Tar River, River network in eastern North Carolina, United States
The Tar River is a waterway in eastern North Carolina that flows roughly 215 miles from the Virginia border southeastward to the Pamlico Sound. The water appears brown due to natural tannins leached from tree leaves along its course.
The river took its name from the colonial era when the region produced tar and turpentine from pine forests for trade. This early industry made the waterway essential for moving goods to growing port towns downstream.
The river helped establish trading towns like Tarboro, where people moved goods between communities along its banks. These older settlements still reflect their connection to this waterway and its role in regional commerce.
You can enter the river near Greenville and paddle downstream, with equipment rentals available at access points. The brown water color is natural and safe for paddling, so don't let the appearance discourage you.
The river is home to the endangered Tar River Spinymussel, a rare clam found nowhere else on earth. This species makes the waterway a place of ecological importance that many visitors overlook.
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