THE MAYO THE HAW THE SMITH SAFETY TIPS THE DAN

A small portion of the Haw River flows from Guilford County into
Rockingham County just south of Reidsville. At this time, there are no
public access points on the Haw River in Rockingham County.
However, a major section of The Haw River State Park and its Summit
Educational Center are located in Rockingham County on
approximately 300 acres of beautiful Piedmont land. While this state
park is in the early stages of development, the Summit Educational
Center was the first major acquisition and is open to the public.
The Rockingham County portion of the Dan is 38 miles long and its
waters are plentiful for paddling the entire year. Some call the Dan a
“lazy river” because its pace is leisurely and relaxing, making it
well-suited for paddlers of all skill levels and fun for the entire family.
The Dan flows through wide floodplains, high banks and
tree-covered corridors and is favored for its slower pace and
historical significance. Sights to see along the Dan range from
fossils more than 200 million years old to remaining sites of the
Saura Indian tribe, as well as remainders of bateau systems (19th
century commercial river transportation).
THE HAW
THE DAN
THE MAYO
THE SMITH
VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com • 800-316-ROCK
Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Reidsville, Stoneville, Wentworth
Paddle trips on the Smith River are perfect for those who want to enjoy
just an hour or two on the water in Eden, or a full day by starting
upstream in Virginia. The river originates in Virginia and flows five
miles in Rockingham County until it converges with the Dan River in
Eden. This river is very scenic with lots of rock outcroppings, foliage
and wildlife, including smallmouth bass and trout. Experienced
paddlers can find Class I, II and III rapids on various sections of the
Smith. There is one public access point at the Smith River Greenway
in Eden that provides a two mile float trip downstream to the
confluence of the Smith and Dan Rivers.
For paddlers looking for a mix of rushing rapids and smooth water, the
Mayo is your quest. The upper portion of the Mayo features Class II
and III rapids and the infamous “Boiling Hole” rapid. This section is
only recommended for very experienced paddlers. The water below
the rapids is smooth with a steady current, which is perfect for less
experienced paddlers. Sites along the Mayo include well-preserved
Native American fish traps, early dams used to generate power in
Mayodan, rock bluffs, two natural waterfalls and tons of vegetation
and wildlife. The Mayo flows for 16 miles in Rockingham County until
it converges with the Dan. The Mayo River State Park is a linear,
riverside state park currently in development and more outdoor fun
waits at its Mayo Mountain Access in Mayodan.
of Rockingham County—you’re in a good place.
trip, or you can bring your own gear. Because when you’re on the waters
just a couple hours or several days. Local outfitters can assist with your
With a number of public access points, you can plan your experience for
County's Rivers.
State Park and The Mayo River State Park.
Water activities are inherently risky and include the dangers of serious personal
injury, property damage, and death. The rivers are natural environments that have
hazards and constantly changing conditions. You need to be aware of the potential
risks and your own skill level and limit your activity to an appropriate level. The
information provided here is designed for informational use and is not a substitute for
specific training, experience, or research of river conditions. Rockingham County and
the Tourism Development Authority assume no liability for any individual’s use of or
reliance upon any material contained or reference herein. The material contained
herein may not be the most current.
spend some time playing in our two riverside state parks, The Haw River
“flat” water or find thrills across Class I, II, and III rapids. Plus, you can
or tubing for all skill levels. Here, you can have a leisurely float on calm,
offer an alternative to whitewater with recreational canoeing, kayaking
Rockingham County is a natural playground for water lovers. Our rivers
With four rivers providing more than 60 miles of flowing waters,
Welcome to Rockingham
*In case of emergency, call 911. Local hospitals include Annie
Penn Hospital in Reidsville (336-951-4000) and Morehead
Memorial Hospital in Eden (336-623-9711).
Wear your life jacket.
Avoid downed trees (strainers) and other debris in river.
Take a spare paddle.
Don’t paddle alone.
Take insect repellent.
Have ropes on both ends of the boat.
Take ample water.
Bring extra clothing, gear and food in waterproof bags,
secure to your boat.
9. Take sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brim hat. The sun’s
reflection off the water can be intense. If it is hot, start
early or later in the day and make the trip shorter.
10. Do not attempt to handle wild animals, especially babies.
11. Avoid contact with all livestock.
12. Never paddle, or float, on rivers in high water conditions.
13. Take rain gear.
14. Take first aid kit.
15. Read maps and plan ahead. Be off the water before dark.
16. TRASH. Pack it in, pack it out.
17. Protect your feet with tight fitting wading shoes.
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SAFETY TIPS
Outfitters
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11. Moores Mill Road Access: From US 220, exit onto
Smith Road (SR 1360). Turn west (left) onto Smith Road. Go
4 miles to a T-intersection with Anglin Mill Road (SR 1358)
and turn west (left). Turn north (right) at Fire Station onto
Deshazo Mill Road to Moores Mill Road. Turn left onto
Moores Mill Road. Access is immediately before bridge on
the south side of Moores Mill Road.
(Bridge GPS: 36.568-79.98597)
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Smith Riv
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1. Mayo Beach Upper Access: From US 220, exit onto Smith Road (SR 1360).
Turn west (left) on Smith Road. Go 4 miles on Smith Road to T intersection
with Anglin Mill Road (SR 1358). Turn west (left) on Anglin Mill Road. After 1/2
mile turn left on Old Anglin Mill Road (SR 1385). Go 1/2 mile to T-intersection
with Mayo Beach Road (SR1359). Access is 1/2 mile north at the north end of
Mayo Beach Road.
(Bridge GPS: 36.535276-79.990946)
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2. 220 Bridge Access: At the business 220 bridge, 1-½ miles north of
Mayodan. From US 220, exit onto US 220 Business towards Mayodan, ½ mile
on right before the Mayo River bridge. NOTE: Downstream of the highway
and railroad bridges the river enters the backwater of the Avalon Dam,
located 1-½ miles downstream. There is no take out below – you will have to
return to the 220 Bridge Access. Do not attempt to go over the dam!
(Bridge GPS: 36.438728-79.938049)
Smith Road
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6. Leaksville Landing Access: From NC 87/Harrington
Highway (SR2282), proceed north on Hamilton Street. Cross
Leaksville Landing Bridge and turn left into access parking lot.
(Bridge GPS: 36.485506-79.763188)
To Winston-Salem
5
DURATION*
7. Leaksville Wildlife Access: From NC 14 at the Dan River
turn west onto NC 87/Harrington Highway/US 311/NC770. Turn
right on Bethlehem Church Road (SR 2039) The NC Wildlife
Access is 1/2 mile on right.
(Bridge GPS: 36.471905-79.745453)
Lindsey Bridge to
704 Bridge
Class I
2.5 miles
1-2 hours
704 Bridge to
Settle Bridge
Class I
8 miles
3-5 hours
8. Draper Landing Access: From Eden, go east on NC 700,
towards Ruffin and Virginia. Just south of the Dan River bridge,
turn east (left) onto a gravel road. The access is at the end of
road on right.
(Bridge GPS: 36.498797-79.681426)
Settle Bridge to
Leaksville Landing
Class I to II
10 miles
4-6 hours
Leaksville Landing to
Leaksville Wildlife Access
Class I
1.5 miles
1 hour
Leaksville Wildlife Access
to Draper Landing
Class I
5 miles
2-3 hours
Draper Landing to
Danville, VA
Class I
21.5 miles
10+ hours
THE MAYO
DIFFICULTY
DISTANCE
DURATION*
Mayo Beach Upper
to 220 Bridge
Class I, II & III
9.5 miles
4 - 6 hours
THE SMITH
DIFFICULTY
DISTANCE
DURATION*
2.5 miles
1 - 2 hours
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Access Point
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Point of Interest
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Dan
Wentworth
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State Highway or Interstate
Bridge
To Reidsville
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Caution: Dam or Hazard
Class II or III Rapids
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3. Lindsey Bridge Road Access: West on US 311 for 3 miles
from Madison, turn south on Lindsey Bridge Road (SR1138).
Immediately past Lindsey Bridge, turn right onto gravel road.
Access is on the right, downstream of dam.
(Bridge GPS: 36.374776-79.992308)
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ADVENTURE
DISTANCE
4
Lin
Dan River Campground - 427-8530
Humphrey’s Ridge at Carolina
Marina - 427-3949
Lake Reidsville - 349-4738
DIFFICULTY
County Road
1
Campgrounds:
Autumn Creek Vineyards
Cabins - 548-WINE
Budget Inn - 548-6011
2
1
2
Madison,
Mayodan,
Stoneville:
Budget Inn - 349-6540
Colonial Inn & Suites - 342-0341
Days Inn - 342-2800
Holiday Inn Express - 361-4000
Quality Inn - 634-1275
Royal Inn - 349-9988
Williams Motel - 349-8457
THE DAN
5
River Road
Madison
Reidsville:
PLAN YOUR
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Eden:
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7
Be
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(area code is 336)
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Accommodations
Baymont Inn & Suites - 627-0472
EconoLodge - 627-5131
Eden Inn - 623-9161
Hampton Inn - 627-1111
Shayona Inn - 623-1500
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Mayodan
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To Danville, VA
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The Mayo Mountain
Access is open to the
public while future
development along the
Mayo River corridor is
planned. For more info,
call the park office at
336.427.2530 or visit
www.ncparks.gov.
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Eden
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King’s
Stoneville
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9. Island Ford Landing Access: From NC 14, turn west on
Meadow Road. ¾ mile on left turn onto River Road, Smith
River greenway and access at end of road.
(Bridge GPS: 36.504118-79.757782)
Anglin Mill Road
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For additional river information &
activities, contact the Dan River
Basin Association at
(336)-627-6270 or www.danriver.org
3. Three Rivers Outfitters - (336)-627-6215
413 Church St, Eden
www.3-r-o.com
ille
15
i ve r
Morgan Ford Road
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4. Troublesome Creek Outfitters (336)-344-0428
413 Church St, Eden
www.troublesomecreek.com
2. Mayodan Outdoor Sports – (336) 548-6296
400 West Main St, Mayodan
www.mayodanoutdoorsports.com
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To Martinsville, VA
Lea
Moo
R
Mill
1. Dan River Adventures - (336)-427-8530
724 Webster Rd, Stoneville
www.danriveradventures.com
Old
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10. Mitchell Road Bridge Access: From Highway 87 in
Ridgeway, VA, go east (right) on Old Leaksville Road, and
then turn east (left) onto Mitchell Road. Immediately past
Smith River bridge, turn left into access.
(Bridge GPS: 36.602238-79.776394)
Campground
5. Settle Bridge Access: From NC 135/US 311 turn south
(right) onto Settle Bridge Road (SR2145): ¼ mile south of
the bridge, turn east (left) on Dan River Road. Access is on
the left at the end of the road.
(Bridge GPS: 36.410589-79.827255)
4. 704 Access: Across NC 704 Bridge into Madison. Follow
signs to access under bridge on Water Street.
(Bridge GPS: 36.385142-79.954698)
*Based on canoe and kayak trips only. Depends on skill level. Most novices can
complete trip in this time span.
Portage – Must exit river
Islands
1
Outfitters
Counties
State Parks
To Greensboro
Lake Reidsville
Wit
Belews
Lake
Island Ford Landing to
Class I
Leaksville Wildlife Access on Dan
Points of Interest
DAN RIVER
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1. Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad Bridge (1889)
2. Bateau navigation structure sites
3. Eagle Falls Island and Sluice
4. Lower Saura Indian Village site
5. Madison Covered Bridge (1888)
6. Bateau port Leaksville Landing (c. 1820s)
7. Massive stone pier of the Leaksville Covered Bridge (1852)
8. Mebane Bridge (1924)
9. Triassic conglomerate formations nearly 200 million years old
10. Shoals and rapids with picturesque names--Widemouth, Beasley's Gallows,
Tanyard, and Devil's Jump
* The Dan River in Rockingham County is a site on the N.C. Birding Trail:
www.ncbirdingtrail.org
MAYO RIVER
12. Native American rock fish trap, clearly visible from the bridge
13. Avalon Dam
14. Washington Mills Dam
15. "Boiling Hole"
Benaja Road
SMITH RIVER
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To Greensboro
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CAUTION: Dams pose a significant danger. Always use caution around the dams and avoid running over the dams. To spot a dam, look for a shallow line in the water that reaches from one side of the river to the other. Also avoid fallen trees and other debris.
16. 1813 Barnett Canal & Spray Water Power and Land Company Dam
17. Willson Aluminum Site, Site of Discovery of Calcium Carbide in 1892
18. 1880 Stone Pier of Morgan Ford Bridge