Merchants Millpond State Park

Paddle a rented canoe among moss-draped cypress trees on a 760-acre millpond and into Lassiter Swamp, where alligators reach the north edge of their range.

176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC 27938 · Gatesville, NC

About Merchants Millpond State Park

Merchants Millpond State Park centers on a millpond built in 1811 in Gates County, about 10 miles south of the Virginia line. Old-growth cypress and tupelo hung with Spanish moss crowd the shallow water, thickest in Lassiter Swamp at the upper end, and American alligators live here at the northern point of their range. The park rents canoes and has a boat ramp, 10 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of bike trail and paddle-in campsites. Day use is free; only boat rentals, camping and reservations cost money.

#state park
#canoeing
#cypress swamp
#alligators
#hiking

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Merchants Millpond State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Dismal Swamp State Park
No admission fee
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Museums
Riddick's Folly Museum
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22 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Museums
Museum of the Albemarle
No admission fee
A regional history museum in Elizabeth City that focuses on the Albemarle area of northeastern North Carolina.
29 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Shopping
Chesapeake Square Mall
Check prices
Shopping mall in Chesapeake, Virginia, with retail stores, a movie theater, and a Target.
Transit: reachable by public transit
31 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping
Sports & Outdoors
Chesapeake Arboretum
Check prices
A 51-acre city-run arboretum in Chesapeake with forest trails, labeled trees, and a historic farmhouse.
33 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Norfolk Botanical Garden
$25–$50
A large public garden and arboretum in Norfolk, Virginia, known for its conservatory, children's garden, and seasonal holiday light display.
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