specialty pizzas plus turnovers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. This is the downtown Clifton Forge location; the original is in Covington.
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435 E. Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
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Food
Family TreeTs Café & Catering
Breakfast, lunch and dinner spot featuring a menu of casual dishes alongside coffee, beer, cocktails and wine.
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2815 Douthat Rd, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
Stay at the inn
Three renovated cottages on a historic 13-acre estate, about 25 minutes from Douthat. Book direct, with no platform fees.
Questions guests ask
About 14 miles, or roughly 25 minutes by car through Clifton Forge.
Yes, at the lake beach from May through October, inside the roped area only. There are no lifeguards.
No. There's Wi-Fi at the park office, camp store and beach complex. The inn has good cell service and Wi-Fi up to 500 Mbps.
Virginia State Parks allow leashed pets in most areas; check the park's rules for the beach and buildings. At the inn, The Station is our pet-friendly cottage.
Photo of Douthat Lake: Virginia State Parks staff, CC BY 2.0.
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