Join the Dan River Basin Association for an approximately 2.5 mile at the Gravely Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. DRBA’s First Saturday Outing (FSO) on January 4 at 10 a.m. This hike consists of easy trails along the ridge and a more strenuous loop trail leading down to and along the Smith River then back up.
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
Situated a few miles south of Martinsville, the 75-acre Gravely Nature Preserve presents outdoor lovers with a rich history, bountiful wildlife, and outstanding views of the Smith River. Old tobacco barns and the Burgess family cemetery along the ridge on the Jones Cliff Trail bear witness to its 19th century history as a tobacco plantation. Now nature has reclaimed the plantation and a more recent owner, Richard P. Gravely, an industrialist and amateur archaeologist, provided for its preservation as a “wildlife habitat and nature conservancy”.
The preserve, owned by Henry County and managed by Henry County Parks and Recreation and DRBA volunteers, features an outdoor education center, approximately 2.5 miles of trails with interpretive signage, and a port-a-toilet. Mature hardwoods and pines cover the higher areas, but as the Rhododendron Trail gradually descends nearly 200 feet to the Smith River you begin to encounter thick stands of mountain laurel and rhododendrons. As the trail follows the river you pass through a glorious tunnel of rhododendrons. This area is known for its abundant collection of ferns, mushrooms, and spring wildflowers. During your trek along the river keep your eyes open for otter, belted kingfishers and other birds. Farther up slope watch for wild turkey, deer, and box turtle.
Hiking clubs meet on the property to walk the trails, and boaters can enjoy the lush views by putting in nearby at the Marrowbone Creek Access and then floating down the Smith River Blueway to Mitchell Bridge or North Carolina.
“I have hiked this trail in the spring to admire the profusion of wildflowers, in early summer for rhododendrons in bloom, in fall for colorful leaves, and in winter for river views. And I love walking through a living tunnel of rhododendrons along the river any time of year,” said FSO coordinator, Ellen Jessee.
Participants should dress in layers, wear hiking shoes or boots, and bring hiking stick(s), lunch, and water. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
For more information, contact the outings coordinator Ellen Jessee, 276-734-1317, ejessee105@gmail.com
NOTE: If for any reason the event needs to be canceled, visit www.danriver.org by Friday, the day before the outing to determine whether the outing will be held.
