News

We’re spotlighting our Swim Guide sites this summer, so you can get more info on the places we sample, and maybe find a new place to explore! For more information about Swim Guide, visit http://soundrivers.org/swimguide, or text SWIM to 33222!

Yankee Hall Road, Tar River

Yankee Hall Road is a private property owned by JP Davenport and Son Store and is a popular put in/take out location on the Tar River in Greenville. The boat launch requires a permit for use and is located at the end of Yankee Hall Road. This site is surrounded by lots of tree cover and also a great option for fishing due to the shade and quiet setting. So far this summer, the Yankee Hall Road site has passed the E. coli tests each week! We definitely recommend recreating at this site if you have a permit. – Amelia

Glenburnie Park, Neuse River

This beautiful 51-acre park is situated along the Neuse River. Its amenities include four picnic areas with tables, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, a playground, restrooms, nature trails, a dog park, and an 18-hole frisbee golf course. It is a popular spot for visitors and locals to enjoy a day by the water. Swim Guide testing at this site has never exceeded the fecal coliform standard set by North Carolina. – Cait

Hickory Hill Boat Ramp, Falls Lake

Another popular boating spot for residents in the Triangle area, Hickory Hill Boat Ramp provides quick and easy access to Falls Lake. On a cloudy day when the area is less populated, you can see different species of wildlife such as the Heron taking flight in this picture I took when approaching the ramp last week. Fishermen enjoy this recreational site daily as well. Located a few minutes from I-85, visitors can reach the boat ramp by taking Redwood Road from the highway exit to the Hickory Hill access. In 2019, Hickory Hill passed the water quality standards every week during the Swim Guide season. This year, Hickory Hill passed 3 out of the 4 weeks we sampled. This site failed to meet the water quality standards Memorial Day weekend. – Nicole