The Dan River Basin Association will welcome May with its First Saturday Outing on May 3 at Doe Run Park immediately south of Martinsville, Virginia. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., participants will take advantage of Doe Run Access, Henry County’s newest Smith River access point, to launch their canoes and kayaks for a leisurely paddle on the river.

“Actually, the river is slowed by the Smith River Dam just downstream,” says Paul Johnson, DRBA’s Outings Chair and coordinator of the trip. “It’s flat water paddling, and we’ll go up and back for a total of about three miles.”

Bordering property of the former Dupont plant and Lynwood Golf and Country Club, the river affords forested banks where trees will sport their early spring green foliage, with many in bloom. Attentive paddlers may see ducks, geese, and songbirds, as well as wildflowers along the water’s edge.

Some paddlers may wish to lunch on the water, but others may prefer to picnic at Doe Run Park, just across Dupont Road from the access. The park, administered by Henry County Parks and Recreation, is a wildlife habitat with more than a mile of hiking trails. 

All are invited to enjoy an after-lunch hike.

“Doe Run Park is a gem,” observes DRBA Board member Lindley Butler. “The trails are beautiful, the terrain is varied, and from the high ridge the river sparkles in the sunshine.”

Adds Roger Adams, Director of Henry County Parks and Recreation, “The trails at Doe Run are about 1.25 miles if you do all of them. A lot of wildlife and flowers are on the trail.  There is also a good spot right on Doe Run Creek that would be nice to stop for a snack or lunch.”

Leashed dogs are permitted in the park, and rest rooms are available.

Participants are asked to meet at 10:00 at the Doe Run Park and Access, dress in layers, and bring boat, paddles, life jacket, hiking boots, lunch and water.  Paddlers and hikers will be asked to sign a waiver form. Meetings and outings of the Dan River Basin Association are free and open to the public. 

To reach the park from the south, drive north on U. S. Highway 220 Business into Martinsville.  After crossing the Smith River, turn left at the first traffic light onto Dupont Road.  From the east, take U. S. Highway 58 Business through Martinsville, turning right on Dupont Road before arriving at the Smith River Bridge. The park and river access entrances are clearly marked. 

For more information, contact Paul Johnson, 434-579-7599, kpauljohnson@yahoo.com.