Plan Your Adventure Today

Even if you have lived in Henry County or Southern Virginia your entire life, we bet you will find something new about the Smith River Valley in the recently published “Insiders Guide to the Smith River.” Filled with maps and information, this full color, water-proof guide showcases Martinsville and Henry County as a true    

 recreation destination.

 

The new guide highlights the Smith River and Henry County with information and photos from local paddlers, fisherman, hikers, and historians. For more than 80 miles, the Smith winds through four rural counties in two states, creating Philpott Reservoir and bisecting Henry County before reaching the confluence with the Dan River in North Carolina. Travel along with the author from the Blue Ridge to the piedmont and learn history, river tips and recreational opportunities in the Smith River Valley. Made possible with funding from the Harvest Foundation and published by the Dan River Basin Association, the “Insider’s Guide to the Smith River” will help visitors and locals experience the timeless beauty of the river from wildflowers to wildlife or be transported to century-old mill towns, railroads, prehistoric stone fish weirs and historic river navigation structures.

Focusing on the 45-mile section from Philpott Dam to the confluence with the Dan River in North Carolina, the 18 maps detail river features and key points through photos, symbols and text.  The upper Smith River, above Philpott Dam, is represented for 30 miles by an additional map. But this comprehensive guide isn’t just maps. Narrative pages contain a wealth of information about Martinsville, Henry County, fishing, trails, parks, camping, wildlife, and links to additional information about the Smith River Valley and the piedmont region of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Are you a history buff? Then the Guide is for you too. Did you know the Smith River was originally named the “Irvine River” by William Byrd II in honor of Alexander Irvine, one of the surveyors of the Virginia-North Carolina dividing line in 1728.  Did you know that Philpott Dam was originally built for flood control and the resulting “tail-race” river provided the incredible trout fishery and paddling opportunities that can be enjoyed on the river today?  Evidence of Native Americans river use can even be observed in the fish weirs like the Martinsville Fish Dam, one of the oldest man-made structures in Henry County.

Whether you are interested in the best places to paddle, exciting fishing, historical and cultural sites—or  just plain relaxing in a beautiful place, the “Insider’s Guide to the Smith River” is for you. 

So grab a guide and plan your Adventure in the Smith River Valley today. Just go to http://www.danriver.org/ and click on the link to order your copy and begin your adventure.  River guides are $25.00 for online sales, or you can save on shipping and handling and visit a local outfitter or the Dan River Basin Association offices in Virginia and North Carolina to purchase a copy.  Proceeds from the sale of river guides support work to preserve and promote the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River basin.



The "Insider’s Guide to the Dan River in North Carolina and Virginia" is now available as follows the Dan for 125 miles from Southern Virginia though north central North Carolina, ending in Caswell County, NC.