COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 5/28/2021)
Posted on: Friday, May 28, 2021 - 10:04am |
New URL for the webstore
Posted on: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 - 10:58am |
Activities
All campgrounds at Merchants Millpond have reopened. You can reserve a campsite online or by calling 1-877-722-6762. Expect longer than normal wait times for phone calls.
Hourly canoe rentals remain CLOSED. Canoe rentals are available for canoe-in campers only for 24-hour rentals.
The Classroom and Outdoor Classroom are not available for rentals at this time due to other operational needs for those facilities.
Lassiter Trail has been rerouted. The trail begins at the Visitor Center and is a distance of 7 miles. The current maps are not an accurate representation of the trail. Please follow the White circle blazes posted along the trail. There are times that the bicycle trail and Lassiter trail run together. The bicycle trail is blazed with Red Triangles. Bikes are only allowed on sections of trail that are blazed with Red Triangles. Bikers must announce their presence, make sure the hikers see them, and slow down while passing hikers.
Please continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines throughout the park. Masks are strongly encouraged for visitors that are not vaccinated. Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
Last updated on: Saturday, June 12, 2021
Contact the park
252-357-1191
merchants.millpond@ncparks.gov
Address
Visitor center
176 Millpond Road
Gatesville, NC 27938
GPS: 36.4371, -76.7016
Hours
►
- November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to May:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- June to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- November to February:
Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- March to October:
Open daily:
8:00am to 6:30pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Things to do
Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike! See the Trails page for more information.
Paddling
Rent a canoe or bring your own. The best way to explore Merchants Millpond is by gliding across the park's placid, shallow waters. A boat ramp and pier near the parking area offer access to the water. Marked paddle trails lead from the visitor center and boat ramp to canoe-in campsites. Venture out of the millpond and take slow-moving, dark-water Bennetts Creek through Lassiter Swamp. Here, park visitors are transported into a world of mistletoe, hanging Spanish moss and ancient cypress trees.
Canoes can be rented by the hour ($7) or overnight (for canoe-in campsites) at the visitor center. Canoes, paddles, and life vests are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of three people may occupy each vessel.
Fishing
Cast your line from the bank or journey into the millpond to fish in a pastoral setting. Small boats (with trolling motors only) may be launched at the boat ramp. Largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel and black crappie are waiting to bite the hook! The Wildlife Resources Commission manages the millpond fisheries. All boating and fishing regulations of the WRC apply.
Picnicking
The shade of large trees offers a place to picnic within view of the millpond. Located north of the canoe access area, the A.B. Coleman Picnic Area has tables, one picnic shelter and restroom facilities. Picnic shelters are available on a first-come basis free of charge. The picnic shelter may be reserved for a fee.
