Merchants Millpond State Park

Merchants Millpond State Park is a nature preserve centered on a 760-acre lake surrounded by cypress trees that give the water a distinctive appearance. The grounds feature paddling routes, walking paths, camping spots, and areas for observing wildlife throughout the property.

The park was established in 1973 to protect a millpond that had existed in the landscape for more than 190 years. This long presence of water shows how important such features remained to the area over generations.

The millpond reflects local traditions of water-based industries that shaped the region centuries ago. Walking through the park, you experience how communities once relied on flowing water for their livelihoods.

The park has a main entrance with parking and clearly marked access routes to the water and trails. Arriving early in the day offers better lighting for paddling and a quieter experience on the property.

This is the northernmost place where American alligators naturally live in the wild. Visitors can explore this rare habitat where the reptile population reaches its northern boundary.

Location: Gates County

Inception: 1973

Website: http://ncparks.gov/merchants-millpond-state-park

GPS coordinates: 36.43720,-76.68440

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00