You’re invited to the Dan River Basin Association’s (DRBA’s) First Saturday Outing, September 7, on
the Smith River.
Launching at the Mitchell Bridge Access, paddlers will float 7.5 miles, taking out on private property, with the owner’s permission, close to Morgan Ford Bridge near Sandy Level, Virginia. This scenic section of the river is rated Class I, providing a leisurely float suitable for novice paddlers.
Meeting by 9 a.m. at the Mitchell Bridge Access on Mitchell Road, participants will unload boats and gear, sign waivers, and set the shuttle. Mark Bishopric and Tom Taylor are co-coordinators for this outing.
Occasional small rapids or gravel shoals interrupt the flatwater in this quiet, remote section of the
Smith. Half a mile below Whale Rock is Goodwin’s Island near where Joseph Goodwin’s mill
stood in the 1700s. Another half mile brings the group to a gravel bar where Break Reed Ford
allowed travelers to cross the river as late as the 1920s.
Near the take-out is Morgan’s Ford, used from about 1800. It was replaced by the first Morgan
Ford Bridge, now marked by three stone piers about 20 feet high. In 1953 the current Morgan
Ford Bridge, the last remaining steel truss bridge spanning the Smith River, was assembled from
other structures-a perfect example of resource reuse.
Participants should dress in layers of quick-drying fabric, wear close-toed shoes, and be
prepared to get wet. All are asked to provide boat, paddles, life jacket, lunch, water, and snacks.
To reach Mitchell Bridge Access from U.S. 58 in Virginia: At Axton, turn south onto Axton Road
(County Road 610). Drive 1.6 miles. Turn right onto Barker Road (County Road 622). Drive 3.1
miles. At Irisburg, continue straight onto Mitchell Road (County Road 636). Drive 3.8 miles to
the access on the right just before the bridge.
From Eden, N.C.: Take NC 14/87(Van Buren Road) north into Virginia for 1.6 miles. Turn right
onto Farmbrook Road. Drive 0.4 miles, and turn left onto Old Leaksville Road (County Road
1013). Drive 1.6 miles, and turn right onto Mitchell Road (County Road 636). Drive 4.5 miles to
the access on the left just beyond the bridge.
From Ridgeway, VA: Take VA 87 south. Turn left onto Old Leaksville Road (County Road
1013). Drive 1.2 miles, and turn left onto Mitchell Road (County Road 636). Drive 4.5 miles to
the access on the left just beyond the bridge.
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
For more information about the outing, contact Mark Bishopric at 336-634-9744;
mark@spraycotton.com or Tom Taylor at 336-402-6100, tnt2703@yahoo.com.
For information about the Dan River Basin Association, visitwww.danriver.org.
