The Dan River Basin Association’s First Saturday Outing on April 4, 2009 will explore both water and land trails at Mayo Lake in Person County, North Carolina.

Meeting at 10:00 a.m., participants will first paddle a two-mile canoe/kayak trail on the lake. Beginning and ending at a dock specifically designed for the use of paddlers, the loop trail will follow markers in the water that give information about the lake and the fish and wildlife that can be seen there. 

Mayo Lake, a 2800-acre reservoir with an 85-mile shoreline that is largely undeveloped and wooded, provides ample habitat for wildlife. Located near Roxboro, NC, the park on the lake is relatively new, having started in 1996.

After completing the water trail, paddlers will enjoy lunch at lakeside picnic tables, and afterwards will have the option of hiking on the Wood Duck Trail and Wild Turkey Trail, with a combined distance of just over a mile. 

Paul Johnson, coordinator of the outing, said, "Ever since DRBA's first event at Mayo Park in January 2008, we have looked forward to returning in warm weather to take advantage of the canoe/kayak trail, and to again enjoy the beauty of the trails through the woods along the beautiful lake."

 Mayo Lake, located at 599 Neals Store Road, Roxboro, NC, is actually 10 miles from Roxboro and 3 miles from the Virginia line. Like the Mayo River, it is named for Major William Mayo, a member of William Byrd’s 1728 survey party, “a Virginia official, land speculator and surveyor.”

According to Forrest Altman in The Dan River Book, the name, spelled “Maho” on the sign where NC 49 crosses the Mayo Creek, is still pronounced “Maho” by many local persons.

Mayo Park maintains more than six miles of trails, including the Red Tail Hawk Trail that DRBA visited in 2008, as well as  boat landings, cabins, tent sites, boat rentals, rest rooms and other amenities. The hiking trails feature plant identification plaques for self-guided tours.

Participants in the outing are asked to meet at 10:00 at the Amphitheater Parking Lot. They should arrange to supply boat, paddles, life jackets, hiking boots or walking shoes, drinks and lunch; wear water-shedding artificial fabric or wool (not cotton, and certainly not blue jeans); and provide a back-up change of clothing. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver.

To reach the Amphitheater Parking Lot from South Boston, Virginia, take US 501 South to Mayo, Virginia.  Turn left on VA 96 to Virgilina and right on NC 49 South.  From NC 49 South pass Dixon’s Store and turn right on Neal’s Store Road (SR 1515).  The Amphitheater Parking Lot is the last left turn before the large parking area at the Boat Launch (operated by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission).

From Roxboro, take NC 49 North 8 miles to Neal’s Store Road (SR 1515).

Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.

For information about the trip, contact trip coordinator Paul Johnson at 434-476-7599 or kpauljohnson@yahoo.com .