Rapids On The Mayo River

Canoeing On The Mayo

🌊 Rapids on the Mayo River

🛶 General Rapids Info

The Mayo River — which begins in Virginia and flows south into North Carolina before joining the Dan River — isn’t a huge whitewater river like mountain streams, but it does feature real rapids in places, especially upstream near the Virginia–North Carolina border and around the Mayo Beach/Anglin Mill area. Piedmont Legacy Trails+1

Mayo River Rapids x

🚩 Main Rapids Areas

1. “Boiling Hole” Rapids (near Mayo Beach / Anglin Mill)

Class: ~Class II–III depending on water levels
Description: A well-known section where the river drops and flows over rocks, creating a “boiling” appearance and some fun waves and chutes for experienced paddlers.
This is where many local kayakers run whitewater in spring or after rain. Great Outdoor Provision Co.

Who it’s for: Intermediate/advanced paddlers — not suited for casual float trips without experience.

2. Upper Mayo Rapids (near border section)

Class: Mostly Class I–II
Description: As the North and South Mayo forks converge near the state line, there are a series of small ledges and faster water sections that create short rapids, but nothing extreme. Piedmont Legacy Trails
Some rock outcroppings and shallow, swift sections make it scenic and fun for canoes and kayaks.

Who it’s for: Suitable for paddlers with some experience who enjoy moving water.

3. Lower Sections

Once past the more active whitewater areas, the river calms down through much of Rockingham County and inside Mayo River State Park, with mostly gentle Class I water and occasional small riffles. Piedmont Legacy Trails
These calmer parts are great for:
- Relaxed paddling
- Fishing
- Sightseeing

🧭 What “Classes” Mean (quick guide)

Class I: Easy — slow moving with small waves
Class II: Moderate — straightforward rapids, require basic maneuvering
Class III: Intermediate — irregular waves, more challenging angles and rocks

The Mayo’s Class II–III sections especially at the Boiling Hole can be fun and playful for kayaks but can be risky in high water — always wear safety gear and check conditions.

🏞 Where to Access Rapids

Popular river access points near rapids include:

Anglin Mill / Mayo Beach Access — close to Boiling Hole and some faster sections. North Carolina State Parks+1
Upper river stretches near Moore’s Mill (VA) — where bedrock and gradient create moving water. Piedmont Legacy Trails
Mayodan and other state park accesses — more for flatwater paddling and wildlife viewing than intense rapids. North Carolina State Parks

⚠️ Safety & Considerations

Rapids vary with water level — after rain, they’re stronger; in dry seasons they’re gentler. Piedmont Legacy Trails
River rock can be slippery and uneven.
Always wear a PFD (life jacket) and helmet in moving water.
Check local water levels or flow gauges before paddling.

🌟 Summary

Section	Rapids Level	Best For
Boiling Hole	Class II–III	Adventurous kayakers
Upper Mayo	Class I–II	Intermediate paddlers
Lower Park	Class I / calm	Casual paddling & fishing

The Mayo River offers a nice mix of playful rapids and scenic flatwater near the state park and nearby river access points. North Carolina State Parks+1

If you want details on specific put-in/take-out points for paddling the rapids, I can outline a few with maps and access info.

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Here are specific put‑in and take‑out spots on the Mayo River where paddlers run rapids, enjoy moving water, or float gently — from gentle beginner stretches to more advanced sections near the Boiling Hole. North Carolina State Parks+1

🚣‍♂️ Main Public River Access Points

1. Anglin Mill / Mayo Beach Access (Stoneville, NC)

GPS (approx): 36.5296, -79.9894
What it is: A popular informal launch area with easy entry to the river.
Good for:
- Intermediate paddlers heading downstream through a mix of Class I–II rapids.
- Starting upstream to hit the Boiling Hole (Class II–III depending on flow).
Typical outing:
Put‑in: Anglin Mill → Take‑out: Business 220 Access
(10 miles or more depending how far you go).
Notes: If you put in farther upstream here, you’ll hit more rapids; farther downstream is gentler. Piedmont Legacy Trails

2. Deshazo Mill Access (Stoneville, NC)

GPS (approx): 36.5362, -79.9940
What it is: A river access and parking near Fall Creek confluence.
Good for: Short paddles and access before rapids.
Notes: This access can connect you to longer stretches downstream toward Anglin Mill or Business 220, and is also close to Fall Creek Falls. North Carolina State Parks

3. Moores Mill Road Put‑In (VA side)

GPS (approx): 36.5680, -79.9860
What it is: A more upstream launch point on the North Mayo River near the VA/NC line.
Good for:
- Intermediate paddlers looking for a stretch with Class I–II rapids and scenic paddle before reaching Anglin Mill.
- A longer paddling day with mixed water.
Take‑out: Usually at Anglin Mill Bridge.
Notes: Some of the rock ledges like Byrd’s Ledge and the “Grand Staircase” are fun technical features here for experienced paddlers. Piedmont Legacy Trails+1

4. Mayodan Access (Mayodan, NC)

GPS (approx): 36.4073, -79.9650
What it is: A lower‑river put‑in closer to where the Mayo meets the Dan River.
Good for:
- Beginner to intermediate paddlers who want a calm float with gentle current and scenery.
- A paddle that can extend into the Dan River (river merges downstream).
Typical: Shorter, easier float (~6 miles end to Dan River) with opportunities to picnic at sandy banks. North Carolina State Parks+1

5. Business 220 Access (Stoneville, NC)

What it is: A common take‑out spot for longer paddling trips that start upstream.
Important: Do not put in here, there’s a dam downstream and no safe portage — this access is for exiting, not launching. Piedmont Legacy Trails

🧭 How to Plan Your Paddle Trip

⭐ Beginner / Easy Stretch

Put‑in: Mayodan Access
Take‑out: Jacobs Creek / Dan River
Vibe: Gentle water, scenic paddling, very low difficulty — perfect for first‑timers, families, and casual canoes/kayaks. Piedmont Legacy Trails

🏞 Intermediate Stretch

Put‑in: Anglin Mill / Mayo Beach Access
Take‑out: Business 220 Access
Vibe: Mix of flatwater and small rapids (Class I–II) — scenic river, wildlife, and mild challenges. Piedmont Legacy Trails

💪 Advanced Rapids Run

Put‑in: Moores Mill Road (VA) → Rapids through Byrd’s Ledge
Take‑out: Anglin Mill or Business 220
Vibe: More technical water, ledges, and rock‑strewn rapids — for experienced paddlers with proper gear. Piedmont Legacy Trails

⚠️ Safety Tips for Mayo River Paddling

Water conditions change with rain; higher flows make rapids stronger. Piedmont Legacy Trails
Always wear a PFD (life jacket) and consider a helmet on moving water.
Some stretches have very limited cell service, so have offline maps or know your exit points. Exploration Solo
Shuttle logistics: If you’re planning point‑to‑point paddles, arrange a car shuttle or drop vehicle ahead. North Carolina State Parks

🛶 Gear & Rentals

Local outfitters in the area (e.g., Eden/Greensboro region) can often help with:

Kayak or canoe rentals
Gear advice
Shuttle support (for longer floats)

Options include local paddle shops and outdoor outfitters. Piedmont Legacy Trails

📍 Quick GPS Reference

Location	Access Type	GPS Approx.
Anglin Mill / Mayo Beach	Put‑in / Take‑out	36.5296, -79.9894
Deshazo Mill	Put‑in / Access	36.5362, -79.9940
Moores Mill Rd (VA)	Put‑in	36.5680, -79.9860
Mayodan Access	Put‑in	36.4073, -79.9650
Business 220	Take‑out	36.4391, -79.9380