The Dan River is the key river in the Dan River Basin. The Mayo River, the Smith River, the Sandy River, the Hyco River and the Bannister River flow into the Dan River. In turn, the Dan River flows into the Roanoke River which eventually empties into the Albemarle Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Dan Valley was formed by the the Dan River which is central to the Dan River Basin with feeder rivers that include the Mayo River, the Smith River, the Bannister River, the Sandy River and the Hyco River. At the east end, water from the basin drains into the Roanoke river basin.
We are Dan Valley Dot Com and the Dan Valley is our home.
The portion of the basin known as the Dan Valley lies on the border of North Carolina and Virginia. This valley and basin began to take shape millions of years ago immediately after the Appalachian Mountains were formed and was cut from the mountains by the Dan River from which it gets the name Dan Valley.
The headwaters of the Dan River are in the state of Virginia near the community of Meadows of Dan. From here the waters flow east and then south into North Carolina near the towns of Danbury, Walnut Cove, Madison and Eden. Near Madison the river makes a turn to the northeast through Danville, Virginia and on to South Boston, Virginia and finally empties into the Roanoke River for a final push back into North Carolina and to the Atlantic Ocean. The water that begins near Meadows of Dan actually crosses the NC/Va border 4 times before hitting the Atlantic Ocean.
The Dan River Basin includes all or most of eight counties: Patrick, Henry, Pittsylvania, and Halifax in Virginia, and Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell and Person in North Carolina. Smaller portions of eight more counties lie in the Dan River Basin: Floyd, Franklin, and Mecklenburg in Virginia, and Surry, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange, and Granville in North Carolina.
The Valley has many beautiful places to see and much history to study. Some of the rivers are still in their wild state with rapids and water falls. Hanging Rock State Park is a must see if you have even the remotest interest in nature. There is a new state park being developed along the Mayo River, which is a tributary of the Dan River. It is called Mayo State Park.
Suggested Places To Visit
Meadows Of Dan and Mabry Mill
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This map is furnished to us by the Dan River Basin Association. Please support their activities to make the Dan River/Valley area thrive.
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Chapter 2
The Dan River Basin is a significant river basin in North Carolina and Virginia, encompassing a total area of approximately 3,350 square miles. The Dan River itself flows for about 214 miles, starting in Patrick County, Virginia, and eventually flowing into the Roanoke River near the town of South Boston, Virginia. The basin is named after a colonial-era settler, William Byrd II, who named the river in honor of his brother, who was then the governor of the British colony of Virginia.
The Dan River Basin is known for its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history. The river and its tributaries provide important habitat for a variety of aquatic species, including fish, mussels, and crayfish. The basin also serves as a vital source of water for drinking, agriculture, and recreation for local communities.
In recent years, the Dan River Basin has faced environmental challenges, particularly related to pollution from coal ash and industrial contaminants. In 2014, a major coal ash spill occurred in the Dan River near Eden, North Carolina, resulting in significant environmental damage and prompting concerns about water quality and public health in the region.
Despite these challenges, efforts are ongoing to protect and restore the Dan River Basin. Local organizations, government agencies, and community members are working together to address pollution, promote sustainable land use practices, and preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the basin for future generations.
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