To this day, the area around Douthat is economically depressed. The mountain biking community is expecting a bill in the 2000 legislature. If you want to voice your opinion on this, you can contact the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation at Governor Street, Suite 302, Richmond, Va., 23219. Although Douthat is an easy day trip from Roanoke, it's possible to make this a weekend or longer. The park sports three deluxe campgrounds, log cabins for rent at affordable rates and may picnic pavilions.
Kids love the sandy beach, a large playground and a flat interpretive hiking trail.
In the summer there's a restaurant and a snack bar at the beach. Getting there From Roanoke, head north on Interstate 81. Take exit 150, to U.S. 220 north. Proceed on 220 to Clifton Forge. Near the end of 220, take a right toward Interstate 64, then go straight under the highway.