Category: Walks

Devil’s Garden Overlook, eastbound, then westbound to Doughton Park Picnic Area

September 2, 2025. Since Devil’s Garden Overlook is now accessible, I was able to finally finish up Segment 6 with a 1.8 mile out-and-back [more like a “down-and-up”], and then hike 7 miles of Segment 5, up to where the Blue Ridge Parkway is still closed at Doughton Park picnic Area. This was a one-day outing, for a total of 10.8 miles.

Leaving Hillsborough in the dark, we were at the overlook for a 7:30am start.

Since I was beginning with 1.8 miles out-and-back, I decided to stash four of my six water bottles near the parking lot, to be retrieved two hours later after climbing back up.

It always feels wonderful to be back out on the trail!

There was a steady descent, but not at all steep–the way it is further on, once you get to Stone Mountain.

The major hazard was watching my step in the dappled sunlight…and I did hear a bear snuffling along just over a little ridge.

Previously I had done an out-and-back up from Stone Mountain, and this was where I had turned around (since the rest of the trail up to the overlook was closed at that time). My note read, “Glade with “Y” tree at top of slight incline,” and it was a good landmark. Easy to spot where I had finished before.

And that completes Segment 6!

It took about an hour to climb back up to the BRP overlook, not forgetting I needed to get my water bottles.

When I stashed them, I got a small nick on my arm from a sticker bush, and sure enough, when I reached in there for the bottle I felt a very sharp sting, and when I brought my hand up, it was covered with blood.

Wow! That was one wicked thorn!!!

I decided to take a short break before continuing on in Segment 5.

I noticed something weird going on with my hand, and that’s when I began thinking that that was no THORN puncture!

I quickly assessed my health status, and although the area was swollen and tender, I was having no respiratory or other systemic symptoms. The snake was either non-venomous (likely) or it was a “dry” bite from a venomous snake (I hope not, because that would be really scary).

Loren was birding not far away along the Parkway, so I texted him to come and help me assess the wound (and give me a ride to the ER, if necessary).

But since nothing dramatic was happening, I decided to keep on hiking!

(Although a lot of sticks sure began looking like snakes…)

The trail stayed very close to the parkway for all seven miles, so I knew I could get help fairly quickly if I needed it. But all was well.

Thank you, Trail Angels!

The route crossed over the BRP several times. There was hardly any traffic, because the road is closed just a few miles from here.

The trail was varied and interesting—lots of ups and downs, but well-maintained and not too steep.

I need to get me a WHISTLE!

Doughton Park RV campground

I’m so glad I continued hiking, because the weather was simply perfect, and the views were wonderful!

All of the stiles were the walk-through design, which was a great relief.

The Bluffs Restaurant was closed today, which disappointed a couple who had driven up to check it out.

One last stile at the end of the hike.

Nothing beats having a really cool hiking story to tell…and a temporary souvenir!