Dont know about Guilford but I do hit the deep river around Randleman river park in Randolph County, and down around cedar falls at the old mill. There is an area you can park at each and wade mastly in randleman or canoe/kayak from decent spot to decent spot. Not the best fishing in the world but have nabed some decent smallmouth on the flyrod and lots of small sunfish types.
Some good rocky riffles and a few spots with boulders. Maybe not the best for fishing but good practice for the drift, mend,etc if your in need of it like I am. Asheboro City lake is nice and quiet if you have acces to a canoe.... padle or small power only and easily coverd with a canoe.
I havnt tried the ones you mentioned but explore the options!
I did find that Stone Mtn state park would only be about 1 hour 40 mins depending on you location. I went there last Thursday and camped a couple of nights and fished for a day (All on my motorcycle which was cool). My driving time ffrom Climax was just under 2 hours and not a bad drive.