Alligator River Wildlife Refuge

From Murphy to Manteo, highway 64, the longest highway in NC, stretches from the mountains to the outer banks, 604 miles. For people traveling on the eastern end of 64 their destination is usually the most popular tourist destination in eastern NC, the outer banks. Almost tragically vacationers and locals alike speed right pat Buffalo city rd, which leads to a paddlers paradise and also has an incredibly interesting history. The Alligator River Wildlife refuge, established to protect the local indigenous wildlife such as black bear, migratory birds, and the northernmost american alligator, and a place that has seen the reintroduction of the red wolves. Interestingly, this area has the highest concentration of black bears in the world and there are tours provided where viewing bears is common. We've been here a few times over the years and this place never fails to amaze. Milltail Creek flows into the gigantic Alligator river and though we havent caught any gators on camera we have seen them here.

Cahooque Creek

Cahooque Creek is near Havelock NC and borders Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point on one side and The Croatan National Forest on the other. You might think that being so close to a military base would seriously degrade the natural beauty of a waterway but The Cahooque is teeming with life.You may not hear any noise from the base or you may hear the occasional M-60 and get buzzed by the occasional fighter jet but thats kind of fun in its own way,too. The wildlife doesnt seem to mind. We've paddled the creek several times over the past few years and seen wildlife such as bald eagles, otters, porpoise, and alligators.

Goose Creek State Park

Goose Creek State Park is the premiere spot for camping in eastern NC. With campsites right on the Pamlico river/sound you want to make sure you dont leave your canoe home or you will be very disappointed. You can paddle out on the sound for a big water experience or paddle inland for a creek adventure. The park also offers many miles of hiking trails.Wildlife is usually abundant in the park. Kim and I have often spotted deer on our many trips to this great park. Weve also seen a wide variety of birds of prey, snakes, and even saw a bobcat once. The campsites are far apart which provides a bit of privacy not found in most state parks. The close proximity to Little Washington allows for easy access to supplies. The park is also close to Bath, which is a neet-o place to visit also.

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Scuppernong River 8-26-12

The Scuppernong River was a blast. We had a bald eagle lead us down this beautiful blackwater river. A part of the Pettigrew State Park, the Scuppernong River is a pristine wilderness.

Dinahs Landing 8-19-12

Put in at Dinahs Landing and spent the morning canoeing the waters around Goose Creek State park. We went deeper than we ever had in these waters before. The sound was misty and as smooth as glass as we set out and the birds were singing. We forgot our picnic basket.

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Phelps Lake 7-29-12

A great day of canoeing and swimming at Phelps Lake.7-29-12.

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Tar River

Kim and I had a fabulous day trip down The Tar River last weekend. We put in at Old Sparta NC and paddled 19.4 mils back to the Greenville town commons. we set out early and going with the flow we made good time. Seven hours we floated down the old Tar and were accompanied by a curious pair of bald eagles for at least eight miles of the trip.

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