Find News from VisitNC and Destinations

WENTWORTH, N.C. — The Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business & Tourism and The Rockingham County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) are pleased to announce the release of the new Rockingham County Blueway Guide.  The Blueway Guide replaces the former Rockingham County Rivers Guide.  It has a new look, new photography, a larger map and more comprehensive content about outdoor recreation and activities in Rockingham County. 

The purpose of the Blueway Guide is to promote routes along the local waterways that combine recreation and environmental awareness while linking communities and land-based attractions such as parks, historic sites and natural areas. Blueways are navigable water trails based along rivers or lakes that include multi-activity recreation and nature-based tourism.

The Blueway Guide is a four panel brochure with a large, fold-out map. The content includes detailed trip information centered on local waterways that include the Dan, Haw, Mayo and Smith rivers as well as Belews Lake and Lake Reidsville. 

The creation of the Rockingham County Blueway Guide was made possible by a $15,500 grant from the Rockingham County Community Foundation from the Dan River Basin Fund. The Dan River Basin Fund was established by Duke Energy to support environmental education and economic development in the Dan River region of Rockingham County.  Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) was a vital partner in developing the Rockingham County Blueway Guide.

“Our local waterways — rivers and lakes — remain a key attraction for leisure travelers in Rockingham County. This new Blueway Guide ties water activities together with other recreational and tourism attractions in Rockingham County for a more inclusive experience. It will enable us to better promote the different types of trails and outdoor activities available here,” said Robin Yount, Tourism Manager for The Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business & Tourism.  “Special thanks to Duke Energy, The Rockingham County Community Foundation, and the Dan River Basin Association for helping to produce this great new brochure.”

“Whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler, whether you’re coming with a group of friends or your family with children, there are river and lake experiences for you here in Rockingham County, and the new Blueway Guide is designed to help you readily see what is available. We have outfitters and river guides with decades of experience, and they provide boats, gear, and guided trips. We are fortunate, too, to have the headquarters of Mayo River State Park where rangers offer free guided canoe trips as part of their public program in the summer,” said Jenny Edwards, DRBA Program Manager.

“If flat water is more your speed, a 750-acre lake offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. The new Rockingham County Blueway Guide isn’t just for paddlers; it has information on sections, under normal river conditions, that are best suited for people who just want a relaxing tube float with just enough small rapids to spice it up,” added Edwards.  “This is the kind of thing we live for at DRBA, making it possible for people to experience first-hand our wildlife-rich and beautiful waterways.”

Copies of the Rockingham County Blueway Guide will be distributed throughout the State and Triad region. Locally, copies can be found in all areas of Rockingham County such as governmental offices, Chambers of Commerce, hotels, shops and businesses. To receive a copy and get more information, contact the Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business & Tourism at 336.342.8138. It will also be available online at www.VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com.

###

CONTACT:

Robin Yount
336.342.8138
ryount@co.rockingham.nc.us