Feb FSO - Danville River Walk
February 3, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for a 5.3 mile hike along the Danville Riverwalk Trail and Angler’s Ridge Trail System at DRBA’s First Saturday Outing (FSO) on February 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. This hike is of moderate difficulty but should be suitable for most ages and abilities. Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
This hike will begin on a portion of Danville’s Riverwalk Trail, a 9-mile paved trail system that runs through the middle of the City and connects parks, historic sites and businesses. Historically, the Dan River was used as a catalyst for industry. Now, the river's value rests in its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Approximately ½ mile into the hike, the trail enters an area called Ghost Tree Island, named for its large sycamore trees and their grayish-white bark which is very noticeable during the winter months. About ½ mile further, the remnants of a Native American fish weir can be seen in the river, depending on water levels. Approximately 1.4 miles into the hike, we will leave the Riverwalk Trail and join the Witchback Trail, one of the numerous trails within the Angler’s Ridge Trail System. Built and maintained by volunteers over the last 20 years, the Angler’s Ridge system offers over 35 miles of trails, one of the largest single-track systems in the region.
Participants should keep in mind that this trail system is shared with mountain bikers and runners and leashed dogs are welcome. Through various terrain, participants will experience various flora and fauna. Near the end of our hike, we will cross the Angler’s Park wetland mitigation area, adjacent to the City’s rugby park, which hosted the Duke MBA World Championship Rugby Tournament for several years. As the hike ends, participants will be able to check the progress of a Monarch Waystation constructed by DRBA in 2022.
Participants should dress in layers, wear hiking shoes or boots, and bring hiking stick(s), lunch, and water. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
For more information, contact the outings coordinator, Chris Adcock at lump_vt@yahoo.com
NOTE: If for any reason the event needs to be cancelled, visit www.danriver.org by Friday, February 2, 2024, to determine whether the outing will be held.
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Directions
Angler’s Park Parking Area
350 Northside Drive, Danville, VA 24540
GPS Coordinates of Angler’s Ridge Parking Area: 36.559306, -79.356463
Entering Danville from the South on Highway 29, take the 29 North / 58 East exit towards South Boston. In approximately 6 miles, take a right exit onto River Park Drive, at the next stop sign, turn left onto Stinson Drive and take the next left onto Northside Drive. Follow to the end of end of Northside Drive and you will enter the Angler’s Ridge parking area (note: you will take a sharp left following Northside Drive prior to the City’s wastewater treatment facility. From the North on Highway 29, you will take the same exit onto River Park Drive (signage will also say “Dan Daniel Memorial Park”). Once at the top of the ramp, take a left and cross over the highway and continue along River Park Drive. From West of Danville, follow Highway 58 east (Riverside Drive) and take the Highway 29 south exit towards Greensboro. Once on 29 south (Danville Expressway), the next exit will be for River Park Drive. From 29 north, take the bypass towards Greensboro / Martinsville and follow until you get to the River Park Drive exit and follow above directions.
