News & Events > Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle
The First Annual Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle will take place Saturday, May 14, 2011. Fishing Creek, one of North Carolina’s treasures, winds through pristine forest and showcases one of North Carolina’s hidden assets. A tributary of the Tar River, Fishing Creek has a long history – very long indeed. Shark teeth are often found along the river’s banks reminding everyone that this part of North Carolina was under sea eons ago. Bobby Davis, Enfield town administrator, said, “Fishing Creek thrills the imagination of visitors and residents alike. Equally as diverting as its natural beauty is the history of its people. Indians hunted in unspoiled forest, Colonists traded tar and pitch, soldiers and sailors fought for independence and freedom, and farmers toiling to make a living all represent stories of Fishing Creek.”
An Enfield committee was created to showcase the beauty of Fishing Creek and to bring attention to Enfield’s many paddling, biking, historical homes, and farmland byways opportunities. The Town of Enfield, The Tar River Conservancy, Halifax County Tourism, and the Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle Committee are inviting kayakers and canoers for a morning of adventure and recreation. The paddle will begin at the historic Bellamy’s Mill, where refreshments will be served during registration at 8:00 a.m. Paddlers will then shove off at 9:00 a.m. and float with kayaks and canoes for 2.5 hours eventually disembarking near the CSX railroad crossing and Route 301. The paddlers will then enjoy lunch and receive t-shirts at Jennie’s Beans and Buns Café in downtown Enfield. Musical entertainment will be performed by Chambergrass, with David Schwartz on bass and Kim Terpenning on banjo.
Location: Join us for a scenic 5½-mile paddle along Fishing Creek near Enfield, North Carolina.
Directions: From I-95, take Exit 154 for NC-481 East towards Enfield. Follow NC-481 East 1.7 miles and turn right onto Bellamy Mill Rd. Go 1.8 miles to Bellamy’s Mill, 15370 Bellamy Mill Rd, Whitakers, NC.
Event Schedule – May 14 2011:
- 8:00-8:30 am Sign-in, drop canoes/kayaks, & grab coffee at the historic Bellamy’s Mill
- 8:30-9:00 am Drop vehicles at end point at US Highway 301, Enfield, NC, & ride shuttle back to Bellamy’s Mill
- 9:00-9:30 am Paddlers embark!
- 11:30-12:30 pm Paddlers arrive at US Highway 301 parking area
- 12:30-1:30 pm Lunch & music provided at Jennie’s Beans & Buns Coffee Lounge, 116 N Dennis St, Enfield, NC
Registration Fee: $30 per person, which includes lunch, music and t-shirt!
Canoe Rental: Canoes and kayaks are available for an additional $25/boat. Paddles and
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are included with each rental.
How to register: Complete and mail the Registration Form Here, along with your registration fee no later than Friday, May 6, 2011.
Liability Waivers: Everyone must sign liability waivers the day of the event. A parent/guardian must sign if the participant is under 18 years old. Please let us know if you are member of the American Canoe Association, which is insuring this event.
Questions: Contact Tar River Land Conservancy at (919) 496-5902 or [email protected]