Merchant Millpond State Park

Wow! This was an unexpectedly great park! I haven’t heard too much about Merchants Millpond State Park, but it’s probably been our favorite so far. It’s located 10 miles south of the NC/VA Northeastern border on a 190 year old millpond, that’s adorned with cypress trees with spanish moss within this beautiful swamp environment. There are 10 miles of hiking trails and 5 miles of biking trails to explore along the edge of the swamp, but the real gem is being able to canoe through the millpond.

For just $10/hr ($25/half day and $45/day) you can rent a canoe at the visitor center and explore this park from within its main attraction. They will provide you with a life vest and have you grab a paddle from behind the visitor center before heading down the hill to the canoes. Pull your assigned (by number) canoe to the launch dock and then you can head out! Dogs are allowed in the canoes as long as you feel safe with them in there and you don’t think they’re a risk to jump out. This is the northern most range of the American Alligator territory, so not only do you not want your dog disrupting the ecosystem of this park but you don’t want to risk them being in the water near an alligator. After taking to the Park Ranger up front, I decided it was okay for Axel to be in the canoe because he doesn’t jump off my SUP (that is lacking any type of barrier wall). Make sure you know your pup and what it best for yourself and them!

We paddled around enjoying the millpond and looking for alligators for about 2.5 hours before heading back in. The millpond had colored and number buoys throughout to help you navigate your way (orange then yellow to get further out into the pond and blue to head back toward the shore). Even with a few tips from the Ranger about where a few of their alligators like to sunbathe, we didn’t see any (just LOTS of turtles). It’s not Florida where the water is teeming with alligators, so it really takes some patience and luck to see one!

We went out early, but didn’t feel too much of a bug presence in the swamp, but once we go out on to the trails they were noticeable. This is a swamp ecosystem to expect there to be bugs! This is a park you should really add to your list for Spring or Fall to try to avoid the hot, muggy summer swamp season. The trails were a great way to stretch your legs after being in the canoe for so long. Most of them run along the swamp to you do get some views of the swamp. There is tent/RV camping (closing May 27, 2025 for renovations) and paddle in campsites. You follow the orange buoys in you canoe to the paddle in tent sites. you’ll just pull your canoe up onto the shore then water back to your numbered site. Each site has a fire pit (with grate), picnic table and there is a bathroom on the trail furthest back from the water. You’ll have to bring everything with you in the canoe (which I had my concerns about) but the canoe had plenty of space and I don’t think you’ll have a problem getting everything there. This is a really great park that deserves some more recognition! I would highly recommend you add it to your list for something unique to do!

Park Details:
ADDRESS: 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville NC 27938
HOURS: November-February: 8am-6pm
March-May & September-October: 8am-9pm
June-August: 8am-9pm
VISITOR CENTER: Open November-February Daily 8am-5pm (Closed Christmas Day)
Open March-October Daily from 9am-6:30pm
PASSPORT STAMP: At the Park Office in the Visitor Center
ENTRANCE FEE: No fee
TRAILS: 10 Miles of hiking trails
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, Biking, Paddling, and Fishing
DOG RULES: Dogs are allowed on all trail, as long as they are on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in park buildings. Please pick up after your pet. Dogs are allowed in the canoes as long as you think they’ll be safe and won’t jump out.

Check out our videos about this Park on instagram @axel.theadventurepup