Henry County: River Landscapes, Trails and History

Henry County appeals to travelers looking to combine days by the water, trails through green spaces and regional history. A 44.5-mile stretch of the Smith River crosses Henry County, running from Philpott Lake to the North Carolina border. Parks, trails, motorsports and industrial history add further highlights. When choosing a hotel, it helps to decide first whether water activities, biking and hiking trails, or cultural history will set the tone for your trip.

Different ways to enjoy the river and lake

The Smith River Trail System includes a scenic blueway, 11 public river access points and more than 20 miles of greenway. Philpott Lake offers a different scale for water activities, with 2,880 acres of surface area and approximately 25 miles of shoreline. It has ten public boat ramps, as well as a canoe put-in below the dam for whitewater activities. Other possible activities at the lake include swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.

The river access points also vary: Doe Run River Access is on a calm stretch of river suited to paddling. Mitchell Bridge River Access is the last public river access point in Henry County; a boat trip from here is described as ending in North Carolina. At the Smith River access point at Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex, the access ramp is unpaved. Water releases from Philpott Dam can quickly change water levels, so check river conditions before paddling.

Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex also has a 1.3-mile paved walking trail that runs partly alongside the Smith River. Philpott Lake has ten public boat ramps in total, while the canoe put-in below the dam is intended for whitewater activities. This makes it possible to distinguish between the water-based options according to their intended use, without assuming a particular route or walking time.

Trails, green spaces and parks

Henry County Parks & Recreation maintains 29 parks that are open to the public. Doe Run Park features two hiking trails, a pond, a creek and a variety of wildlife. Gravely Nature Preserve is located along the Smith River and has several miles of hiking trails; it is also home to a historic cemetery. The trails at Lauren Mountain Preserve also border the river.

Other trails offer different lengths and surroundings. The Fieldale / Textile Heritage Trails walking trail is 2.5 miles long and runs along the right bank of the Smith River in central Fieldale. Most of the trail is shaded and can be used year-round. Fieldale River Access is at the trailhead of the Fieldale Walking Trail and offers parking for day trips involving hiking and boating. At Collinsville Jaycee Park, a 1.25-mile hiking trail runs through the woods alongside a creek that flows year-round; there are opportunities along the way to spot hidden wildlife. Fisher Farm Park covers 127 acres and has wooded areas to explore. A 0.6-mile paved and lit walking path runs through Jack Dalton Park.

Those looking to compare different ways to get around can also try the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail: this 10.7-mile rail trail in Martinsville and Henry County is paved and suitable for walking, biking, running and roller skating. Bike MHC lends bicycles and helmets to visitors and residents free of charge at the Fisher Street Trailhead. The service is subject to seasonal and weather conditions.

Cultural history and motorsports

The Martinsville & Henry County Historic Driving Tour showcases heritage connected to tobacco, furniture and textile manufacturing. Unless otherwise noted, its sites are intended to be viewed from the road. The Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail offers a different perspective on regional railroad history: it follows part of the former Danville and Western Railroad line, and signs provide information about the line’s history.

In Martinsville, the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum is housed in the former Henry County Courthouse. Bassett Historical Center holds more than 20,000 genealogical books and manuscripts, more than 10,000 genealogical family files and more than 3,000 local history files. Collection totals may change as the holdings grow.

Motorsports also have a long history here: Martinsville Speedway was established in 1947 and has hosted NASCAR Cup Series races every year since 1949. Together with the history of railroads, tobacco, furniture and textile manufacturing, this adds cultural attractions that differ from the area’s nature and water activities.

Events and seasonal activities

Smith River Fest is an annual event held in August at Smith River Sports Complex. Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex is also designed to host sports camps and clinics, league games, exhibition games, tournaments and special events. Each March, Jack Dalton Park hosts a Kite Festival featuring hands-on activities and a variety of vendors. Event details can change, so check current dates before planning your trip.

Canoe Fun Floats offers canoe lessons and trips on local waterways throughout the year; program details may change. A year-round river program, seasonal and weather-dependent bike rentals, hiking trails and recurring events provide different ways to plan your stay. Choose your focus based on the activities that interest you most.

More destinations

Explore more destinations: Ridgeway, Hopewell, Dinwiddie County, Botetourt, Stanley, Mathews County, Newport News, Chesapeake.

For the broader travel overview: Virginia.