Events - Saturday, September 5
September FSO -Philpott Lake
September 5, 2020
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
DRBA September FSO on Philpott Lake
Paddle from Ryan’s Branch to Calico Rock begins at 9:00 a.m.
Enjoy a Labor Day weekend paddle on Philpott Lake with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) on Saturday, September 5.
DRBA’s First Saturday Outing will be a four-mile paddle on the lake in Franklin County, Virginia, from Ryan’s Branch Recreation Area to Calico Rock. Philpott Lake is a blue gem, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by forested shores.
To enjoy early morning cool temperatures, participants will meet at 9:00 a.m.at the Ryan’s Branch launch on Fairy Stone Park Road (GPS 36.8508, -80.1002). Three Rivers Outfitters of Eden, 336-627-6215 or www.3-R-O.com, offers boat and gear rentals and shuttle for the outing. To enjoy early morning cool temperatures, participants will meet at 9:00 a.m.at the Ryan’s Branch launch on Fairy Stone Park Road (GPS 36.8508, -80.1002). Boats, gear, and shuttle may be rented from Three Rivers Outfitters in Eden, NC, 336-627-6215, www.3-r-o.com, or from Smith River Outfitter in Bassett, VA, 276-618-1457 , www.smithriveroutfitter.com.
Following guidelines for everyone’s health and safety, every participant is expected to wear a mask for launching and disembarking. Social distancing while on the lake will be observed.
Coordinator for the paddle is Robin Davis, former DRBA board member and avid kayaker. She comments, “We are living in conditions that we never anticipated, which makes it more important than ever to make time to appreciate the beauty that we have around us. Philpott Lake remains a sanctuary of peaceful water with minimal motor boat traffic. We will tailor the trip to accommodate the experiences of the attendees. Flat water and a short trip pair perfectly to introduce beginners to paddling. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and join us for an amazing time. “
The Dan River Basin Association has a unique, award-winning partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers at Philpott Lake. DRBA works to increase trails and recreational opportunities at the lake, which straddles Patrick, Henry, and Franklin counties.
In addition to wearing masks, participants in the outing are asked to dress in layers of quick-drying fabric, to expect to get wet, to provide boat, paddles, life jacket for each boater, lunch and water, and to sign a waiver.
To reach the Ryan’s Branch Recreational Area launch from US 220, exit onto VA 57A West toward Fieldale/Bassett. Continue on VA 57 (Fairystone Park Hwy) for 13 miles. Turn right onto VA 346 (Fairystone Lake Drive) for 0.5 mile. Turn left onto Fairystone Farm Lane for 0.1 mile. Continue onto Union Bridge Road (Route 623) for 5 miles. After Route 623 crosses Union Bridge, it becomes Fairy Stone Park Road. The destination is on the right.
From Stuart, drive north on US 58. Turn right onto VA 8 for 3.9 miles. Turn right onto VA 57 (Fairystone Park Hwy) for 7.9 miles. Turn left onto VA 346 (Fairystone Lake Drive) and follow the above directions.
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
For more information about the outing, contact Robin Davis, robindavis0724@gmail.com, or 540-420-8028.
