Join us on Saturday, July 5, 2025 for an approximate 4.5-mile paddle on the Smith River from the South Martinsville Canoe Access to the Monogram Foods Sports Complex Canoe Access. Participants will meet at the South Martinsville Canoe Access at 9:00 a.m. to unload boats and set the shuttle. The access is located at 280 Tensbury Drive adjacent to the Indian Heritage RV Park (GPS Coordinates: 36.660071,-79.879664). This paddle is suitable for most skill levels with some Class I and II rapids. Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
The take-out is located inside the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex at 1000 Irisburg Road, Axton, VA. (GPS Coordinates: 36.633885,-79.825079). Upon entering the Sports Complex entrance, you will travel approximately 0.5 mile before you will see a red maintenance building on your left. Turn left at this building (you will see a “Smith River Trails sign”) and follow the gravel road to the canoe launch.
About 0.6 mile into the float, paddlers will encounter a Native American fish weir. The weir is a rough wall of piled rocks in a “V-shape” with the point of the V downstream. At an opening in that point a basket could be used to catch fish that were funneled to that point by the walls of the weir. The weir was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The visibility of the weir is dependent on water levels.
At the take-out, participants are encouraged to check-out the Sports Complex, a 90-acre multi-use facility with walking/hiking trails, picnic areas and other sports related facilities.
Participants must supply their own boat, paddles, life jackets, water and lunch. Please wear water-shedding artificial fabric or wool (cotton or denim is not recommended); and provide a back-up change of clothing. In order to participate with the DRBA group on this outing, all participants will be required to sign a waiver.
For more information, contact the outing coordinator Chris Adcock at 434-228-0860 or by email at:
bHVtcF92dCB8IHlhaG9vICEgY29t
NOTE: If for any reason the event needs to be cancelled, visit www.danriver.org or our Facebook page by Friday, July 4, 2025 for additional information.
Directions to Put-In:
From 220 North of Martinsville – take Business 220 N/Greensboro Rd./Martinsville Speedway exit, travel North on 220 Business/Greensboro Road to Tensbury Dr., turn right, then an immediate left, the access is at the end of Tensbury Dr
From 220 South of Martinsville – continue straight onto Business 220 N/Greensboro Rd., travel North on 220 Business/Greensboro Road to Tensbury Dr., turn right, then an immediate left, the access is at the end of Tensbury Dr.
From 58 West of Martinsville – take 220 South Bypass to the Business 220 N/Greensboro Rd./Martinsville Speedway exit, travel North on 220 Business/Greensboro Road to Tensbury Dr., turn right, then an immediate left, the access is at the end of Tensbury Dr.
From 58 East of Martinsville – – take Business 220 N/Greensboro Rd./Martinsville Speedway exit, travel North on 220 Business/Greensboro Road to Tensbury Dr., turn right, then an immediate left, the access is at the end of Tensbury Drive.
Also check out other Sports events in Martinsville, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Martinsville, Workshops in Martinsville.
