Description
A remote wilderness experience on a 200-acre uninhabited island near Edenton, NC on the Chowan River.
Sitting in the middle of the Chowan River on the northwest boundary of Chowan County is Holladay’s Island. Non-native visitors originally observed the island in 1586 during an expedition led by the first governor of Sir Walter Raleigh’s Colony of Roanoke. The island was acquired by Thomas Holladay in 1730. Virtually unchanged for over 400 years, the island is the newest addition to the Albemarle Regional Canoe/Kayak Paddling Trail and now home to five (5) camping platforms for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
Located approximately 20 miles from Historic Edenton and accessible only by boat, the island echoes the call of nature like few other experiences offer. Situated on isolated points of the island, there are two single platforms and three clustered platforms suitable for group camping. The raised platforms measure 16′ x 24′ and are large enough to hold 6-8 campers and their tents. Each campsite has a step-down platform to unload your boat, a cook station to place a stove or grill, hangers for tarps and/or lanterns, and views that are incredible. A “privy” is located along the boardwalk leading to the platforms. You must provide your own portable toilet and carry-out your waste. See map of the island.There is a small wooden enclosure to provide privacy for you to place your own portable potty.
We suggest that you line your portable 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. PLEASE DO NOT empty your portable potty around the platform when you leave!
Within one mile of the island is the Cannons Ferry NC Wildlife Boat Ramp for launching motor boats and the Cannon’s Ferry Heritage River Walk for launching canoes/kayaks. Cannon’s Ferry is also a designated location on the State Civil War Trail. A perfect combination of history, nature, tranquility, and the great outdoors will make this a unique experience for all ages. To avoid wind, Stumpy Creek and Catherine Creek provide sheltered paddling. Another launch option: Catherine Creek Road Hand Launch Closest intersection is: Welch Road & Catherine Creek Road ( Some people also call this Cannons Ferry Road ) From the above intersection go north on Catherine Creek Road Road for 4/10ths of a mile and entrance will be on the left, prior to the bridge. GPS 36° 18’49.44″ N   76° 39’24.91″ W ( Waters edge at launch ) The Catherine Creek Road hand launch along Warwick Creek offers; parking for about 2 cars, no restrooms or other amenities at this location. It is about 1.3 mile paddle down the creek to where Trotman Creek will be on your right, from there you can go about 3 miles north or head about 3.5 miles down towards the Chowan River.
