Updated Monday, March 30: NC State Parks status during COVID-19 pandemic
Posted on: Monday, March 30, 2020 - 2:54pm |
Activities
176 Millpond Road
Gatesville, NC 27938
252-357-1191
merchants.millpond@ncparks.gov
GPS: 36.437105, -76.70158
November - February: 8am - 6pm
March and October: 8am - 8pm
April, May, September: 8am - 8pm
June - August: 8am -9pm
Closed Christmas Day
Visitor Center Hours
November – February
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
March – October
8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Trails at the park are open, but the visitor center and all restrooms are CLOSED. Park gates will close at sunset.
All events and programs have been CANCELED until further notice.
All camping facilities are CLOSED. Campers with reservations will be contacted by the reservation system staff to be issued a full refund.
Last updated on: Friday, March 20, 2020Things 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.
