Come and join the Dan River Basin Association’s 4-mile paddle along the Mayo Lake shoreline on October 5, guided by staff from Mayo Park, 1013 Neal’s Store Rd, Roxboro, N.C.
Jeremy Royster, the park superintendent, said, “Mayo Lake is about 2,800 acres and has about 85 miles of shoreline. Since the shoreline is mostly undisturbed, it is great for viewing all kinds of wildlife and birds. It is an important recreation and fishing lake for the region and sees many visitors annually.”
Upon arrival, participants should drive to the very end of Neal’s Store Road and park in the gravel parking lot. Boats will be launched from the Mayo Lake Park Boat Landing, which has restrooms. The group may conclude the outing at lunchtime in the nearby picnic shelter.
The park has a few kayaks and canoes available at no cost. Participants must reserve them in advance by calling (336) 597-7806. Additional boats and shuttle can be rented from Three Rivers Outfitters, 336-627-6215, www.3-r-o.com.
Located 10-miles from Roxboro, N.C. and three miles from the Virginia line, Mayo Reservoir was constructed in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Carolina Power and Light Company for power generation. It is named after its main tributary, Mayo Creek, which is named (as is the Mayo River), for Major William Mayo, a member of William Byrd’s 1728 survey party. He is described as “a Virginia official, land speculator and surveyor.”
According to The Dan River Book, the name is spelled “Maho” on the sign where NC 49 crosses the Mayo Creek. It is still pronounced “Maho” by many locals.
Mayo Park began in 1996 and has continued to develop, maintaining more than six miles of trails, along with boat landings, cabins, tent sites, boat rentals, rest rooms, and other amenities.
Outing participants are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at the Mayo Lake Park Boat Landing. It is suggested they dress in synthetic clothing, be prepared to get wet, supply boat, paddles, life jacket for each boater, lunch, and water, and to sign a waiver form upon arrival.
The outing is suitable for novice paddlers.
For more information, contact Jeremy Royster, jroyster@personcountync.gov, (336) 597-7806
For membership and other information about the Dan River Basin Association visit www.danriver.org.
Boaters prepare to launch at Mayo Lake near Roxboro, N.C., site of the Dan River Basin Association’s October 5 paddle, suitable for novices. The public is invited free of charge.
