Rockingham County’s rivers offer an alternative to
whitewater with recreational paddling for all skill levels. Here,
you can have a leisurely canoe trip or a thrilling kayak
excursion across Class II and III rapids set amidst some
of the most beautiful landscape in the region.
Create your own adventure or join in a planned trip with
one of our outfitters. With
a number of public access points, you can plan your experience for several days
or just a few hours. Bring your own gear or let
one of the seven outfitters that serve this area assist
you.
The Dan River: Scenic Family Fun
Class I
5 public accesses
1-14 hour trips
Known by local paddlers as the “lazy river,” the
Dan’s calm waters are well-suited for paddlers of all
skill levels—from novice to experienced. It’s
also considered one of the best places to learn to paddle
in North Carolina. Here you can have a family
canoe or kayak outing, spending the day in nature where
almost nothing modern is seen or heard. The Dan is
favored for its relaxing pace, beautiful scenery and
historical significance.
The
Dan flows 38-miles through Rockingham County along
wide floodplains, high banks and tree-covered corridors. It
is virtually free flowing with few modern improvements and
its waters are plentiful enough that even in times of draught
visitors can still canoe or kayak. Sights to
see along the Dan:
- Fossils over 200 million years old.
- Native American relics 300 to 10,000 years old.
- Petrified wood, stunning rock cliffs and rare geologic
formations.
- Well-preserved 19th century towns and plantation manors.
- A range of wild flowers and plants that encompasses the
mountains to the coast.
- 19th century industrial complexes.
- A range of bridge architecture representing 150 years.
- 19th century bateau navigation system that still works.
- Wildlife such as hawks, herons, kingfishers, shore birds,
ducks, deer, beaver, and otter.
During the 19th century
the Dan played an integral role in the development of
Rockingham County as bateau crews and small steam launches
used its waters for commercial river transportation. The Dan’s
bateau systems are some of the only that remain the country
and were the first to be listed on the National Register
of Historic Places.
For a unique river trip, catch a ride on the historic
Dan River Bateau, operated
by a local outfitter. A
bateau is a long, narrow, flat-bottomed wooden boat
propelled by crewmen using poles. These boats were
considered the "18-wheelers" of
their era and disappeared from the rivers more than
100 years ago with the development of the railroad. Now
Rockingham County is the only place in the nation
with a commercial bateau that provides a glimpse
into this portion history.
Dan River Boat Race
Since 1989, hundreds of canoe & kayak enthusiasts paddle
down a 2.5 mile stretch of the Dan River each summer during
the Dan River Boat Race. Participants race in several
categories along a stretch of the river that flows through
Madison. The event is open to anyone age
5 or older, and to paddlers of all skill levels.
The Mayo River: Rushing
Rapids & Smooth
Currents
Class I, II & III rapids
2 public accesses
1-5 hour trips
The 16-mile portion of the Mayo River
in Rockingham County flows through a scenic gorge
featuring rock bluffs and two natural waterfalls. The river can be divided into two
sections and truly offers something for everyone—from
beginners to thrill seekers.
The first portion of the Mayo, the northernmost
section, features thrilling Class II and III
rapids and is only recommended for very experienced
paddlers. Here,
the river flows around rock outcroppings, which creates
several rapids including the infamous “Boiling Hole” Class
III rapid. Avid
paddlers say this section offers the best white-water
in the Piedmont region of North Carolina.
The lower section features
deep, smooth water with a steady current to carry
paddlers down river. Beginners and
less experienced paddlers will enjoy this section of the
Mayo. Paddlers can use the Upper Mayo Beach
access to reach both the rapid and smooth sections
of the Mayo.
As
with the Dan, the scenery on the Mayo is spectacular. Sights
to see include:
- Well-preserved Native American
fish traps.
- Early dams used to generate power
in Mayodan and at the former town of Avalon.
- A wide
variety of plant life such as ferns and flowering
perennials.
- Wildlife such as white-tailed
deer, wild turkeys, and red-tailed hawks.
Mayo River State Park—NOW OPEN!
The Mayo River State Park, located in Mayodan, is the county’s first state park. Established in 2002, the Mayo River State Park consists of 1,967 acres along the serene Mayo River corridor in Rockingham County. The Mayo River State Park's interim facility, Mayo Mountain Access, opened to the public on April 1, 2010. Located at the site are a visitor contact station, picnic shelter, 1.8-mile and .5-mile hiking trails, rest rooms, catch and release fishing in the pond, and a maintenance facility. One portion of the park contains unique historic structures, which are currently being restored, designed by internationally renowned architect Antonin Raymond. Mayo Mountain Access is located at 500 Old Mayo Park Road, Mayodan, NC 27027. Contact the park for more information at 336.427.2530.
Smith & Haw Rivers
Portions of both the Smith
and Haw Rivers flow through Rockingham County. The Smith begins in Virginia and runs through
Eden until it converges with the Dan. 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 either the Smith or Haw River. Three
Rivers Outfitters in
Eden does have private access on the Smith River and
offers trips on it.
Haw River State Park
In
2002, an area along the Haw River corridor in
both Rockingham and Guilford counties was identified
for a future state park. The
park would be in both counties and be Rockingham County’s
2nd state park. The Haw River State Park features
The Summit,
a retreat and conference center for youth and adults.
Plan Your Adventure
Click a section of the map to enlarge.
