New Camping Platforms Open at
Merchants Millpond State Park

The project to build three raised camping platforms and three primitive camp sites along Bennett’s Creek at Merchants Millpond State Park (MMSP) in Gates County was officially completed in early 2012.  These campsites are the first paddle accessible locations on Bennett’s Creek, which begins at the lower end of Merchants Mill Pond and meanders 22 miles to the Chowan River.  

The availability of these new campsites responds to numerous requests for camping opportunities from paddlers and will directly support the expansion of ecotourism in Gates County and the region’s economy.  Paddlers staying overnight on Bennett’s Creek are now within a 1 to 2 day paddle to Cannon’s Ferry Heritage River Park, Holladay Island camping platforms and Warwick and Catherine Creeks in Chowan County, and a 1 to 2 day paddle to Wiccacon Creek in Hertford County and Salmon Creek in Bertie County.  

Each raised platform measures 16’x24’  and sites are accessible by a 300’x3’ boardwalk.  A privacy screen, constructed along a section of the boardwalk, is in place to accommodate a portable toilet.  

The 3 primitive campsites are located on higher ground along Bennett’s Creek and each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, grill and signage.  

The campsites are available for use by the general public on a reservation basis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year.  Park staff collaborate with public and private organizations, including the Boy Scouts, 4-H, Appalachian Trail Club and the Friends of Merchants Millpond, to promote and market the paddle camping sites.  The sites are maintained by the state park through its annual state budget allocation.  For reservations call MMSP: (252) 357-1191

This project was made possible through a grant from the NC Division of Parks and Recreation Recreational Trails Program.

Plymouth Boardwalk Project Nears Completion

Have you seen the changes on the waterfront in Plymouth?  Piers, boardwalks and boat docks on the east end town have been renovated and a handicap accessible canoe/kayak launch platform will be installed in the near future.   A public restroom close to the boardwalk was also renovated. New lighting and improved handicap access will help attract local residents and visitors to this historic community on the Roanoke River.  The Town of Plymouth received a grant from the NC Division of Coastal Management Public Access Program for this project.

Rural Center in Currituck is Taking Shape!

Rural Currituck County is blessed with many miles of shoreline on the Currituck Sound.  With the completion of a project at the Currituck Rural Center later this year,  local residents and visitors will have access to water-based recreation, hiking and environmental education.   

ARCD has been involved in the design and construction of a 2,700’ walkway through wetland forest and along coastal marsh with 2 observation platforms, a 30’ pier and 16’x24’ picnic platform, 2 20’x25’ picnic pavilions and playground, 12’x16’ kayak launch platform, a new parking area and about 5 miles of marked paddle trails along Currituck Sound.    The walkway, kayak platform and parking area are all handicap accessible.

This project is funded by Currituck County.