Douthat State Park is on the verge of entering a growth phase that include a new campground, the former Whispering Pines, and a new equestrian campground for overnight housing of horses.

These expansion projects became possible when Alleghany County began installing a water line from Tukes Trailer Park on Douthat Road to the visitor center in the park, where the line will hook on to the present water systems in the park.

Alleghany County is handling installation of the water line and the contract has been awarded to George E. Jones & Sons, Inc., of Amherst. Lanford said the bid came in under the estimated cost of $1,340,000 and he received bids as far away as Massachusetts.

When Alleghany County begins to supply water to Douthat State Park, it will eliminate the park's having to check the water supply on a regular basis from the two wells that the park uses.

Douthat continues to grow into the "Shoulder Seasons" of late fall through early spring. In January and February of 2003, the park hosted 225 nights in the cabins. In January and February of 2007 visitation had more than doubled to 480 nights.

Source: Virginian Review - Saturday, August 2, 2008