Along 115 miles of North Carolina’s only black river designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, a large state park affords access to this natural wonder for a variety of outdoor adventures. If you haven’t discovered Lumber River State Park, then perhaps it’s time to check it out.
The river itself is 133 miles in length and meanders through North Carolina's Coastal Plain before joining the Little Pee Dee River after it crosses the border into South Carolina.
Black water rivers pass through forested wetlands and swamps and as the leaves that fall into the water decay, they release tannins that turn the color of slow-moving waters a distinctly dark hue.
Lumber River State Park covers a vast area and has more than one main access point.
Scenic views are found all along this water trail as well as on the banks of the river. Cypress trees and elbows are a common sight and one of the most beloved parts of any visit to Lumber River State Park.
Some visitors bring their own tube and join the many kayaks and canoes for a lazy float carefully mapped out from one of the access points to another of the numerous access points along the way.
Afterall, a day on the water is a day well spent. While kayaking, canoeing, and tubing are favorite pastimes of visitors, please note the park doesn't recommend or allow swimming in the black river.
Lumber River's two campgrounds are located at the Princess Ann and the Chalk Banks Access Points.
Sites are primitive and provide tent platforms, a fire pit, and a grill. More information about camping can be found at this link.
Three riverside trails provide unique views of the scenic river, also providing float trippers with points to pull off and get out of the water to explore.
From scenic adventures both on and by Lumber River to overnight stays in the nearby campsites, visitors to Lumber River State Park get to see North Carolina in a whole new way.
North Carolina’s state parks are great places to get out and experience some of the best natural features of the Tar Heel State. Have you explored this amazing state park in North Carolina and the Lumber River? We’d love to know… join the discussion in our comments!
To see a complete list of the 24 Lumber River access points – including the approximate float times from one to another – refer to this link on the official website for North Carolina State Parks.
