Enjoy a pre-summer paddle with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) on Philpott Lake during the First Saturday Outing on June 1.
The event is 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.
Participants will meet at the Twin Ridge Recreation Area, Henry.
Boat rentals and shuttle are available for rent.
Robin Davis, former DRBA board member and avid paddler, is coordinator of the paddle.
“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, she added 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. There, 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. Participants are required to sign a waiver. Hats and sunscreen are recommended.
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
For more information about the outing or directions, contact Robin Davis at robindavis0724@gmail.com or call (540) 420-8028.
