48 hours of Adventure in Rockingham County
Rockingham County is known as the Piedmont’s most water-rich county, boasting four rivers and three lakes, all of which offer unparalleled access to serene aquatic adventure. The Dan River has been the heart of the community for centuries, first as a historical trade route in the 1800s and now as a hub of outdoor adventure. And the Dan is just the beginning. There are 4,500 acres of lakes and 88 miles of river to explore within the county, as well as two state parks, miles of greenway and walking trails and nature preserves, all of which offer plenty of adventure for visitors looking to explore. But it’s the balance of outdoor access and stewardship that makes this community truly special, as there’s a strong local commitment to preserve the open spaces that punctuate the area.
Keith Elliott
meet the local
Keith Elliott was born and raised in Rockingham County and spent his youth roaming the area’s woods, even joining the Boy Scouts so he could spend as much time outside as possible. Now, he’s the Recreation Assistant with the Dan River Basin Association, a non-profit that supports the Dan River through education, recreation and stewardship. He says his home is special because the outdoors is integrated into daily life.
“Rockingham County is fortunate to still have large stretches of undeveloped land, four rivers, two state parks and a network of lakes and greenways,” Elliott says. “And the outdoors is woven into the daily life here. Rockingham County’s natural spaces are beloved and well-used, and we all play a role in keeping them thriving.”
Keith Elliott: My responsible ramble through rockingham county
day one
Morning Adventure
I’m biased, but I think adventure in Rockingham County starts on the Dan River. More than 90 miles of this waterway have been established as a North Carolina State Trail, so there’s plenty of adventure to be had, from half day trips to multi-day excursions. And there are access points throughout the county, so you can pick your stretch of class I and class II fun. There’s a really quiet, natural section that runs for 4.25 miles between the NC 704 bridge and Jacobs Creek Batteau that has no roads or buildings visible from the river. It will take you a couple of hours to paddle that stretch. Or, you can even just tube a short stretch of the Dan in Madison with MadTown Tubing.
Plan Ahead and Prepare by researching the section of river you’re going to paddle, understanding the distance, difficulty level and any potential hazards. Check river conditions, water level and weather to make sure it’s safe to launch. Most importantly, share your trip plan with someone at home, including the section of river you’re paddling and your expected time of return. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your adventure is safe and enjoyable, and it helps minimize damage to the resource. For instance, if you know ahead of time exactly where you’re supposed to launch and take out your boat, you won’t damage the river bank by creating your own launch or takeout spot.
Lunch
Rockingham County has several small towns, each with their own quaint main street and local restaurant scene. Beach House Grille, in Mayodan, has a fun selection of burgers that hits just right after a river adventure.
Afternoon adventure
An afternoon hike is the perfect way to wrap up a day outdoors in Rockingham County. You can pick your distance at Mayo River State Park, which has eight miles of trails that traverse Mayo Mountain and follow along the Mayo River and its tributary creeks. Hike the 1.3-mile Mayo River Trail and you’ll pass Fall Creek Falls and follow the Mayo River upstream to the Virginia border.
When you’re hiking, take the opportunity to Trash Your Trash, especially if you’re hiking with a dog. Packing their waste out of the park helps preserve local water quality and keeps local wildlife healthy by preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.
dinner
Rockingham County has a lot to offer foodies looking for dishes with a side of Southern charm. Reynolds Brewery, in Eden, is one of my favorites. They make all of their beer on-site and their wood-fired pizzas are the best around. You can keep it simple with pepperoni and cheese, or get creative and order their O.M.G., which has hamburger, pickles, jalapenos and bacon.
Lucky City Brewery, in Reidsville, is a community-run cooperative with the goal of making exceptional craft beers that bring people together. They really focus on sustainable practices, so it’s a great place to stop for a beer and support local economic efforts rooted in stewardship.
spend the night
You have plenty of options for places to stay throughout the county, whether you’re looking for a river-side campground or convenient hotel. Check out Hunter House Bed and Breakfast, in Madison, for a unique stay in a historic home with four guest bedrooms and a wrap-around porch that’s perfect for lounging. They serve a full breakfast every morning, too.
day two
morning adventure
Matrimony Creek Greenway is one of the most accessible outdoor adventures in the county, featuring a wide, mostly flat surface and an easy grade, so it makes for a casual way to start the day for visitors with many mobility levels. The trail runs for one mile along the banks of Matrimony Creek in Eden. The highlight of the path in my opinion is passing a small waterfall and seeing remnants of an old grist mill. There’s a lot of interesting history in this area, and I think learning about the past and culture of a destination is a key element to being a thoughtful visitor.
lunch break
There are some great drive-ins in the area. Head over to Eden and grab a hot dog and fried onion rings at Dick’s Drive-In, which serves every meal with a side of nostalgia. It’s no act, either; Dick’s has been serving delicious American classics since 1963.
afternoon adventure
Spend the afternoon at Lake Reidsville, a large lake that’s the centerpiece of a 750-acre park. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from the park and explore the lake’s secluded coves at your own pace. Bringing a PFD with an emergency whistle is a great way to practice the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principle of Planning Ahead and Preparing. It’s a simple step that’s essential for staying safe on the water.
The lake is known for its bass, and hosts regular fishing tournaments, so grab a license and bring a fishing pole if you want to try your luck. You can fish from your boat, various docks or designated spots on the bank.
Bonus Adventure
If mountain biking is your thing, check out Farris Memorial Park Mountain Bike Trail in a 270-acre city park in Mayodan. It’s a three-mile, singletrack loop with some fun switchbacks and rock gardens and the occasional creek crossing. There’s some climbing on short hills, but what goes up, must go down, so it’s worth it. You’ll pedal around a small fishing pond too. If you’re not up for a bike ride, the park also has a mile-long gravel walking loop.
Whether you’re mountain biking or walking or trail running, remember to Stick to Trails by keeping your boots or tires on durable surfaces, like gravel or established singletrack. Staying on the designated path helps preserve trailside plants and focuses your impact on surfaces that can handle the traffic.
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