Black River NC

In contrast with the world's longest river, the Black is short, flat, and almost unknown beyond coastal North Carolina.
Still, some of the trees along the Black River may be older than any found along the Amazon.
The oldest known trees east of the Rocky Mountains can be found on this meandering blackwater stream in the southeastern part of the state: a stand of 1,700-year-old bald cypress. These ancient trees are easily recognized by their huge buttresses and flat tops that have been blown out by countless storms.
The Black River runs a mere 60 miles from its origins in North Carolina's southeastern coastal plain to its union with the Cape Fear River near the Atlantic Ocean. In dry weather, it is often clogged by sandbars.
In recognition of the fact that the Black River is one of the cleanest, high-quality waterways in North Carolina, the state designated the river an Outstanding Resource Water in 1994. The river is home to rare fish species such as the Santee chub and broadtail madtom and numerous rare mussels like the Cape Fear spike. Many wildlife species inhabit the rivers floodplain, including bobcat, river otter, black bear, and neotropical songbirds like the prothonotary warbler and yellow-throated vireo.
The Black River is a treat to canoe throughout the seasons. You will relish drifting down the slow-moving tea-colored stream flanked by stately bald cypress draped with Spanish moss. Swamp roses bloom in the spring and spider lilies grace the water in the summer. Spring is a great time to see migratory songbirds nesting, while the foliage is outstanding in the fall.

"Yes Genger, we will meet at the boatramp in Ivanhoe at 10am Saturday. Unload everything and take the cars to the campground.Hope to start paddling at 11am." Craig

"The Black River trip this past weekend, from Ivanhoe down to the Wildlife ramps near hwy. 53, 21 miles, was outstanding. Perfect weather, great scenery, great potluck dinner Sat. night at Henry's Landing, where we camped. (Camille supplied pork ribs and Ralph brought his mobile cooker.) We saw some cool stuff on the river including a wild turkey flying across in front of us. Craig made it all possible with his organizing ability. Thanks, Craig! Let's do it again in the fall!".....Ginger

"Thanks Craig!!!

That was the best canoe trip I've had in years!Thanks Camille and Ralph! The Ribs were Wonderful!Thanks Emily! The cookies were Fabulous!Thanks Eva! I don't know what that stuff was but it was all good. I especially liked the green slime that goes on the crackers. Thanks Tamas. Chocolate is important!Thanks everybody else! Too much to write it all I had an awesome time! ".....Frank

"will bring pasta salad for saturday night dinner" ..... rich

Hey Craig,

Ralph and I will be bringing ribs for Saturday evening dinner. (Note: If you want wine or beer for Saturday evening bring it with you. You won't find it in any of the quick stops or stores anywhere near.)

Camille

"Hi All, I'm making potato salad and deviled eggs for Saturday's dinner. I'm looking forward to the weekend! See you soon!"......Pam

"I made the Sunday part of the trip which included the paddle through Three Sisters. As with last year, Craig put together a great trip. Thanks again.Here's another vote for the green slime "...Camille

In 1986 scientists from the University of Arkansas found one big cypress that time had not hollowed. Its annual growth rings revealed it to be the oldest tree east of the Rocky Mountains, having taken root some time before 364 A.D.

"For future reference, these are the GPS coordinates for the route we took through the Three Sisters section. Craig it was an outstanding trip! Thanks so much for organizing and leading it. ".

.. Rich

1) N 34 29' 59.5", W 78 14' 43.7"

2) N 34 29' 59.5", W 78 14' 43.6"

3) N 34 29' 54.9", W 78 14' 45.5"

4) N 34 29' 54.1", W 78 14' 43.5"

5) N 34 29' 52.2", W 78 14' 43.5"

6) N 34 29' 50.1", W 78 14' 41.1"

7) N 34 29' 49.0", W 78 14' 37.7"

8) N 34 29' 47.4", W 78 14' 33.0"

9) N 34 29' 44.2", W 78 14' 30.1"

10) N 34 29' 40.9", W 78 14' 27.1"

11) N 34 29' 38.2", W 78 14' 19.9"

Pix: http://picasaweb.google.com/kfmraleigh/BlackRiverNC#