FAQs & Trail Tails
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Blank
Can you tell me some of the history of the Roanoke River?
How should I go about planning my trip on the paddle trail?
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. 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. Check weather reports for the area you are interested in paddling, And always pack your safety items first! Bring a good-fitting personal flotation device (PFD) for each person to WEAR on the water. Even if you can swim wear your PFD, you never know what may happen. 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. Examples of two night stays with no need of a shuttle: 1) Barred Owl Roost and either Cypress Cathedral or Three Sisters on the loop; 2) Lost Boat to Otter One. Lots of trip options available. Feel free to email us or call for questions! See additional trip planning advice from paddler, Melissa:
Where can I get a map of the Roanoke River Trail System?
We don’t offer printed copies of a Roanoke River map, but you can download the digital version and print it for your use. You might consider laminating it with contact paper so it’ll stay dry on your trip. See separate FAQ for Cashie River. See Platform Descriptions for Chowan County platforms.
Roanoke River Paddle Trail Map
Do you have helpful links for water flow, weather, and other resources?
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
North Carolina Wildlife Commission
Do you have suggestions where I can find local tourism information?
Are mosquitoes and other biting insects a problem?
Is there a bird list for the Roanoke River?
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/roanoke_river_bird_list.pdf
What can you tell me about the river basin?
The area is home to black bear, river otter, white-tail deer, bobcat, beaver and mink. Over 200 bird species have been identified including bald eagles, barred owl, osprey, and anhinga. Coupled with the hundreds of great egrets and great blue herons nesting in the region, it is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The River is renowned for its abundance of striped bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, lunker catfish, gar and bowfin. Just above the waterline, turtles sun on logs near the banks.
For thousands of years, dugout canoes have been the ultimate vehicle to explore these amazing waters. In this spirit, RRP volunteers and contractors have constructed trails and camping platforms in the Roanoke River backwaters offering a swamp experience unlike any to be found in the Mid-Atlantic 200-mile wilderness eco-adventure for people of all ages. The Trail System features a series of water-bound camping structures that allow paddlers to overnight in some of the amazing water jungles of NC’s coastal plain. Although the trail facilities are developed, built and managed by Roanoke River Partners, many are located on environmentally sensitive wetlands. The partnership between landowners is an excellent example of how RRP can bring together different interest groups for the benefit of all. (Paddle the Mighty Roanoke, Wildlife in NC, by Ida Lynch)
Overnight Stays
Blank
Where can I obtain boat rental or guide service?
A few options for consideration:
Cardinal Canoes – Buys and sells used canoes and kayaks. Serving eastern NC. Call 252-752-0697 or email: dcschwartz@hotmail.com.
Frog Hollow Outdoors – Provides residents and visitors of the Triangle and North Carolina a resource for canoe and kayak education, the exploration of nature, relaxation, adventure, self-discovery, and a greater overall connection with the outdoors. Call 919-416-1200 or email: info@froghollowoutdoors.com.
Harbour Masters Office – Boat rentals and other additional services for the area. 103 W Water Street, Edenton, NC. Call 252-482-2832 or email: edenton.harbor@edenton.nc.gov.
Lake Gaston Outfitters – 2401 Eaton Ferry Rd, Littleton, NC 27850. Call 252-586-1770 or email: info@lakegastonoutfitters.com.
Roanoke Cashie River Center – Science, art, nature and history come together for a great experience for the visitor. Boat rentals are offered. 112 W Water Street, Windsor, NC. Call 252-794-2001 or email: rcrckayakrentals@gmail.com.
At the current time, Roanoke River Partners, Inc. does not know of a shuttle service. If you live in the area and could help please let us know. Plan on bringing two cars or consider the loop paddle from the Roanoke River up Broad Creek (Three Sister, Cypress Cathedral, or Cow Creek platform region) and back.
Do you have any information about the Cashie River?
Do I need to make a reservation to camp on a platform?
How many people can camp on a platform?
When is "Check Out" and "Check In" time for the campsite?
Can I paddle upriver?
Can I fish on my trip and are there any regulations I must follow?
Are guns allowed on the platforms?
Can I rent a canoe or kayak once I'm there?
What kind of kayak should I use on the Roanoke--sit-on-top, open or skirted?
What should I do if walkways to the platforms are flooded?
How far up or down the Roanoke can I navigate?
The river is navigable from Weldon to the Albemarle Sound and from Roanoke Rapids to Weldon if dam releases are about 7000 cfs or greater. Be aware that the river flow in this area can change drastically and quickly because of power production releases from the dam at Roanoke Rapids. Local fishermen (familiar with navigation in this area) use the river at much lower levels but they know where the rocks and rapids are! The river is navigable from the NCWRC boat landing in Weldon at Hwy 301 all the way to the Albemarle Sound. Some creeks and shortcuts may not always be navigable due to downed trees or other obstructions. (Picture shows rapids at Weldon – height varies)
Is the water tidal?
Can I use a water filtration system to filter river water rather than having to carry all my drinking water?
Are there any rapids along the Roanoke?
What is platform camping like?
What safety gear should I pack?
What should I bring on my camping trip?
Can I swim near my platform?
Should I take a GPS?
I am not an experienced paddler. Is there a group I can paddle with?
Are there safe places to park my vehicle(s) while I am camping?
Should I use a free-standing tent or one that can be spiked or attached to the surface?
Is there a "latrine" on the platform?
*Several of our campsites on the upper Roanoke have in-ground or outside toilets (Tusca, Tilley, The Bluff and River Landing). You can look at the individual descriptions of each campsite for addition information about such amenities.
PLEASE DO NOT empty your port-a-potty around the platform when you leave! We suggest that you line your port-a-potty (5 gallon bucket) with a heavy-duty trash bag. ALL WASTES must be taken back to land and disposed of properly.
Suggestion: Some paddlers use kitty litter in the plastic bags to soak up liquid waste and reduce odor.
Can we camp along the bank of the Roanoke where there are no platforms?
Are there any additional sites in the area for camping that are not part of the Roanoke River Trail System?
Green Acres Campground, Williamston, NC. – https://greenacresnc.com/ Phone: 252-792-3939
Farm Country Campground, Williamston, NC – https://farmcountrycampground.com/ Phone: 252-789-8482
Roanoke Cashie River Center – Windsor, NC – Phone: 252-794-2001
Town of Windsor – campground and treehouses – Phone: 252-794-3121
Be sure to visit our local communities for other lodging such as B&B and other choices!
How long does it take to travel by boat from Weldon to the Sound and what can you tell me about doing this trip?
What are the distances in the lower Roanoke?
Is there a bird list for the Roanoke River?
Trail Tails
Weldon to Tillery to Hwy 258 Scotland Neck
Join frequent paddler, Doug Edwards with his video of travels down the Roanoke...

55 Miles Down Only Two More Short Sections To GO
By Ginger Travis Home from the Roanoke River adventure. We paddled roughly 55...

Beautiful Stay at Cypress Cathedral
Article and photos by Andra Willis My son and I stayed two nights in April on...

Kayaking and Canoeing on the Roanoke River, NC
True Grit Story and photos by Adam BonnerEver since I read the article in one...

Dr. Brian & Friends Run with the Bears and Find Lost Boat!
I want to give thanks to everyone who has made these canoe trails possible....

The Motley Crew Returns to Try Out New Platforms. They Approve!
Dear Roanoke River Partners,We wanted to share some pics from a warm but wet...