Deshazo Mill Access, Mayo River State Park — Attraction in North Carolina

7-10-21

There are two main areas in Mayo River State Park. This one and Mayo Mountain Access. This is the better access. Mayo Mountain Access is not something I would go out of my way for. This one has return value.

Coming in on Deshazo Mill Road goes from paved to gravel. There is parking for maybe 10 cars at the lot. This is the Fall Creek Trailhead. A couple of picnic tables and trash cans are here. No bathrooms.

Fall Creek Trail takes you above and below Fall Creek Waterfall and this is very close to the lot. The trail is an easy to moderate loop that follows a creek and eventually takes you to Mayo River. Several rock outcroppings for you to get in the river without getting wet. There is one side trail (left fork) off the loop that takes you into Virginia. It dead ends. The return to the loop takes you back into North Carolina. There is signage for both. Neat addition. Rock outcroppings here too.

Cell service is nonexistent so if you want to go off grid, here you go. There are some trash and blankets and such below the falls and I hate that. An easy scenic walk with the falls, flowing creeks, and flowing Mayo River makes this a good hike for children and families.

Skip the Mayo Mountain Access and come...

The Deshazo Mill access is 20 minutes north of the Mayo River State Park access, and is nearly at the Virginia state line. The road to the parking lot is not paved and narrow; the parking lot is quite limited. There are no restrooms at this access point.

The trail itself was an easy and beautiful 1.3 miles out and back. The waterfall can be viewed soon after beginning the hike. Although it may not seem worth it, definitely continue to follow the hike past the waterfall—it follows Fall creek, showcasing beautiful clear water, rocks, beautiful reflections and mini rapids. There are ample places to safely climb the rocks! The creek then flows into Mayo River. The trail follows alongside this, eventually leading to some rapids (pictured below, with the big rocks) which were absolutely stunning!

The trail goes about .5 miles to the right before ending at the VA state line. It’s a little unclear, but there’s a tree with yellow lines on it and two of the trailhead markings, marking the end of the trail. You can go past this point but it goes into private property.

I definitely recommend this easy hike! It was so peaceful...

The Deshazo Mill Access is a part of the Mayo River State Park in North Carolina. This state park is rather spread out, and the section that includes the Deshazo Mill Access is in the north of the park, and borders the Virginia State Line. Still, it is a very convenient drive from other areas of North Carolina, such as Greensboro. This site is notable for the beautiful waterfall on Fall Creek. There is convenient parking and it is a very easy walk to the waterfall. From there, there is a trail that follows the creek to the point where it flows into the Mayo River, and the trail continues, following the Mayo River. The trail is easy to walk and clearly marked, and at the same time there is great quiet and woodland beauty there, so it is a welcome escape from city life! There is a peaceful feeling of unity with nature here, I cannot recommend a...