The Town of Halifax offers excellent water access at Banister Lake. Put in at the boat landing on US 501 North and enjoy this beautiful body of water. The 400-acre lake with 10 miles of backwater upstream, consists of natural woody debris and some aquatic vegetation for habitat. Anglers are likely to catch Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Chain Pickerel, and crappie. The site is featured as the first stop on the Department of Game and Inland Fishery’s (DGIF) Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail, Dan River Loop self-guided driving tour.

Looking for a little more adventure, head to the King’s Landing Bridge canoe and kayak access and take a six-mile trip downstream for an excellent day of paddling. This part of the Banister River is best experienced during typical low flows, the Dan River Atlas terms “some of the best preserved batteau sluices in Virginia are in the first four miles” of the trip which is not technically demanding or hazardous with occasional Class I rapids. An abundant hardwood canopy along the shoreline provides cool shade in the summer and good habitat for wildlife watching.