COVID-19 information for parks under phase 3
Posted on: Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 3:13pm |
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 visitor center is open but the exhibit hall is closed. The auditorium and classroom are ONLY available for a limited number of students to gain access to virtual education. The current capacity of the visitor center is 12. Face coverings and social distancing are required for entry.
The picnic shelter is open for visitors and groups smaller than 50 people. Reservations are recommended.
Please continue to follow social distancing guidelines throughout the park, regardless of the behavior of others. Bring a mask or face covering even if you are planning to only be outside; they are required to be worn when you cannot stay 6 feet away from park staff or other visitors. 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: Friday, November 13, 2020
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.
