June FSO -River Walk in Danville
June 1, 2024
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a 4.3 mile hike along the Riverwalk Trail and the Ballou Park Nature Trail in Danville, VA at DRBA’s First Saturday Outing (FSO) on June 1, 2023 at 1:30pm. This hike is suitable for most ages and abilities. Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
The hike will follow the Annual Celebration and begin at the Dan River Church, 2805 Riverside Drive, Danville, and head west along the Riverwalk Trail on the north bank of the Dan River. The Riverwalk Trail is a 10+ mile mostly paved trail that runs along the Dan through the center of the City connecting many points of interest, both recreational and commercial. The Riverwalk Trail is mostly flat with some gentle grades. The hike will cross the Dan along Robertson Bridge, pass the City’s water treatment facility and climb a moderate grade as we enter Ballou Park.
Ballou Park is one of the oldest municipal parks in Virginia characterized by towering oak trees and grassy hillsides. The park was created by three separate land transactions, the first occurring in 1886. The park is named for C.A. Ballou who served as the City’s Chief Engineer in the late 1800s. Inside the park, the hike will follow the Ballou Nature Trail, a 3/4 mile loop that has interpretive markers that highlight flora and fauna found along the forested hillside path. After looping the nature trail, the hike will double back along the Riverwalk to return to our starting point.
Participants should dress in layers, wear hiking shoes or boots, and bring hiking stick(s), lunch, and water. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
For more information, contact the outings coordinator Chris Adcock, 434-228-0860, lump_vt@yahoo.com.
NOTE: If for any reason the event needs to be cancelled, visit www.danriver.org by Friday, May 31, 2024 to determine whether the outing will be held.
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Directions
Dan River Church
2805 Riverside Drive, Danville, VA 24540
36.58969 deg. N, 79.41597 deg W
From points west (Martinsville, Eden, etc.) take 58 West into the City, 58 West will transition to Riverside Drive. You will pass a Sheetz and Chick-fil-A on your right, continue for another 1.2 miles and turn right at Dairy Queen and enter the parking lot for Dan River Church.
From points east (Halifax, etc.) follow Hwy 58 for approximately 7 miles once you enter the City limits. 2805 Riverside Drive will be on your left, enter the parking lot at the Dairy Queen.
