Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How should I go about planning my trip on the paddle trail?
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The first step is to make an honest assessment of your paddling abilities. If you're a beginner, we suggest you consider hiring a guide. See our Links page for several possibilities. Beginner to intermediate paddlers may also wish to opt for creek rather than river paddling and plan for shorter distances between stops. Creek routes are preferable if you haven't paddled with a river current before. If you do take the river, plan a downstream route unless you're a strong paddler who has paddled upriver before. Check river flow by clicking on the link below. Check weather reports for the area you are interested in paddling, and be sure to check our web site for the latest bulletins (flasing near the top of the page). And always pack your safety items first! Bring a good-fitting personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. Include a cell phone (although it may not receive a suitable signal at all points along the trail), first aid kit, water and snacks, sunscreen and bug repellent. Good first overnight trips for beginners to intermediates include Beaver Lodge or Barred Owl Roost (by way of Gardner's Creek and Devil's Gut) and Royal Fern (by way of Conaby Creek). More advanced paddlers will enjoy paddling the Roanoke to Conine, Bear Run or one of the Broad Creek camping platforms - Cypress Cathedral, Cow Creek or Three Sisters. Or try paddling the Cashie to Lost Boat or Otter One (a long but beautiful paddle). Call (252) 792-3790 or (252) 798-3920 for trip-planning advice or email your questions to info@roanokeriverpartners.org.
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