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—Opening Soon!
The Mayo River State Park, located in Madison & Mayodan, is the county’s first state park.  Established in 2002, the Mayo River State Park consists of more than 1,900 acres along the serene Mayo River corridor.  One portion of the park contains unique historic structures, which are currently being restored, designed by internationally renowned architect Antonin Raymond. While the park has not officially opened, the park superintendent has been named and all staff positions have been filled.




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
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