Roanoke River in North Carolina

Trip Overview

This was a 3 day / 2 night trip on the lower Roanoke River from Williamston to Plymouth, NC. The put-in was at the NC17 Bridge in Williamston, NC. The USGS gauge was just below 10, which is also flood stage. The current was moderate and we encountered few boats on the trip. Our first stop was the Conine platform on the Roanoke River. This is a covered platform maintained by the Roanoke River Partners. The covered platform protected us during a downpour that night. Distance paddled on the first days was 10km.

The next morning, we began the second stage in heavy mist/light rain. A thunderstorm began as we entered Cyprus Creek. There are many blowdowns in the course of the creek but a trail has been cut through these obstacles. Paddling was tricky as we navigated this serpentine trail. The rain lifted as we entered a natural bay about a kilometer from the Cyprus cathedral platform. We established camp here and had a great day for fishing in the sunshine. We were kept company by numerous owls, bald eagles, ospreys, deer, turtles and a few snakes.

The next morning, we did the 12 kilometers to Plymouth, NC in about 3 hours with a stop for lunch at the Bear Run platform. These camping platforms are well maintained and on average are about 4-5 feet off the ground/water. They provide a dry place to sleep on overnight paddles and are easy to find. They are also quite secluded.

Accommodations:

Austere but dry elevated wooden camping platforms. Bring all food and water.

Outfitting:

Old Town Discovery 169 canoe

Old Town Twin Loon kayak

Fees:

Platform camping fees, contact Roanoke River Partners for locations and fees. Their web site is very user friendly.

Directions:

US 64 from I 95 or from Raleigh will take you to the NC 17 bridge and to Plymouth for access to the river. Additionally, it will take you to Roberson's Marina on Gardner creek. This is the location for your reservations for the Roanoke River Partners camping platforms.

Resources:

Paddling Eastern North Carolina