Mayo River State Park

I come from New Hampshire, and this tiny North Carolina park reminds me of our New England woods. Located right on the edge of the Virginia border, but easily accessible in less than an hour from Greensboro, it's not fancy nor wildly exciting. But it's amazingly satisfying and relaxing. A short hike through beech trees takes you to a brook that spills over rocks, creating a small but scenic waterfall. It's particularly nice with the autumn foliage, though I'd love to see it in the Spring when the water is high. The air is cool and refreshing. The only amenities are a few picnic tables near the parking lot. We visited on a Holiday weekend, and only saw one other car there, so I'm guessing this State Park is an under-the-radar secret. Fine by me.

Took my 3 year old great nephew for a small hike and he loved it!! Will try the longer trails soon! Beautiful area!

Beautiful place to relax on the sandy beach and take in the nice view of the river. Also they have hammock stations for you to use as well as a nice open area for playing with the kids and pups. Nice entrance for tubing as well...just stay clear of the big rocks for the 1st part and youll be fine. Its nice that people also pick up their trash here too.

Beautiful falls. Also called Falls Creek. Shallow for the kids. Currently, the stream is low, and the water is very cool for a hot summer day. All I will add, though, is that if you go, please take your trash with you. 3 groups came through while we were their and left diapers, cigarette butts and broken plastic from sand equipment. We cleaned it up. However, please don't ruin a beautiful place by dumping your garbage while you're there. The hike is maybe 3 min from the lot, and there is a garbage vestibule on the way in.

Rangers are very knowledgeable and friendly. Hiking trails are well marked with trail markers and easy to read/understand signage. Bathrooms are clean. Parking lot was easy to get into and out of...

Gorgeous natural setting, easily-navigably trails that are studiously maintained and provide ready access to the waterfall and the river into which it empties.

Welcoming for families or solo visitors of all types and physical levels (*though there are no special provisions for the severely handi-capable).

Peaceful, calm, quiet, relaxing, inspiring, serene, and - above all - memorable.

Swimming/fishing/tubing access (*to/for the Mayo River itself) is easily found at multiple points along the trails and pathways leading to it (*and which are, thankfully, highly visible, clearly indicated, and easily followed).

Picnic and grilling areas are also available for public use and enjoyment (*though there are, to my knowledge, only three such spaces available at the Deshazo Rd access point).

Ample parking provided.

No cost to enjoy the abundant natural beauty on offer here.

Oh so very very highly recommended!

This review is based only on my visits to the Deshazo Mill access section where Fall Creek Falls can be found. It's an enjoyable section of state park, with lots of access to the creek and Dan river. There's basically one fairly short trail to hike in this small section, but it and the parking area are well maintained.

A waterfall, a mountain, restrooms, fishing holes... Nice quiet part of NC not far from VA. Awesome, clean and put together well. Loved my experience!

Excellent place for an escape for seclusion and serenity. It is always very peaceful and quiet in this living space. There is also a lake and an extensive trail to hike. This trail would not be for everyone as there are quite a few exposed tree roots and the unlevel ground to navigate. Mayo park can accommodate a quick lunch to an extensive family gathering with convenient facilities.

the creek is a great place to catch fish. the trails are easy

I'm going to rate Mayo River State Park high based on its potential and the fact it is a newer park. First impressions go a long way looking at what a state park can and should be. Does this park have professional staff? (Yes) Do they have clean restrooms? (Yes) Do they have reservable facilities? (Yes) Do they have well kept hiking and running trails? (Yes) Do they have picnic areas and grills? (Yes) The basics of this park are on a solid foundation and the local community should be proud to have this park in their respective area. Look for great things to happen in the near future along the Mayo River portion of this park. (Life's Short, Take a Hike)🚶

Absolutely beautiful park. We walked the longer trail (I think about 2.5 miles) through a beautiful forest. After our hike, we drove about 15 min to the waterfall and Mayo River. The lady in the visitors center said there will be more trails added on soon, close to the river. This is a place I plan to visit again soon.

This was a really Nice little state park. Got great information from the park ranger. The bathrooms were extremely clean. The grounds were well kept ample parking. And I was given directions to awesome little waterfall spot which me and my dog hung out at for a couple hours. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Nice park. This park is confusing because there are multiple parts to it along the Mayo River that are not connected and have different trails and launch points and facilities at each, so make sure you know which location you want to go to. The Deshazo Mill access point of this park is very nice as well. This location the park is nice with a large picnic shelter, other picnic tables, restrooms, and a park office. You can walk around the lake, or walk a loop trail through the woods. There is ample parking.

great place to hike, bu the trail a bit confusing. alot of bi fish at the pond, turtle, also few duck near the parkin lot.

Extremely short walk to a beautiful waterfall. Pretty hike beyond that on a well marked trail.

Great waterfall with a short hike. Consider liking my review and pictures and follow along on on my adventures. Get Your Adventure On!
Envisioned as a riverine park along the Mayo River from the Virginia state line to the confluence with the Dan River near Madison, N.C., Mayo River State Park is under development but now offers amenities that people have come to expect at state parks. The park covers just over 2,700 acres in several access areas stretching along the 16-mile-long river corridor. The 400-acre Mayo Mountain access serves as the park's interim headquarters. This access features a pavilion-style picnic shelter, a small picnic area, fishing ponds, hiking trails, restrooms, and the park office. Group camping is available for organized groups. The Deshazo Mill and Anglin Mill accesses are each about a 20-minute drive from the park office, and both are accessible from Anglin Mill Road. Visitors to the Deshazo Mill access can picnic or take a short hike to the waterfall on Fall Creek and the northern headwaters of the Mayo River beyond the waterfall. The Anglin Mill access is located on the banks of the Mayo River and provides paddling and fishing access. The Hickory Creek access is located on Tyne Road, a 15-minute drive from the park office. The Mayodan access is a 5-minute drive from the park office and offers access to the last leg of the Mayo River to its confluence with the Dan River. Please contact the park for more information on access areas, upcoming programs and events, group camping, and future park development.

Stop by and see what they offer for any outdoor activities and the lady in the office told me they have a waterfall near by, but did not have time to sop by. There is a lake next to it and a picnic area.

Breathtaking! I went there as a youngster and now my daughter is very tuned into the beauty.

Absolutely love this place and it was an amazing spot for my sisters maternity photos!!