The Dan River crosses the North Carolina-Virginia border as it meanders over its 214-mile length. The Dan and the rivers that flow into it provide awesome opportunities for paddling. The Smith River and Philpott Lake blueways both serve as great entry-level experiences.
Philpott Lake Blueway Water Trail
Paddlers looking for a way to experience Virginia’s eastern Blue Ridge Mountains in Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties can check out the Philpott Lake Blueway Water Trail, which became official last year.
The blueway connects water trails that local boaters have been running for years. The blueway contains seven mapped trails that total more than 25 miles, and which can be accessed by canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and motorized watercraft.
The individual water trails range from 1.5 miles to 9 miles in length. They can be run quickly, or lingered over for days. The trails reach up waterways into the three counties, but they are connected by Philpott Lake, a 3,000-acre lake surrounded by 100 miles of pristine shoreline and 7,000 acres of mostly unspoiled wilderness. The lake is a recreational jewel, used by families for camping, swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and more.
Here is a look at some of the features on the Philpott Lake Blueway Water Trail:
Philpott Dam
In 1944, Congress authorized construction of Philpott Dam to tame the Smith River and control flooding. That authorization also included providing hydropower and recreation, as well as the responsibility for environmental stewardship of the 3,000-acre lake formed by the dam, 100 miles of pristine shoreline, and the 7,000 acres of forested land surrounding the lake.
Bowens Creek Falls
At the upper end of Bowens Creek Branch, this beautiful waterfall is only accessible by paddle craft. Too shallow for most motorboats and only a short 30-minute paddle from Bowens Creek Park, this is an opportunity to see something that most visitors to Philpott Lake miss. And, in the hot summer, it’s a great little resting spot that is several degrees cooler than out on the main lake.
Deer Island
Scenic and secluded, Deer Island is the largest of several islands and boasts an island campground. It is only accessible by boat. You can register for camping on Deer Island at Salthouse Branch Park.
Fairystone Lake Falls
Visit these scenic falls that were created by the damming of Goblintown Creek in the 1930s where Fairystone Lake spills into Philpott. Beneath Fairystone Lake lies the remains of the historic mining town of Fayerdale. Fairystone Park and Lake are named after the cross-shaped crystals of staurolite found in the surrounding hillsides. Local legends say these stones were created by tears from angels.
Jamison Mill
The park was named for the historic mill site, now underwater, built by Thomas Fleming Jamison in the late 1880s. The mill was in operation until 1949 when the area was evacuated to make way for the lake. Jamison Point is accessible by boat from the access ramp and is a beautiful spot for picnicking and taking in scenic views of the lake.
Blue Falls
These “bluish tinged” rock cliffs are the site of historic Blue Falls on the Smith River, now under the lake. In the 1800s, the falls were the upper limit of Batteau navigation on the Smith River from Ryans Branch. The cliffs, are just a short paddle around the point and under the Union Bridge.
Calico Rock
Calico Rock is a 200-foot cliff that towers along the shoreline not far from Runnet Bag. The coloration of the rocks give this site its name and are best viewed from the water.
Emberson Falls
Where the Smith River is just below the surface, the waters of Emberson Falls tumble down lichen covered rocks and flow into a small cove surrounded by thick patches of Rhododendron. Accessed only by water, plan for a full day of paddling out and back from Ryans Branch or Runnet Bag. Not recommended for motorized boats due to shallow water and rocks. An additional 1.5 miles upstream is White Falls.
Smith River / White Falls
The Smith River gives life to Philpott Lake. It begins its journey as small springs on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and winds its way through pristine forest and historic farmlands. The river cascades over Black Falls and White Falls, then slows to form Philpott Lake. After dropping through the turbines in the Philpott Dam Powerhouse, the Smith River once again flows wild and free, a major trout fishery for another 45 miles to join the Dan River near Eden, N.C.
The Smith River Trail System
The Smith River bisects Henry County, running nearly 45 miles from Philpott Dam in the northwest to the North Carolina border in the southeast.
This section of river is home to the Smith River Trail System, which includes a scenic blueway with 10 river access points and more than 20 miles of greenway.
Enjoy a calm float or more adventurous paddling on the river, with Class I, II, and III rapids. Kayaking, fishing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities can be found on the blueway.
Visit the riverside towns of Bassett, Stanleytown, Fieldale, Martinsville, and Ridgeway to explore the history of American textiles and furniture manufacturing.
Smith River Blueway Access Points
1. PHILPOTT DAM ACCESS
740 Dam Spillway Road, Bassett, VA
6.4 miles to Bassett
2-3 hours • Class I – III Rapids
2. BASSETT RIVER ACCESS
271 Trenthill Drive, Bassett, VA
5.0 miles to The Great Road
2-3 hours • Class I – II Rapids
3. GREAT ROAD RIVER ACCESS
4313 The Great Road, Fieldale, VA
3.3 miles to Fieldale
1-2 hours • Class I – II Rapids
4. FIELDALE RIVER ACCESS
3521 River Road, Fieldale, VA
5.0 miles to Doe Run
2-3 hours • Class I Rapids
5. DOE RUN RIVER ACCESS
303 DuPont Road, Martinsville, VA
This is the last access before Martinsville Dam
No portage. Next access downstream is located below the dam at South Martinsville River Access.
7. FRITH DRIVE RIVER ACCESS
425 Frith Drive, Ridgeway, VA
3.0 miles to Smith River Sports Complex
2-2.5 hours • Class I – II Rapids
8. SMITH RIVER SPORTS COMPLEX RIVER ACCESS
1000 Irisburg Road, Axton, VA
2.4 miles to Marrowbone Creek
1-1.5 hours • Class I Rapids
9. MARROWBONE CREEK RIVER ACCESS
2120 Eggleston Falls Road, Ridgeway, VA
3.4 miles to Mitchell Bridge
2-3 hours • Class I – II Rapids
10. MITCHELL BRIDGE RIVER ACCESS
2404 Mitchell Road, Ridgeway, VA
7.3 miles to Morgan Ford Bridge, which is not an official access
5-6 hours • Class I Rapids
Eden-Island Ford Landing is 6.3 miles and 4-5 hours past Morgan Ford Bridge.
Must portage around Spray Dam on river left.
Respect Nature
While enjoying the the Dan River region’s blueways, please respect the river, land, and wildlife.
- Dispose of your waste properly. If you bring it, take it back with you.
- Leave the land the way you found it or better.
- Respect the wildlife in our area for their safety and yours.
- Respect the wildlife in our area for their safety and yours.
- Be considerate of other people.
- Respect the privacy and rights of private landowners.
- Volunteer to help us keep our scenic land and waterways clean and safe.
Paddling Etiquette
- At put-ins and take-outs, be friendly and be helpful to those who might need assistance.
- Maintain spacing upstream and downstream of others, especially in rapids.
- When entering a rapid, the upstream craft has the right of way. Always yield to paddlers already in the current.
- Always provide assistance to others who are in trouble or who are injured.
- Stay in the main flow of the river whenever possible while paddling past anglers.
- In areas that are being fished, paddle past consistently with minimal splashing or interference, and avoid shouting or being loud.
Safety tips
- Always wear a PFD (lifejacket) while on the water.
- Dress appropriately — water temperatures are 45 – 70 degrees.
- Avoid water conditions that are beyond your skill level.
- Carry food, water and a first-aid kit for your trip.
- Water levels can change rapidly with releases from Philpott Dam. Call (276) 629-2432 for generation schedule.
- Flow rates can vary from 65 CFS to 1400 CFS based on releases. Travel times vary based on flow and river conditions.