Enjoy a late spring paddle with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) on Philpott Lake.
DRBA’s June 5 First Saturday Outing will be a 3.5-mile round-trip paddle on the lake in Franklin County from Twin Ridge Recreation Area to Deer Island. Philpott Lake is a blue gem, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge and surrounded by forested shores.
Coordinator for the paddle is Robin Davis, former DRBA board member and avid paddler.
“Many potential paddlers don’t feel comfortable with the idea of rivers and currents, and that prevents them from enjoying the activity. This is where our flat water adventures can be a great benefit. You get to set your own pace and easily stop and enjoy nature from the shore or just by floating near the edge,” Davis said.
As a frequent kayaker on the lake, Davis noted that “Philpott Lake has 100 miles of shore for you to explore. It was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and opened in 1953. If you enjoy your time there, you may also want return to take advantage of one of the eight campgrounds or nine boat launches.”
The destination of this paddle is Deer Island, accessible only by water, where paddlers will stop for a shady lunchtime rest. Primitive camping is permitted on the island, by reservation.
The Dan River Basin Association has a unique partnership with the USACE at Philpott Lake. Under a cooperative agreement, touted as a national model, DRBA works to increase trails and recreational opportunities at the lake, which straddles Patrick, Henry and Franklin counties.
In 2011 the South Atlantic Division of USACE recognized the DRBA-USACE partnership with its first USACE Excellence in Partnership Award.
Participants in the outing are asked to dress in layers of quick-drying fabric, to be prepared to get wet, to provide boat, paddles, life jacket for each boater, lunch and water, and to sign a waiver. Hats and sunscreen are recommended.
To reach the Twin Ridge Recreation Area from U.S. 220, exit onto VA 57A West toward Fieldale/Bassett. Continue on VA 57A West to Bassett. Turn right onto Trent Hill Drive, and drive 1.2 miles. Turn right onto Philpott Drive (VA 674) and continue 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Cedar Hill Drive (VA 603) and continue for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto VA 798 (Knob Church Road) and drive for 0.9 miles. Turn right to stay on Knob Church Road for another 1.0 mile. Turn left onto VA 624 (Twin Ridge Marina Road). The destination is on the right.
From Stuart, drive north on U.S. 58. Turn right onto VA 8 for 4.0 miles. Turn right onto VA 57 East (Fairystone Park Hwy) for 14.7 miles. Turn left onto Trent Hill Drive, and drive 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Philpott Drive (VA 674) and follow the above directions.
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge. For information about DRBA, visit www.danriver.org.
For more information about the outing, contact Davis at robindavis0724@gmail.com, 540-420-8028.
