If you grew up right here in the Tar Heel State, then you likely spent part of your childhood creating memories in the state’s many wonderful state parks. In turn, as an adult, it’s likely that you love revisiting those parks with your own children or grandchildren so you can relive those memories while adding to them. It makes perfect sense! But did you know there’s a newer park in the system, Mayo River State Park that opened in 2003, that is a wonderful spot to explore and it’s still so little known that you may feel like you have the whole park to yourself? Let’s take a look.
Located about 45 minutes due north of Greensboro, Mayo River State Park is a hidden gem most people have yet to discover.
The park features the Mayo River as it runs from the Virginia state line to where it joins the Dan River near Madison, North Carolina — a total of 16 miles. Several access points to the park and river are located along the river corridor.
This map shows gray areas representing Mayo River State Park's access areas along the river from the state line to the Dan River. Deshazo Mill Access is at the very top. The highlight of this access point is the 1.3-mile hike (round-trip distance) to the 20-foot Fall Creek Waterfall on the Mayo River.
Water tumbles and pours over the smooth rock surfaces that span the width of the river here, It then drops into a plunge pool the perfect depth for wading. The pool itself is quite large and contains a few spots with depths that can easily reach the waist of an average-height adult.
Moving on to the Mountain Access area of Mayo River State Park. visitors will find the park office, plus a very nice picnic shelter (pictured) with its own massive outdoor/indoor fireplace. If you have a group gathering planned, this pavilion-style shelter can accommodate a lot of folks.
Anglers who love dropping a line right in the river will agree this access is perfect for that. And for those who are skilled enough for Class II rapids, you'll find 'em here among the shallow waters and rocky basin of this section of the river.
Two other main access points are also open in the park. They are the Hickory Creek Access (on Tyne Road) and the Mayodan Access located at the confluence of the Mayo and Dan Rivers in Mayodan.
Have you discovered the fun at Mayo River State Park in North Carolina yet? Did you even realize this park had been added to the list of great parks in the Tar Heel State? Give it your two-thumbs up review in our comments!
Can’t get enough of the wonderful weather and the great outdoors in North Carolina? We feel that way too! Be sure to check out the unusual park in nearby Greensboro called The Bog Garden at Benjamin Park!
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