Cape Fear in North Carolina

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Three couples got together for this trip, the 4th had to drop out because of the flu. We averaged 11 miles a day with perfect weather. The water was a little low due to the drought where having this year. For the three women this was the first overnight canoe trip and they all said they would make it again. Camps were easy to find even though they where on private property most of the signs had phone numbers so we called and talked to the owners.

On day 2, my wife and I had a little issue with one of the rapids and ended up swimming. My Discovery 169 almost broke in half when it tried to wrap around a rock. Tie everything down!!!! If not you may be on a treasure hunt part of the trip...

Water quality wasn't that bad and the current was great. I have made the trip from Jordan Lake to Wilmington, NC five times in the last 15 years and plan to do it again next spring.

Outfitting:

Old Town canoes: one Discovery 169, one pathfinder and one camper. Standard camping equipment.

Fees:

Parking in Fayettville $5.00 per truck. Cape Fear also rents canoes and kayaks.

Directions:

Put in at Cape Fear RV they have a private boat ramp and will let you park for over nights. Hwy 210/401 Lillington, NC

Take out at hwy 24 in Fayettville, NC. River Bend Sports center. Both places have rest rooms. And they are great people.

Resources:

Paddlers Guide to NC and GPS (you may find it on the river).

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: 2-3 Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location