Mayo River Rail Trail On a Trail Down by the River

By Rebecca Adcock

From the view of a passerby, the small strip of asphalt that runs along the river in downtown Stuart doesn’t look like much. However, that strip has become woven into the fabric of the community. It is a place where friends and family meet to enjoy the outdoors, find respite from a busy day, improve their health, or have a picnic lunch at one of the provided tables or benches.

The Mayo River Rail Trail is in downtown Stuart, VA, just off Commerce Street following the path of the Danville and Western Railway along the Mayo River. This smooth asphalt level surface, 1.8 mile trail is good for walking and bicycling. The trail follows the Mayo River with an additional spur leading to the Landmark Assisted Living Center.

The trail is on the former Danville and Western Railbed (fondly called the “Dick and Willie,” less fondly the “Delay and Wait”). The Danville and Western Railway grew out of the Richmond and Danville Railroad. A narrow-gauge line was extended from Danville to Martinsville in 1882, then to Stuart in 1883, where there was a turntable to head the locomotive back to Danville. Initially built to carry wood and agricultural products, passenger service was included. Sadly, better roads and more cars caused the demise of passenger service. Later, the D&W freight business in Patrick dwindled, and the line from Martinsville was abandoned. The iron was removed in 1942 as part of the World War II metal scrap effort.

The dream of transforming the former railroad bed into the paved path was started by the former county administrator, Jeanie Frisco. She was the one who began the talks with VDOT and applied for grant funding to plan and implement the first phase of the trail. Original plans would have the path traverse along the Mayo River and through the Stuart Rotary property to terminate at a shopping area. The first phase was a half mile section from downtown Stuart to the end of the diversion channel of the river. Funding was later secured for phase two and a spur trail that incorporated the local nursing and assisted living properties.

The walking trail has become a beloved asset to Stuart and the community as a whole. Every season on the trail features beautiful scenery from the spring buds and spring peeper frogs to lush green of summer and the array of fall colors.The Mayo River is stocked by state wildlife resources, so fishermen enjoy the easy access. During the hot summer months, kids splash and play in the small rapids, hunt for crayfish and just enjoy being outside. Several unique events take place all year along the Mayo River Rail Trail. The first Saturday in April, the trail is the host site for a free kids’ fishing day. In 2022, the dry but bitterly cold weather was not a deterrent to the approximately one hundred kids that showed up to fish with their family. Throughout the year, Bull Mountain Arts, a local art group, hosts plein air events along the trail. The event is a great afternoon to come watch artists paint or draw the landscapes. You are also encouraged to give it a try yourself with the supplies Bull Mountain Arts provides. The Town’s annual fall Apple Dumpling Festival occurs in downtown Stuart in October. The festival starts early with a 5K run utilizing the trail for runners and walkers to get a little exercise before enjoying the festival’s apple dumplings and other goodies. The 5K is a fundraiser for the local environmental organization, Dan River Basin Association. Monies raised are reinvested for trail development in Patrick County.

In 2012, to commemorate the historical role of the trail as a former railroad line, the Town of Stuart, in partnership with Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council, purchased a caboose. This has become a popular spot for family or prom pictures. During 2020 and 2021, Santa visited the caboose, providing a wonderful outdoor setting for holiday pictures.

The Mayo River Rail Trail is also home to Nancy Clark’s stained glass-adorned “The Family Feeling of Patrick County” Trail Hand. This hand sculpture is one of five hands that are found in different areas of Patrick County. Trail Hands was created to promote Patrick County’s natural resources in a way that increases tourism, boosts economic development, and celebrates art while encouraging healthier lifestyles. The Trail Hand sculptures function as a permanent, concrete art installation, with one in each county locality.

Local Eagle Scouts have also embraced the trail and have completed many projects that enhance the amenities. The wooded picnic area was created when the first half mile phase was complete. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade. Located at the easternmost terminus is an information kiosk with a view finder where you can take in the sight of the tallest peak in Patrick County, Bull Mountain. At one time there was an active fire tower with a watcher on Bull Mountain. The kiosk provides historical information regarding the tower and mountain. The most recent project is the creation of a train stop bench themed kiosk near the caboose. Information about the “Dick and Willie” will be displayed on the back board.

Come enjoy the Mayo River Rail Trail. It’s a great little spot to take a stroll or just enjoy the river. Once you visit, you will find yourself returning again and again. If you are interested in more information about the Danville and Western train, check out the Patrick County Historical Museum.