Roland Branch

The Roland Branch boat ramp provides public access to the scenic Smith River below Philpott Dam. This non-motorized launch is a convenient access point for kayakers, canoeists, and small craft boaters. The ramp is located at the base of Philpott Dam, with nearby parking available. From here, the Smith River winds through the rugged foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a tranquil and picturesque paddle or float.

The next public access point downstream is 6.4 miles away at the Bassett Access near Bassett Furniture Co. This stretch of the Smith River is a popular fishing destination, with varied flow and gradient. Philpott Lake, located upstream, is also accessible to boaters, with ten public boat ramps around the shoreline. The Philpott Marina, near Philpott Park, provides boat slip rentals, fuel, and other services for lake users.

Overview
Salthouse Branch Campground is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is located in a rural and sparsely populated part of Franklin County near the small community of Henry. Philpott Lake's clear water and natural shoreline make it a unique place for visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping....

Overview
Salthouse Branch Campground is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is located in a rural and sparsely populated part of Franklin County near the small community of Henry. Philpott Lake's clear water and natural shoreline make it a unique place for visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Click here for the Philpott Lake Virtual Tour: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/virtual/philpott/tour.html
Recreation
The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish.There are two hiking trails accessible from the park. The Dogwood Glen trail is a 4.5 mile out-and-back, multi-use trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The trail is moderate to strenuous in difficulty and connects Salthouse Branch Park to the Philpott Dam Tailrace. The Laurel Ridge trail is 2.25 miles out-and-back trail open to hikers and mountain bikers. It is moderate in difficulty and connects Salthouse Branch Park to Twin Ridge Park. 

Facilities
The park offers both camping and day-use facilities, including 44 family sites with electric and water hookups and one group picnic shelter with electric and water. Also available are 46 primitive sites without utilities.Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A beach, boat ramp, dock, playground, and amphitheater are also on-site.
Natural Features
Philpott Lake covers 2,900 acres and has 100 miles of shoreline. The lake's steep, rocky banks meet beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine and cedar.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl are commonly viewed.
Nearby Attractions
The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.

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