Canoe launch at Moores Creek National Battlefield

It is possible to launch a canoe, kayak, or other hand-paddled watercraft into Moores Creek from within Moores Creek National Battlefield. At the far end of the parking lot for Patriots Hall and the Patriots Hall Picnic Area is a trail that leads to a spot on the creek bank suitable for launching a boat. It is perhaps 50 yards or so from the parking lot to the water.

Trail to the canoe launch at Moores Creek National Battlefield

The trail continues past the canoe launch, but I don’t know how far it goes or where it leads to. I did see two young men with fishing poles on the trail when I arrived, and they soon disappeared from sight. Fishing is allowed along Moores Creek near the picnic area. No license is required from the National Park Service, but you do need the proper North Carolina fishing license, and state fishing laws apply.

Moores Creek runs for 22 miles starting at the northern end of Pender County and ending at the Black River. It is narrow and thus prone to having downed trees block the waterway, so expect a few portages around fallen objects during your paddling trip. A park Ranger told me that heading downstream to the Black River, a five-mile journey, is more likely to have less obstacles than paddling upstream, as the creek gets wider as it nears the river. Moores Creek is a tidal creek, so it will be affected somewhat by the tides.

Canoe launch at Moores Creek National Battlefield

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