Description

Fishing Creek, Whitakers vicinity — If you like an off-the-beaten path adventure, this is the place for you! The Franklinton Center at Bricks Platform site is located along Fishing Creek near Whitakers. Fishing Creek is a large tributary of the Tar River that showcases abundant wildlife. You could see white-tailed deer or even a black bear fording the creek, eagles, beavers, rare songbirds and more. This platform sits atop a high bank, where large boulders jut out into the water. There is also a large field that backs up to a set of railroad tracks. The Amtrak train can be seen making its run up and down the line, along with lots of wildlife that make the woods around the fields their home.

Paddler Safety Notes: Please note, this site includes difficult put-in and takeout terrain along busy roads. There are no accessible public boat ramps within a day’s paddle up- or downstream. The closest road put-in is Bellamay’s MIll Road, about 5 miles upstream,  and takeout is ½ mile downstream on N.C. Highway 301, which is a busy road. For a longer paddle, you can put in at NC 4/48, which gives paddlers a 10.4 mile paddle to N.C. 301. Also note there is an old mill dam that you will have to portage, on the righthand side near Beallmany Mill Road. 

Special thanks to our site sponsors, Franklinton Center at Bricks School.