Partially flooded camping platform along the Tar River in Edgecombe County

The Tar-Pamlico Water Trail survived Hurricane Matthew and the extreme flooding that occurred in it’s aftermath.  There is some minor damage including some steps lost, a picnic table moved into the woods, and screen damage, but in total it could have been much worse.  We do however need your help to repair the damage and prepare for the spring camping season.  In January, we will begin repairs to get the trail back in pristine order.

Platform nearing completion at River Park North, Greenville.

While we did suffer a setback with the storm, our contractor is working hard to complete three platforms in Greenville.  The first, on River Park North, will be completed before the end of the month.  The other two, one at the Phil Carroll Nature Preserve and one on Greenville Utilities Commission property, will begin construction in early 2017.  Our hope is that all three will be completed by March; and ready for the spring season.

There is also more exciting news about the trail!  We have a contract in hand for Recreational Trails Program funds to build three additional platforms.  These three sites will be in Franklinton (Tar River), Whitakers (Fishing Creek), and Tarboro (Tar River).  Our hope is to have these three platforms completed by mid 2018.

One of our biggest concerns with the water trail is access.  To help with this, Sound Rivers submitted an application for grant funding to build three ADA accessible kayak launches in Pitt and Beaufort Counties.  These have also been funded and hope to be installed in 2018.

With all of this excitement surrounding our trail, we hope that you will help by getting involved.  Please contact Matt Butler at matt@soundrivers.org or at 252-946-7211 if you would like to volunteer or lead a group of volunteers in maintenance activities.