Blue Ridge Country May/June 2022 - 25

most of any in the state's parks) and see
why this destination is called the " Disneyland
of Mountain Biking. " There are
extended, challenging climbs with quick
drops requiring a good amount of technical
skill. Or, try one of the 24 short trails
for the perfect day hike. The 50-acre lake
and Wilson Creek are stocked with trout;
and, there are two wildlife sanctuaries
along with nature and history programs
and events. Book a stay at one of the
three lodges, 32 cabins or bring your pets
and horses to the campgrounds.
Historical Notes: Douthat is on the
National Register of Historic Places due
in large part to the high level of preservation
of original structures. The NRHP
Nomination Form states: " Through a
combination of quality craftsmanship
and careful consideration of the relaTOP
LEFT: Kentucky's Cumberland Falls
State Resort Park is the site of one of only two
moonbows in the world.
LEFT: Douthat State Park,Virginia's largest
and among the initial six, is home to Douthat
Lake, here spilling over its dam.
tionship between architectural and landscape
design, the district has maintained
the spirit and character in which the
park was originally conceived and built. "
4,545 acres
Established 1936
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat
KENTUCKY: Cumberland Falls
State Resort Park
Gear up, hop in a raft with a guide (who
does all the paddling) and sit at the foot
of the " Niagara of the South " waterfall!
Plunging 65 feet over sandstone caprocks
and stretching 125 feet wide, this roaring
wall of water drops into a gorge and fills
the air with fine mist. Truly a sight to behold
in the daytime with the rare bonus
of a bit of nighttime magic as well. Cumberland
Falls is one of only two places on
the planet that naturally and predictably
creates a moonbow. (The other is Zimbabwe's
Victoria Falls). This lunar rainbow
happens (on clear nights) for a couple of
days on either side of a full moon.
Located in the midst of the Daniel
Boone National Forest, this state park
also contains a 1,294-acre Nature Preserve
and a major flyway for bird migrations.
Of the park's 17 miles of hiking
trails, over four are found in the Preserve
and offer the chance to see rare and protected
plants and animals. Fish the Cumberland
River for bass, cats and other
species. Climb the historic 1937 Pinnacle
Knob Fire Tower. Take a guided horseback
ride through the forests. Swim, picnic,
play tennis and horseshoes, mine for
gems and fossils, or grab a partner for a
toe-tapping good time at the dance pavilion.
For
an overnight stay, reserve a room
in the historic Dupont Lodge where massive
stone fireplaces, hemlock beams,
knotty pine and full amenities await
guests. (Stop in the Blair Museum at the
lodge for exhibits on natural and human
history of the area.) Or, book accommodations
in one of the CCC-built cabins
and other cottages. Also available are 50
campsites with electric and water hookups
for tent and RV visitors (pets welcome).
Historical
Notes: Geological structures
Downtown Martinsburg
A nice place.
And just your pace.
Teaming with scenic beauty, fascinating
history and all-around family fun,
Berkeley County is at the heart of your
next adventure. This summer, make up
for lost time as you discover your own
slice of Almost Heaven.
Explore more at
WVtourism.com/Martinsburg
MAY/JUNE 2022 25
http://dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat http://www.WVtourism.com/Martinsburg
Blue Ridge Country May/June 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country May/June 2022
