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North Carolina
221

North Carolina State Parks

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USA Parks
North Carolina
Coastal - Eastern Region
Merchants Millpond State Park
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Merchants Millpond State Park Alligator Eye © Scott and Christine Peters
what is he thinking we were able to get very close to this guy do to the cold water temperature. It was a nice day around 65F.
Merchants Millpond State Park Tick Tock © Scott and Christine Peters
Merchants Millpond State Park Alligator Hunting © Scott and Christine Peters
Enjoying a warm winter day. Alligator lurking.
Merchants Millpond State Park Red Bellied Woodpecker © Scott and Christine Peters
sighted while canoeing
Merchants Millpond State Park Beaver Lodge © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park A beavers Work in Progress © Elizabeth Perry
Merchants Millpond State Park A Turtle at Rest © Elizabeth Perry
Merchants Millpond State Park © Elizabeth Perry
Merchants Millpond State Park Merchants Millpond © Kerry Gillette Basnight
Merchants Millpond State Park Merchants Millpond © Kerry Gillette Basnight
Merchants Millpond State Park Merchants Millpond © Kerry Gillette Basnight
Merchants Millpond State Park Merchants Millpond © Kerry Gillette Basnight
Merchants Millpond State Park Turtle on a Log © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Geese in Flight at Days End © Elizabeth Perry
Merchants Millpond State Park Merchants Millpond © Kerry Gillette Basnight
Merchants Millpond State Park Merchants Millpond © Kerry Gillette Basnight
Merchants Millpond State Park Resting snake © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Big Cat Skull © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Resting Gator © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Trail Bridge © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Resting Gator © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Brown Water Snake © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Resting Gator © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Resting Gator © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park Eastern Bluebird © Scott and Christine Peters
sighted in surrounding trees near visitors center parking lot
Merchants Millpond State Park Norther Mocking Bird © Scott and Christine Peters
Tame and Fearless
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park MEMI Cypress © T Gibbons
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
Merchants Millpond State Park © Douglas Ashton
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MERCHANTS MILLPOND STATE PARK
MERCHANTS MILLPOND STATE PARK
71 US Hwy 158E
Gatesville, North Carolina   27938

Phone: 252-357-1191
Reservations: 877-722-6762
Email: park email button icon
An "enchanted forest," primitive species of fish relatively unchanged over millions of years, towering bald cypress trees with massive trunks, luxuriant growths of Spanish moss?this is Merchants Millpond State Park. Here, coastal pond and southern swamp forest mingle, creating one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Together with upland forests, these environments create a haven for wildlife and humanity alike.

Escape the hectic pace of life and find sanctuary in a canoe. Drift along the smooth, dark surface of the millpond and savor the many sights and sounds that come alive in the stillness of the forest. Journey into remote and undisturbed Lassiter Swamp, a place that embodies the spirit of adventure, and see what you can discover.

If canoeing is not for you, fish for game species. Choose from an assortment of camping opportunities or enjoy a picnic beside the millpond. The remarkable surroundings of Merchants Millpond State Park lend themselves to a variety of activities.

Park hours:

November-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Closed Christmas Day

Park office hours:

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

Closed state holidays
History of the Area
Settlement in the Gates County area began in 1660. Residents of early rural communities made a living by farming and lumbering. In the early 1700s, Hunters Millpond was built at the head of Bennetts Creek to provide a means of processing and marketing regional produce. Highway construction destroyed this millpond in 1922. But further downstream, Norfleets Millpond, which was built in 1811, thrived. Gristmills, a sawmill, a farm supply store and other enterprises made the area the center of trade in Gates County. Thus, the pond became known as Merchants Millpond.

Shortly before World War II operations around the millpond came to a halt and millers sold the land to developers. In the 1960s, A.B. Coleman of Moyock purchased the property and later donated 919 acres, including the millpond, to the state. His generous donation led to the establishment of Merchants Millpond State Park in 1973. In the same year, the Nature Conservancy contributed an additional 925 acres of woodlands to the park that now encompasses more than 3,250 acres.
Camping
A variety of settings offer camping experiences for large and small groups. Drive to the family campground, paddle to the canoe camping sites or backpack to the primitive sites. A modest fee is charged for all types of camping. Facilities may be limited in winter months.

Canoe camping: Reach two canoe camps by way of canoe trails leading from the boat ramp. Orange markers lead to the family canoe camp with seven sites. Yellow markers lead to the group canoe camp, which offers three sites. Pit toilets are available, but campers must carry in all supplies, including water. Family sites are available on a first-come basis although organized groups providing their own canoes may make reservations.

Backpack camping: Reach five campsites for backpack camping by hiking a side trail off Lassiter Trail. Campers must pack all supplies, including water, to the sites. A pit toilet is nearby. These campsites are available on a first-come basis. Views of the "enchanted forest" and Lassiter Swamp await those who travel to the backpack camping area.

Family camping: The family campground is in the midst of a pine/hardwood forest just beyond the park office. Twenty campsites for tents and trailers offer picnic tables and grills. A washhouse with drinking water, restrooms and showers serves the campground. Water or electrical hookups are not available at individual sites. Family campsites are available on a first-come basis. The washhouse is closed from December 1 to March 15.

Group camping: Organized groups will enjoy a stay in the walk-in group camping area or in a canoe camping group site. Facilities for the walk-in sites include a small washhouse with a pay shower. Drinking water is available nearby. Reservations are required for group camping sites.
Boating
Rent a canoe or bring your own; the best way to explore Merchants Millpond is by gliding across the park's placid, shallow waters. A boat ramp and pier near the parking area offer access to the water. Marked canoe trails lead from the boat ramp to canoe campsites. Or, venture out of the millpond and take slow-moving, dark-water Bennetts Creek through Lassiter Swamp. Here, park visitors are transported into a world of mistletoe, hanging Spanish moss and ancient cypress trees.

Canoes may be rented by the hour or overnight when used with canoe campsites at the boathouse by the water's edge. Canoes, with paddles and life vests, are available on a first-come basis. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to rent a canoe. A maximum of three people may occupy each vessel.
Fishing
Cast your line from the bank or journey into the millpond to fish in a pastoral setting. Small fishing craft (with trolling motors only) may be launched at the boat ramp. Largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel and black crappie are waiting to bite the hook! The Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) manages the millpond fisheries. All boating and fishing regulations of the WRC apply.


Location
Merchants Millpond State Park is located near Franklin, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach

Picnicking
The shade of large trees offers a place to picnic within view of the millpond. Located north of the canoe access area, the A.B. Coleman Picnic Area has 28 tables, one picnic shelter and restroom facilities. Picnic sites are available on a first-come basis free of charge. The picnic shelter may be reserved for a fee.
Trails
Nine miles of trails with many varied habitats offer a place to stretch muscles left stiff from hours of canoeing. Merchants Millpond is heavily infested with ticks during warm weather months; be cautious while hiking. Insect repellent may help prevent a tick bite and the possibility of disease. Tuck trousers into long socks and tuck a long-sleeved shirt into pants. Check often for ticks. Wear light colors so that ticks may be easily spotted and removed. For other tips, contact park staff.
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. The Lassiter Swamp is home to Prothonotary Warblers, Red-headed Woodpeckers and Barred Owls. Bald Eagles can also be spotted soaring above the millpond's waters.
Nature Programs
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Merchants Millpond State Park.

To arrange a special exploration of Merchants Millpond State Park for your group or class, contact the park office.

Educational materials about Merchants Millpond State Park have been developed for grades 4-6 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The Merchants Millpond program introduces students to basic animal characteristics, focusing on the beaver. Majors concepts covered include adaptation, habitat, beaver-human similarities, animal signs and stewardship. Accompanying the program is a teacher's booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 24 mike nice to go fishing and relax. by mike s.
park review stars; one to five
December 9 Been going there for at least 15 years
park review stars; one to five best place on earth
March 19 Nice State Park by TERRY87
park review stars; one to five Stayed 2 nights there last March. Got a very good picture of an Alligator in the Mill Pond. Will be going back this year. The woods around the campsites have an abundance of Holly Trees.
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Directions
Merchants Millpond is located in northeastern North Carolina in Gates County near the community of Gatesville. The park may be reached from US 158, NC 32 and NC 37. It is approximately 30 miles from the North Carolina cities of Ahoskie, Elizabeth City and Edenton and is also 30 miles from Suffolk, Virginia. From I-95, takeUS 158 east. Travel north on US 13/US 158 and turn right to follow US 158 east. The park entrance will be on the right.

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North Carolina
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North Carolina State Parks

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