I recently stopped by the Robertson Millpond Preserve in Wendell and I’m super excited to share all about it! Who knew we had such an awesome kayaking trail right in our backyard!?
I’ve got to be honest, I only stopped there because of the Junior Naturalist program. I regularly drive past the road leading to the millpond because my parents live in Wendell, but I had no idea it was there!
What’s so great about it?
I have to be honest again. The preserve is actually a bald cypress blackwater swamp habitat. “Why in the world would I want to visit a swamp”, you ask?
Well, this swamp has a smooth 1.15 mile kayak paddling trail clearly labeled with numbered buoys that loops from start to finish. There’s a dock right at the parking lot where you can slide your kayak in the water and then when you’re done with the trail you are right back where you started! There’s also a small picnic shelter and a water hose to spray everything off right at the dock when you’re done!
From Mother’s day to the first weekend in August the preserve is open daily from 8am-8:30pm. After that, the preserve will only be open on Saturday and Sunday at the same times.
Keep in mind there is no regular staff, drinking water, or bathroom facility onsite, but there was a lot of construction going on when we visited so I’m not sure what might be coming in the future. Although they might have just been adding additional parking or boardwalks.
Can I rent a kayak?
Unfortunately, Paddle Creek used to rent kayaks for $25 an hour, but they have since closed. We’ll let you know if another rental company takes their place after the pandemic.
Anything else to do there other than kayaking?
If you’re up for a land adventure, the park is also home to a historic home and grist mill. You’ll also see lots of interesting wildlife and coastal plain plants since you are within a swamp habitat.
I didn’t actually take the kayaking trail while I was there because, well, toddlers. But, I think it would be an awesome date for hubby and I to paddle the trail together, or maybe older kids who wouldn’t try to throw themselves from the kayak would enjoy it too!
Pros
- calm water
- kayaking trail loops from start to finish
- picnic shelter
- kayak rentals
- historic site
- swamp habitat and wildlife
Cons
- no bathroom facilities
- limited access hours
- no drinking water
- no staff onsite
- not much for younger kids to do