February FSO! Red Hawk!

February 1, 2020
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Easy Hike on Red Tail Hawk Trail

You’re invited to the Dan River Basin Association’s First Saturday Outing at Mayo Park in Person County, North Carolina. On February 1, DRBA members and guests will hike about two miles on the wooded Red Tail Hawk Trail on a peninsula reaching into Mayo Reservoir. Mayo Park is at 1013 Neal's Store Rd, Roxboro, NC (GPS 36.479996, -78.876064).

Located ten miles from Roxboro and three miles from the Virginia line, Mayo Park is named, like the Mayo River, for Major William Mayo, a member of William Byrd’s 1728 survey party, “a Virginia official, land speculator and surveyor.” According to The Dan River Book, the name, spelled “Maho” on the sign where NC 49 crosses Mayo Creek, is still pronounced “Maho” by many local persons.
Beginning at 10:00 at the Amphitheater parking lot, the trail is slightly hilly, which will make a hiking stick helpful. According to park supervisor Jeremy Royster, “The early winter is an excellent time for bird watching around Mayo Lake. The leafless trees are home to several species, including birds of prey. You will also be able to view waterfowl when we walk along the shore. This time of year is a great time in general for wildlife viewing in the quiet forests around the park.” Evergreens evident during the season’s short days include holly, ferns, and mountain laurel, which add to the beauty of the trail.

Furthermore, adds DRBA board member Paul Johnson, “Since the trail is wooded and surrounded by shallow arms reaching into the water, it is shielded from the winds blowing across the wide expanse of the main lake.”

Hikers will have the option of lunching at a picnic shelter about halfway through the trip or, if the weather is inclement, retreating to their cars.

Mayo Park was begun in 1996 and has continued to develop, maintaining more than six miles of trails, along with boat landings, cabins, tent sites, boat rentals, rest rooms, and other amenities.
Participants are asked to meet at 10:00 at the Amphitheater parking lot, wear hiking boots, dress warmly in layers, be prepared for wind or rain, and bring hiking sticks, lunch and water. Hikers will be asked to sign a waiver form.

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 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 more information, contact Jeremy Royster, 336.597.7806 or jroyster@personcountync.gov