Merchants Millpond State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Bike Trail

Open

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Merchants Millpond State Park

Located in Gates County 10 miles south of North Carolina's northeastern border with Virginia, Merchants Millpond State Park centers on a 760-acre millpond more than 190 years old. Hiking the surrounding trails or paddling the placid, shallow waters of the pond offer a great way to explore this wetland environment. Old-growth cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss create an "enchanted forest," particularly at Lassiter Swamp. Visitors have even spotted the American alligator here, at the northernmost point of its range. 

Camping

  • Tent sites (including backpacking sites and paddle-in sites)
  • Trailer sites
  • Group tent sites (including paddle-in only sites)
  • Showers
  • Firewood

Activities

  • Hiking (10 miles)
  • Biking (5 miles)
  • Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Boat ramp
  • Boat rentals
  • Auditorium, classroom, and outdoor classroom
  • Picnic shelter
  • Visitor center and exhibits
  • Bathhouse

Plan Your Visit

Address

176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC 27938

GPS: 36.4371, -76.7016

 

Current Weather

27938 Gatesville, NC

Maps

Fees

There are no fees required to access Merchants Millpond State Park for day use, except for boat rentals. Fees are also charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month

Hours
January 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Second Sidebar

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

The park is open during all other holidays.

From November to February, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From March to October, open daily from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Merchants Millpond State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of Merchants Millpond State Park

Join, volunteer or donate! The Friends of Merchants Millpond State Park promotes, supports, and advocates for Merchants Millpond State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery