Mighty Mayo Trip (MMRT) First Timers Guide

MIGHTY MAYO RIVER TRIP (MMRT) FIRST TIMERS GUIDE

The Mighty Mayo River Trip 2025 is a great way to enjoy a day on the river with friends and soon-to-be-friends. It is a family affair, suitable for robust children and well-behaved adults. If you have not been on one before, welcome! The event combines food donation collections, a paddle, a hike for those not paddling, and a riverbank clean-up, all followed by a legendary potluck social. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the event, the brainchild of organizer, Joe Berry. Here are suggestions to make the day go smoothly for you.

Motto of the Day:  Prepare ahead of time!

We’ll be accepting food donations for a local non-profit, Lot 2540. These will be collected at the start of the day at our initial staging area, the Stoneville Memorial Park.  Addresses and Directions for the Park and other pertinent locations can be found at the bottom of this note.

FOOD DONATIONS

Get your food donations together right now. Canned goods are welcome with canned meats being a real prize. LOT 2540 will have representatives with a large truck to accept our donations. Cases of food are great! Case me baby!

POTLUCK SOCIAL at ANGLIN MILL/MAYO BEACH ACCESS (aka the Takeout)

Once the hard work of paddling, hiking and cleaning up are done, we’ll have a potluck social. Just like visiting your family–because we are your river family–bring something tasty to share. If it needs to be heated, leave it in a pot so we can put it on a camp stove. If you have a camp stove or fold-up table feel free to bring them. Desserts are welcome as are side dishes made with Love! While Doritos and Costco cookies are okay for the kids in daycare (and us sometimes), we’ll be extra hungry so impress us with your cooking skills. Everything tastes better by the river.

GET YOUR GEAR TOGETHER!

Check your gear right now. Hikers will need sturdy shoes, warm clothes, a water bottle and maybe a walking stick. Paddlers will need to be especially prepared because of the cold weather, cold water and the certainty of getting at least a little wet. If you are new to cold weather paddling, the Mighty Mayo trip is a unique and hospitable place to learn. Bring your own gear. There could be emergency replacements available, but you should have your own gear or arrange items ahead of time. Ask for help if needed. The Mayo has small rapids upstream (Class I-II) and a couple of optional Class III rapids at the very end. These last rapids, the Boiling Hole and S-Turn, can be portaged easily since they are very near the take-out. Boats should be sturdy, preferably whitewater versions of canoes, inflatable, open kayaks or whitewater kayaks.  Helmets and Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are required to be worn by all boaters.  Sprayskirts are required for closed kayaks. A detailed list of appropriate paddle clothing and gear is available at the bottom of this guide. If you have questions, please look at the MMRT2025 FB event page or post questions there or on the Carolina Canoe Club FB page, or by contacting Joe Berry at jmbbmj@bellsouth.net   Be warned, Joe will chat you up and get you sucked into his MMRT vortex.

Pack your gear the night before so you will not be hurried on the 18th. Be prepared for all weather concerns. If you need something post up online or buy from a local retailer!

SAFETY

Come join us as Common Adventurers, ready to have fun at MMRT2025. The Common Adventurer model (see here) is used by many outdoor clubs and for all Carolina Canoe Club public events. Basically, it means each person is responsible for themselves and we are all looking out for each other.  Although there is no designated Trip Guide, there will be many experienced paddlers familiar with the Mayo and a couple of ACA certified safety experts on the paddle trip.  An area First Responders team will be stationed at Anglin Mill/Mayo Beach Access.  Remember, we are all looking out for ourselves and for each other.

SCHEDULE 

The Mighty Mayo 2025 event will last about seven to eight hours, 9:30am to 5pm.

The Morning of the event, January 18^th

 Weather, weather, weather and weather. Whether and whither to weather the weather?

We are not concerned with the water level; we are watching the weather. If it is bitter cold dress properly and consider choosing the Mighty Mayo Hiking Trip rather than the paddling trip. We do not cancel for anything but Snow and Ice. (A cancellation announcement will be made on the MMRT2025 FB site and on a CCC website announcement prior to 6:30am on 1/18.)  We have a cleanup to do and tons of food to eat so the show will go on. We can take an abbreviated trip on the water if Arctic Conditions prevail.

It could be cold, it could be wet.  Dress appropriately and bring extra clothes. You may get wet and want to change clothes or maybe to loan an item to a poor unfortunate. Have water and perhaps a thermos of something hot.  Have sturdy shoes if hiking.  A list of suggested (and mandatory) paddling gear is included below after the Directions.

9:30am  INITIAL STAGING AREA: STONEVILLE MEMORIAL PARK  (Directions below and on FB site.)

Arrive at Stoneville Memorial Park early. This is where you need to be. Here we will consolidate vehicles, boats and gear to shuttle to the Put-in. The Put-in has very little parking so we will shuttle paddlers and gear to the put-in and then move the shuttle vehicles to the Take-Out at Anglin Mill/Mayo Beach Access.

There will be boat trailers and many pick-ups and other vehicles that can handle 4 or 5 boats, gear and people. Try to get your gear on one of these. Pack your gear (pfd, skirt, helmet, dry bag, all attached to each other by carabiner or other means) securely into your boat along with your paddle and let the driver know your gear is there.

–If you arrive with a group, then one person can move your group vehicle to the Take-Out. That person will be given a ride from there to the Put-in. The other people in your group can catch a shuttle (with their gear) and go straight to the Put-in.

–If you are alone, then get your boat and gear on a shuttle vehicle to go to the Put-in. Ask someone on the shuttle to make sure your boat and gear are taken off at the Put-in. If new to this, get a name. Then you drive to the Take-out (follow others), park and catch a shuttle ride up to the Put-in.

-As a final, not-great alternative–because of limited roadside parking–you can drive up to the Put-in, unload your boat, paddle and gear. Then drive your vehicle down to the Take-out and catch a shuttle back up to the Put-in. This creates more congestion at the Put-in and takes longer.

-If you are late (perish the thought!), you’ll have no choice but to go straight to the Put-in, park your car on the shoulder with all four tires off the road, and get your boat, gear and self to the river and “git on the water.”  At the end of the day, someone will give you a ride back to your car (although you may need to return to the Take-out to retrieve your boat.)

Insider’s tips:  #1 Joe, our organizer, thinks “on-time” is thirty minutes early. He is an optimistic type.

#2 Debbie’s Restaurant in nearby Stoneville is a great place to grab breakfast before meeting at the park, about five minutes away.  Try the “Cat Head” biscuits. It’s a busy place so leave extra time.

#3 While you’re gobbling down your biscuits and coffee, start meeting people and getting your boat and gear together. Find someone with space to transport you, your boat and gear to the Put-In. People will be helpful. There will also be mulit-boat trailers available.

#4 Drop off the food donations you have at one of the tables, usually located near the shelter area.

#5 Avail yourself to the last Indoor Plumbing (aka toilets) you’ll see for the day.

#6 Put your paddle clothing on, the dry suits and booties or what have you have to keep you warm. If it’s really cold, you might want to do this ahead of time to warm up your river clothes on your drive in.

#7 Ask questions. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. Make a new paddle or hiking buddy, perhaps someone who’s done it before.

10:15am INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

We’ll have a welcome to the 20th MMRT and an introduction to some of the folks who support this Rockingham County trip.  We’ll take a group photo, so smile. This will be a cherished photo one day. Joe will then designate leaders for the caravans going to the Put-in. As a final act, we’ll load up our tons of food donations into the agency truck and then we’re off.

We will always drive slowly. Please be mindful we are a large crowd driving through small neighborhoods on a Saturday morning. Watch out for pets.

10:45am  DRIVE TO PUT-IN AND SHUTTLE TO TAKE OUT

At the Put-In we will unload boats and gear. We’re right on a roadside so be aware of any traffic coming. The boat access is below a bridge so we will need to carefully slide boats and maneuver ourselves down an incline to the riverside. People without cars will stay at the Put-in. Consider this a social, get-to-know-you time. Drivers will be shuttled to the Take-out at Mayo Beach, where cars can be parked. Be sure to leave all your needed gear at the put-in. After parking, drivers will be shuttled back to the Put-in and then we get ready to paddle.

11:30am THE PADDLE TRIP

We hope to be on the river by 11:30, but we will not be stressing. This is a mighty big logistical undertaking. We will Introduce ourselves. We will introduce our safety crew. We will have a designated boat in front (the Lead) and one in the rear (the Sweep.)  We will surf (or not) massive (or not so massive) waves and ledges while smiling and having a great time.

Stretch Break

 We’ll stop at Byrd’s Ledge (aka State Line or Lunch Stop rapid) for a break. You can get out of your boat above or below the rapid. Or stay in your boat. Joe’s famous brownies will likely make an appearance (suitable for all ages). Bring your own hot beverage or snack. Keep in mind we will be at the Take-Out at Mayo Beach in 45 minutes.

Boiling Hole and S-Turn Rapids

Our safety team will go ahead to set throw ropes at the Boiling Hole rapid. This rapid is right beside the road at our termination point. It’s an easy rapid to scout and decide to run or to portage. Joe Berry will be scouting and pointing out lines. He usually manages to get through this rapid without consequences.

The S-Turn rapid will be next. It’s on the far side of the river (river-right) and more difficult to scout. If Boiling Hole went well for you, follow an experienced paddler and S-Turn will be an agreeable challenge. Immediately below S-Turn we cross back over to river-left and hit the beach for the potluck social.

If you arrived late and your car is parked at the Put-in, grab Joe Berry or one of the other coordinators. After the social, they will get you to your vehicle.

RIVERSIDE CLEAN UP

Clean up supplies will be provided. The Hiking Trip folks will do most of the noble work with the clean-up. They could be finished with the litter pick-up by the time paddlers arrive, but if not, paddlers will do their share of picking up trash while the legendary Take Out Social folks get organized and warm up our dishes, hot chocolate, tea and coffee!

3:00pm-ish LEGENDARY POTLUCK SOCIAL

Bring your dish to share and put it on the tables which will be set up at the intersection of Old Anglin Mill Road and Mayo Beach Road (It’s obvious). Be sure to bring your own coffee/drink mug. We will have recyclable bowls, plates, and utensils. Try some of the other wonderful food and brag on your own food.  Double stuff Oreos are acceptable at this time, but preschool snacks will get you talked about (by people with cookie-stuffed mouths.)

CELEBRATE!

You did it. You styled the MMRT 2025, made new friends, saw old friends, ate good food, made a kind food donation to Lot 2540, paddled cool whitewater, hiked a pretty riverside trail and cleaned up an area so dear to us all. Time to rest, brag and make plans for MMRT2026.

Here’s a video done by PBS NC about CCC, the Mayo and MMRT:

DIRECTIONS

Stoneville Memorial Park (The Initial Staging Area)

To Park from 220N

100 Priddy Loop

From 220 N

-Exit SR 770. Take a right at the stop sign

-Right on Priddy drive

-Park by the bathroom facilities.

(optional) Debbie’s Restaurant

123 N Henry Street,  Stoneville NC.

-From 220 N

-Exit SR 770. Take a right at the stop sign.

-Left on Henry Street.

-Debbie’s is on the left. Park on the street or wherever you find a spot. Make your order to go unless you have time to eat and get to the park by 9:30. This is a trip where being early is very good.

For MMRT veterans:

Regarding changed directions from 220 to Take-out (Anglin Mill/Mayo Beach Access)

(A Change. Heads up that Smith Road exit(SR 1320) bridge is under construction. We’ll be taking the SR 770 Stoneville exit and crossing the bridge. Take a right on CN Smith Road which is the first right after crossing the bridge.)

USE THESE to go directly to TAKE-OUT

To Take-out (Anglin Mill/Mayo Beach Access, the takeout for a N. Fork Mayo trip) from Stoneville Park.

From 220 N just passed Stoneville take the State Road 770 exit and cross the bridge.

Turn right on CN Smith Mill Road which is the first right after crossing the bridge. Keep going until it dead ends into Smith Road.

Turn left onto Smith Road (SR 1360)

Turn left on Anglin Mill Road (1381) and drive .8 mile

Turn left onto Old Anglin Loop and drive .8 until it forks. Park here for a shuttle.

The right fork leads to the Boiling Hole .2 mile

USE THESE to go directly to PUT-IN

To Put-In from Stoneville Memorial Park.

Exit Stoneville Memorial Park and turn left on NC 770 W. Main St.

Cross the bridge and turn right on CN Smith Mill Road (first right after crossing the bridge)

CN Smith Road dead ends into Smith Road SR 1360

Turn left on Smith Road 1360

Turn left onto Anglin Mill Road 1381

Turn right on Deshazo Road (turn before passing the N Stoneview Volunteer Fire Department)

Turn left on CR 629 Moores Mill Rd

Travel down the next couple of hills until you see the bridge. Pull to the shoulder before the bridge and park, making sure all 4 tires are off the road.

USE THESE to go from TAKE-OUT to  PUT-IN

Take-out to Put-in  From Anglin Mill/Mayo Beach Access to  N. Fork Mayo Henery CR 629

-Head back up Old Anglin Loop and turn right onto Anglin Mill Road.

-Turn left on CR 693 Deshazo Road (Right in front of the Stoney View Volunteer Fire Department) and drive 2.6 miles until it dead ends.

-Turn left onto CR 629 Moore’s Mill Rd. and drive .9 until you see the bridge. Park on either side before the bridge with both tires off the road.

USE THESE to go from PUT-IN to TAKE-OUT

Put-in to Take-out From N. Fork Mayo Henery CR 629 to Anglin Mill/Mayo Beach Access

-Go East on CR629 Moore’s Mill Road for .9 mile.

-Turn Right on CR 693 Deshazo Road. Go 2.6 miles (at Stoney View Volunteer Fire Dept.)

-Turn Right onto Anglin Mill Road.

-Turn Left onto Old Anglin Loop

PADDLING GEAR  The first four (five) items are mandatory.

–Boat.  This could be a canoe, a closed kayak, an open (recreational) kayak or an inflatable boat. All should be sturdy craft capable of withstanding abuse at the hands of water, rocks and people.

–Personal Flotation Device.  This should be a Coast Guard approved paddling PFD (life vest). This must be worn. The reason is this is best insurance you can have to survive any mishap on the water.

–Paddle.  You need a paddle.  Some people carry spare paddles.

–Helmet.  The Mayo is a rocky river. In the unlikely event you slip getting into the boat or you flip over in the boat, a helmet is the best protection for your valuable cranium.

-Spray skirt.  Anyone paddling a whitewater style, sit-inside boat needs a skirt.  These boats are more difficult to crawl back into, in the event of a flip and exit.  They also retain water so it’s best to keep the water out of them from the start.

Highly Suggested Items:

–Dry suit or Dry top/Dry bottom combination.  A Dry Suit is the best.  Keeps you warm and your underlayers dry, even if you go into the water.  A neoprene wet suit one-piece/top/bottom is of some limited value but not nearly as warm or dry as Dry Suits. Wetsuits are good to about 45 degrees ambient. Wet suits work against the skin. Layers go on top.

–Pogies or neoprene gloves.  Pogies are best. They attach to paddles and the paddler’s hands slip into them, like mittens, holding the paddle firmly. Some paddlers also wear thin neoprene gloves (0.5 or 1mm) under the pogies.  Thicker gloves can interfere with quickly removing hands from the pogies in the event of a tip-over. Neoprene gloves (2 or 3mm) work okay and are somewhat warm if lined but make getting a good grasp of the paddle difficult.  It’s a good idea to have another thick pair of conventional gloves available to slip into when off the water.

–Water shoes.  Neoprene booties (hi-top, lined are best) or perhaps some lace up tennis type shoes.  They should fit tightly so water cannot collect; thus, heavy, loose boots aren’t good.

–Hoodie or balaclava or helmet liner.  Neoprene or fleece.  To go under the helmet to keep head warm. Keeping the head warm makes ALL the difference.

–Underlayers.  All clothing worn on water should be synthetic or wool.  NO COTTON.  Synthetics and wool retain some heat even if wet.  Tops, bottoms, socks.  For paddling in 30 to 50 degree winter weather, two layers of tops, two of bottoms and one thick or two thin socks are appropriate.  These layers can be thin or expedition thick, depending on your tolerance for cold. If wearing two layers, thinner usually goes close to the skin to allow “breathing” or sweat dissipation.

–Thermos with something HOT.  This could be to drink or to pour over frozen zippers or buckles.  Make it as hot as you can before leaving home. It will cool.

–Drinking Water.  Even surrounded by water and cold, you will get thirsty. This is work and you could be sweating away under your clothes. Bring a bottle.  Maybe one that can be reused for hot chocolate at the social.

–Dry bag.  To hold Thermos, first aid kit, snacks, spare gloves, additional clothes, etc.  Do not overpack.  Dealing with any bags, buckles, zippers or cords is harder when wearing gloves or with very cold hands.

Remember, If you have questions, please look at the MMRT2025 FB event page or post questions there or on the Carolina Canoe Club FB page, or by contacting Joe Berry at jmbbmj@bellsouth.net