September Paddle - Elwell's Ferry to Lock & Dam #1

CFRW's Monthly Paddle Series continues with an 8 1/2 mile paddle down the river in Bladen County from Elwell's Ferry to Lock & Dam #1.  This will be our longest paddle of the season and may not be a good paddle for beginners. Get a great view of our work at the Lock & Dam at the end of your paddle!

A little back story on the area - Lock and Dam #1 at Kings Bluff on the Cape Fear River was built in 1915 as one of three sets of locks and dams to enable regular commercial boat traffic up the river as far as Fayetteville.  Today the impoundment created by the dam provides fresh water for much of the surrounding area (including New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington. 

Lock & Dam #1 presented a barrier to migratng fish in the Cape Fear, preventing them from reaching their spawning grounds upriver. The construction of Rock Ramp Rapids (RRR) leading up to the face of each dam is a goal of CFRW's fishery restoration initiative and the RRR at Lock & Da #1 have proven to be a success. CFRW will continue to work with our partners to ensure that fish are able navigate over Locks and Dams #2 and #3 as well.

Paddlers can meet at the Cape Fear River Watch headquarters where we will meet to caravan, or meet up with the caravan at the put in location.  We will meet at CFRW headquarters at 7:45 am for an 8:00am departure. Those meeting us at the put in should be there between 8:30am and 8:45am. All paddlers should wear a PFD, however those paddlers using CFRW boats are required to wear a PFD.  Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snack and water shoes if you would like to explore the beaches where oyster shells are present.You are welcome to bring your own kayak and supplies. If you need to rent a boat they are just $15 for the day if you are a CFRW Member. If you would like to rent a boat please contact Kemp at kemp@cfrw.us or call 910-762-5606.  Your boat reservation is not confimred until you have heard from Kemp. Make sure you bring cash or check the day of the paddle!

If you would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here to join online or call Jen at 910-762-5606.  

To help River Watch continue to bring you great programs like our Paddle Series and Educational Seminars, we ask you make a $10 donation either online with your registration or by bringing cash or check to the paddle on Saturday.  THANK YOU!

Check out our paddle route below!