The 214-mile course of the Dan River crosses the state border of Virginia and North Carolina a total of eight times. As it does, it weaves together a land full of countless opportunities to explore and be inspired. We call this land the Dan River State Crossings. From vibrant historic downtowns to alluring shorelines and fertile farmlands, there are so many ways to experience an abundance of fun, history and culture.This site is your gateway to the many trips to take, things to do, tastes to experience, places to stay, and more, in the Dan River State Crossings region.
Featured Trip
NASCAR’s oldest track gears up for spring
Start your engines and watch for the green flag, because Martinsville Speedway is heading into its 72nd season, and 70th as a foundational track on the NASCAR circuit. Known as the “Paperclip” and “the Half-Mile of Mayhem,” Martinsville hosted one of NASCAR’s eight Strictly Stock races in 1949. That marked the first year of what’s... Full StoryTrip Ideas
Spy spring wildflowers in the Dan River Basin
Every spring, the mountains and rolling hills of the Dan River basin sparkle with color as wildflowers bloom. For visitors and residents alike, wildflower season offers a sublime mark of spring. The various species appear as old friends, blooming with clockwork precision as the earth moves from winter into summer. Wildflowers to watch for Ellen... Full StoryColonial Dan River history
Find a wealth of colonial-era history on the banks of the Dan River and among the surrounding lands in Southside Virginia and Piedmont North Carolina. English settlers began pushing inland in the early 1700s. The communities of the Dan River Basin took their current shapes in the 18th century, around the time the 13 colonies... Full StoryBirding the Dan River State Crossings
Ranging from mountains to rolling piedmont foothills and braided with rivers and streams, the Dan River region makes for excellent birding. Birding trails and sites can be found on both the North Carolina and Virginia sides of the state line. The varied geography of the basin makes for a diverse range of bird and wildlife... Full StoryDan River State Crossings was created by a coalition of local businesses and proud citizens of the Dan River Basin to showcase the opportunity and beauty of the region we call home. A series of public forums, meetings, educational sessions and groups like the Dan River Basin Association led to this project, but we also remain thoroughly connected to the people living within this vibrant community. We believe the Dan River State Crossings holds some of the most exciting outdoor adventure, economic potential and scenic beauty in all of North Carolina and Virginia, and we’re excited to spread the word far and wide!