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Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation adopts master plan for future Mayo River State Park
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced the official adoption of the Mayo River State Park Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision to guide development, conservation and public access at Virginia’s future state park.
The 637-acre park in Henry County, located along the North and South Mayo rivers and directly adjacent to North Carolina’s Mayo River State Park, will be developed over approximately 30 years through a phased, environmentally sensitive approach, as funds are made available by the commonwealth.
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The master plan outlines several major features and priorities for the future park, including:
- Construction of a visitor center and day-use facilities: The plan calls for a visitor center that will provide educational exhibits and programming space. Surrounding amenities will include picnic areas, a playground, a stargazing area and multiple trailheads.
- Diverse overnight accommodations: Future visitors will have opportunities to stay overnight in cabins, tent and group camping sites designed to preserve quiet, low-impact experiences. A bathhouse will support these accommodations.
- Expanded trail network and river access: The park will feature an extensive system of hiking and mountain biking trails, connections to North Carolina’s Mayo River State Park, canoe and kayak put-ins and an ADA-accessible fishing pier on the North Fork Mayo River. A pedestrian bridge across the North Fork is planned at a later phase.
- Protection and interpretation of cultural and natural resources: The plan emphasizes conservation of rare ecosystems, forests and river corridors, along with the protection of historically significant sites such as Byrd’s Ledge. These resources will be incorporated into dedicated interpretive trails and signage.
Park development will occur in three phases as funding becomes available, beginning with core infrastructure and day-use facilities, followed by overnight lodging, expanded trail connections and enhanced river access.
“The master plan for Virginia’s future Mayo River State Park reflects our commitment to conservation of natural resources, thoughtful recreation planning and strong community engagement,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “This park will provide exceptional opportunities to experience the Mayo River corridor while protecting one of Virginia’s most scenic and culturally rich landscapes.”
The plan was reviewed and approved by the Board of Conservation and Recreation in spring of 2026 and formally adopted by Director Rovner in July.
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About the Department of Conservation and Recreation
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR provides access for outdoor recreation, strengthens communities’ flood resilience, and protects what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space. For more information, please visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
