What we’re about
The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) protects and promotes the Dan River Basin through recreation, education and stewardship.
Activities include a public outings in nature, trails and river access work groups, cleanups and more.
Outdoor enthusiasts and concerned citizens organized the Dan River Basin Association to preserve and promote the wilderness-like rivers of this border region of Piedmont North Carolina and Virginia. Leaders in the Basin's counties recognize the increasing importance of the abundant high-quality water in this 3300-square-mile region. In addition to its economic value as a water source and its historical significance as a means of transportation, this river system can provide excellent recreational opportunities to the 1.5 million citizens who live within an hour's drive.
The Association's founders are promoting the rivers for multiple uses, including recreation and commercial and municipal growth. DRBA assists localities in creating community parks, trails and access to local rivers and streams. We believe that, with careful planning, natural and cultural preservation and economic development can occur hand-in-hand. The unspoiled rivers, the region's unique and greatest resource, will be at the center as the sixteen counties of the Basin build a diverse economy, which must be based in part on new ideas. The Dan River Basin Association believes that providing outdoor recreation is essential to the region's quality of life and its ability to draw new investment.
As the region’s leading advocate and largest provider of programs and services to support the protection and preservation of our natural and cultural resources, the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) is committed to ensuring ALL communities view DRBA as an organization that is responsive and inclusive. To fulfill this commitment, we are strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and to being a culturally competent organization. DEI policies and issues are concerned with the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to protection from environmental and health hazards. We remain committed to being a more culturally competent and inclusive organization and to ensuring all of DRBA's programs and services are easily accessible, promoted to, and embraced by, our diverse community.
The Dan River Basin Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in North Carolina and Virginia, with basin-wide membership and directors representing both states, and offices and professional staff in Collinsville, Virginia and Eden, North Carolina.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Hike the Tobacco Heritage Trail- Dec FSO!Tobacco Heritage Trail- Berry Hill Trailhead, South Boston, VA
Join us for a 5.5 mile hike at the Tobacco Heritage Trail in South Boston, Virginia. This will be DRBA’s last First Saturday Outing (FSO) of the year on December 7. This hike is suitable for most ages and abilities with a small moderate section. The compacted crushed stone surface of the trail makes it an easy walk, and, like most rail trails, the path is relatively level. Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.
Participants should plan to meet at the Historic Berry Hill Plantation Maintenance Parking Area, 3105 River Rd, South Boston, VA 24592 (36.697516, -78.941569) at 10:00 am. Google Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7dasxwr9Jon8mhT68
Along the route, participants will see/experience natural and historic features unique to this area. The Tobacco Heritage Trail (THT) is meandering and rather flat to slight incline cinder/gravel trail that is well maintained with recreational use to include trail running, equestrian, hiking, walking and biking. The original 2.5mile trail terminated near a natural geographic formation named by locals as “Tree in Rock” that is very close to the Dan River. The trail has since been extended to 3.9 mile out and back (7.8 miles total). We will explore the newest section which gives access to the location of Irwin’s Ferry that instrumental in the pivotal “Retreat to the Dan“ on February 14, 1781.
The trail has a lot to offer history buffs and naturalists alike. You will cross several streams; Pond Branch, Estes Run and several other small free flowing streams that were part of this vast plantation. There is the historic “Diamond Hill” African American Cemetery, views of the Dan River, a natural spring and several unique historic and geologic points of interest which all were once part of the Berry Hill Plantation.
Participants in DRBA’s outing are asked to bring lunch and water. Dress in layers of synthetic fabric or wool, wear hiking boots or walking shoes, and be prepared for wind or rain. If desired, bring a walking stick or poles. All participants are asked to sign a waiver.NOTE: If for any reason the event needs to be cancelled, visit www.danriver.org by Friday, DAY BEFORE OUTING to determine whether the outing will be held.
Questions about this outing should be directed to Carl Espy, (434) 470-1424 or email [email protected]DRBA is on MEETUP... Sign up and never miss a DRBA event! Find us on MEETUP!
Directions
US 58 (1007 Philpott Road) Riverdale, Virginia 24592
Follow Main St to Factory St in South Boston - 1 min (0.5 mi)
Take Berry Hill Rd to State Rte 659 - 7 min (3.4 mi)
Turn left onto State Rte 659 - 1 min (1.0 mi)
Turn left onto Berry Hill Ln - Destination will be on the left
2 min (0.8 mi) - 36.6975157, -78.About DRBA
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge. For information about the Dan River Basin Association, visit www.danriver.org.
