For its Aug. 1 First Saturday Outing, the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) will return to a section of the Banister River for the first time since 2006.
Trip coordinator for the estimated 6-mile launch and return excursion to “The Rock House” is Halifax Town Manager Carl Espy, avid paddler and former DRBA board member.
DRBA Board member Wayne Kirkpatrick explained the Outings Committee decided to focus on lake paddles as a way to host the events while being socially responsible, in addition to moving up that starting time by one hour, “We received good feedback from our FSO group in July to take advantage of somewhat cooler temperatures for paddler comfort.”
The site is featured as the first stop on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail, Dan River Loop self-guided driving tour https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/banister-lake/.
More than 63 miles of the Banister, which flows past the Town of Halifax, are designated a State Scenic River. It is a tributary of the Dan River sub-basin and the Roanoke River Basin. From roaring rapids to tranquil creeks, the Virginia Scenic Rivers System reflects the diversity of Virginia’s natural landscape.
Each scenic river possesses outstanding aesthetic, natural, historic and recreational features. The 50th anniversary of the Virginia Scenic Rivers
Participants are asked to meet at 9 a. m. at the Banister Lake Boat Landing 1125 L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway, Halifax, Va., on the west side of US Highway 501 just north of downtown Halifax. Dress in synthetic fabric, be prepared to get wet, and bring boat, paddles, life jacket for each boater, lunch, and water. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended. Each participant is encouraged to follow state issued guidelines by practicing social distancing and by wearing a mask when launching or disembarking at the ramp. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver.
Boats and gear may be rented from Three Rivers Outfitters in Eden, N.C., 336-627-6215, www.3-r-o.com.
All First Saturday Outings of the Dan River Basin Association are free and open to the public.
For further information about the trip, contact Carl Espy, 434-470-1424, espy4@mindspring.com
For information about the Dan River Basin Association, visit www.danriver.org.