Mayo River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mayo River State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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U.S. 220 access to Mayo River State Park
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 Mayo River State Park
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Rockingham, North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 2,778 acres (11.24 km2) |
| Established | May 31, 2003 |
| Named for | Mayo River |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Mayo River State Park |
Mayo River State Park is a wonderful state park located in Rockingham County, North Carolina, in the United States. It covers about 2,778-acre (11.24 km2) of land along the beautiful Mayo River. This park is one of the newer ones in North Carolina, officially created in May 2003. The first part of the park, called Mayo Mountain Access, opened to visitors on April 1, 2010. Interestingly, the state of Virginia is also planning a state park right on the same river!
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Exploring Mayo River State Park
The main entrance for visitors is called the Mayo Mountain Access. It's located near the town of Mayodan, North Carolina. This area used to be a private park known as Mayo Park. The state worked hard to fix up and improve the existing buildings and areas.
What Can You Do at Mayo Mountain Access?
When you visit the Mayo Mountain Access, you'll find lots of things to do:
- A visitor station where you can get information.
- Two picnic shelters, perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
- A smaller picnic area for quick snacks.
- Restrooms for your convenience.
- A special pond where you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing.
- Hiking trails for exploring nature.
The park has two main hiking trails at this access point. One is a half-mile loop, which is great for a quick walk. The other is a longer 1.8-mile loop, perfect if you want to explore more.
Fall Creek Falls: A Hidden Gem
Besides the main access, Mayo River State Park has other smaller areas along the river. One special spot is near the Virginia state line. Here, you'll find a beautiful waterfall called Fall Creek Falls. It has its own small parking area and a picnic spot, so you can enjoy the view and have a snack.
Nearby Parks to Explore
Did you know that the state of Virginia is working on creating a state park right next to North Carolina's Mayo River State Park? In 2019, Virginia gained 214 acres of land for this new park.
If you enjoy visiting state parks, here are a few other parks within 30 miles (48 km) of Mayo River State Park that are already open to the public:
