The Paddling Trail in North Carolina That’s Better Than Most Hikes

There’s no doubt that there are some incredible hiking trails in North Carolina. From summit treks with panoramic views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world to beautiful beach strolls along North Carolina’s Coast, you’re never too far away from a scenic hiking trail. But life is all about balance, and sometimes you just need to trade the trail runners for a life jacket and check out the view from an entirely new perspective. This paddle trail in North Carolina is beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and it’s even pet-friendly. Grab a paddle and let’s check out the Robertson Millpond Preserve. 

Where This Trail Is and What Makes It Unique

Robertson Millpond Preserve is an 85-acre preserve that feels out of place. Surrounded by cypress trees, it’s the only blackwater swamp in Wake County. I grew up in Louisiana, so I know these tannin-stained waters all too well, but seeing them this far north feels like a glitch in the matrix.

The preserve appeals to history buffs, too. The millpond is on Buffalo Creek, which is thought to be named after the herds of buffalo that once roamed the area. In the early 1800s, the Avera family owned the land, operated a mill here, and built the dam around 1820. While the gristmill was removed in the 1970s, the dam still remains, and you can view both the dam and the mill’s foundation on your visit. Both have been designated a Wake County Historic Landmark.

The dam created the blackwater swamp, creating an entirely new ecosystem that has thrived over the years. Locals love to pass the time by casting a line from the shoreline or just taking in the scenery from the boardwalk. While you can enjoy the preserve on foot, the best way to explore this preserve is on the water. As one of the best kayaking spots in North Carolina, the preserve offers a paddle trail for you to explore for an hour or two.

What You’ll See Along the Way

Visitors can launch a non-motorized boat from the ADA-accessible dock or the grassy shoreline. The one-mile paddle trail makes a loop around the preserve, and you can easily follow the numbered buoys along the way.

Swamps are often the perfect place for beginners to begin their paddling adventures. The slow-moving water makes it easy to paddle through and maintain control of your direction without worrying about fast-moving currents. The stillness and silence of these waters will almost put you in a trance. As you paddle around, you can’t help but admire the endless labyrinth of cypress trees surrounding you. There's no better view than when the water is calm and perfectly reflects the shoreline.

That silence is only broken by the sounds of songbirds above, and maybe the occasional splash from a turtle dodging your gaze. There’s plenty of wildlife to be seen, including beavers and muskrats. While you might not see the beavers, keep an eye out for their craftsmanship—chewed-up fallen trees! A telltale sign that a beaver was here.

Tips for Visiting This Kayak Trail in North Carolina

The Robertson Millpond Preserve is in a remote area, and while that’s always appealing for folks who want to get away from it all, there are some considerations to be mindful of. There are no restrooms or drinkable water on site. There is a boat wash station (non-potable water) for rinsing off. Bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you might need. 

Life jackets are required; the swamp reaches depths of up to nine feet in some areas, and there is no real shoreline to pull onto except for the launch site. This paddle trail in North Carolina clocks in at about 1.15 miles and takes about an hour to complete. Take your time here and enjoy it. There’s no need to rush.

There is a grassy area with some picnic tables, should you want to enjoy lunch before or after your paddle. Open fires, alcohol, tobacco, hunting, swimming, and feeding wildlife are prohibited. If you do bring your own food, remember to leave no trace. McLean's Ole Time Cafe is only a 10-minute drive away and is easily one of the most beloved restaurants in North Carolina.

When you’re ready to step off the trails and explore things from an entirely different perspective, this beautiful blackwater swamp in North Carolina will be waiting for you. The Robertson Millpond Preserve is open from 8 a.m. until sunset seven days a week. Visit the official website for the Robertson Millpond Preserve to learn more about this kayak trail in North Carolina and start planning your next aquatic adventure today. 

Once you complete this paddle trail, check out Price Lake. The 47-acre lake is another great kayaking trail in North Carolina, and there’s also a campground here, so you can make a weekend out of it.