A 44.5-mile stretch of the Smith River runs through Henry County, from Philpott Lake to the North Carolina border. River access points and riverside trails are a regional highlight, along with motorsports and places where local history comes to life. When planning your trip, consider these varied themes as distinct reasons to visit.

Smith River and Philpott Lake

Philpott Lake covers 2,880 acres and has approximately 25 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, picnicking, hiking, cycling, hunting, fishing and wildlife watching. The lake has ten public boat ramps; below the dam, there is also a canoe launch for whitewater activities. The Smith River Trail System includes a scenic blueway, eleven public river access points and more than 20 miles of greenway.

The river access points also offer different experiences. Doe Run River Access is on a quiet stretch of river well suited to paddling. At the Smith River access point near the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex, the launch ramp is unimproved; water releases from Philpott Dam can quickly change water levels. Check water conditions there before paddling. Mitchell Bridge River Access is the last public river access point in Henry County; boaters can launch there and take out in North Carolina.

Riverside and Greenway Trails

The Fieldale / Textile Heritage Trails are a 2.5-mile hiking trail along the right bank of the Smith River, in the heart of Fieldale. Most of the trail is shaded and can be used year-round. The Fieldale River Access is the starting point for the Fieldale Walking Trail and has parking for day trips to hike and boat. For a different scale, the 10.7-mile paved Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail runs through Martinsville and Henry County. It is suitable for walking, cycling, running and roller skating. The trail follows the former Danville and Western Railroad line; signs provide information about its history.

Other nature destinations have their own appeal: Doe Run Park has two hiking trails, a pond, a stream and abundant wildlife. Gravely Nature Preserve is on the Smith River, with several miles of hiking trails and a historic cemetery. The trails at Lauren Mountain Preserve also border the river. At Collinsville Jaycee Park, a 1.25-mile woodland trail follows a year-round stream; along the way, visitors can look for hidden wildlife. Fisher Farm Park covers 127 acres and includes wooded areas to explore. In all, Henry County Parks & Recreation maintains 29 parks open to the public.

There are also specific options for cyclists. At the Fisher Street Trailhead, Bike MHC lends bicycles and helmets free of charge to visitors and residents; bicycle and helmet rentals are subject to seasonal and weather conditions. Jack Dalton Park has a 0.6-mile paved, lighted walking path. The Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex also has a 1.3-mile paved walking path that runs alongside the Smith River for part of its length.

Motorsports, History and Event Dates

Martinsville Speedway was established in 1947 and has hosted NASCAR Cup Series races every year since 1949. Martinsville is also home to the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum, located in the former Henry County Courthouse. Bassett Historical Center offers another way to explore the past: its holdings include more than 20,000 genealogy books and manuscripts, more than 10,000 genealogical family files and more than 3,000 local history files. These collection figures may change as the collection grows.

The Martinsville & Henry County Historic Driving Tour presents heritage sites connected to tobacco, furniture and textile manufacturing. Unless otherwise noted, the sites are intended to be viewed from the road. Sports and events add to the area's cultural offerings: the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex is designed for sports camps and clinics, league games, exhibition games, tournaments and special events. It hosts the Smith River Fest every August. Jack Dalton Park holds a Kite Festival every March, with hands-on activities and a variety of vendors. Canoe Fun Floats offers canoe instruction and trips on local waterways year-round. Check event dates and program details before making specific plans.

Choose a Focus for Your Stay

When looking for accommodation in Henry County, your planned focus can be a useful starting point: the river and paddling, trails and cycling, or motorsports and cultural history. Plan around the places and activities you actually want to visit, and take water conditions into account for paddling trips and event dates into account for events.

Discover more destinations: Ridgeway, Alleghany County, Alexandria, Salem, Campbell, Washington County, Newport News, Essex County

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