A beautiful, shallow pond surrounded by deep woods and featuring bald cypress trees and Spanish moss. There are canoe trails on the pond, hiking trails on the land and if you're brave enough, an adjacent swamp to explore. We will take a 1.25 mile canoe trail to a group camping site with pit toilet and fire ring ONLY. All food, water etc. must be brought in and taken back out.

Schedule

Depart:	7:00 am Saturday	Chapel of the Cross
Arrive	Approximately 11:00	Load canoes and eat bag lunch. Canoe to campsite and set up camp.
Depart campsite	11:00 am Sunday
Leave park	between 1 and 2 pm
Arrive	between 5 and 6 pm	Chapel of the Cross

Personal Equipment

Canoes pack better with duffle type, water proofed bags that can be manipulated, as opposed to hard sided bags or backpacks with external frames. Bring usual camping equipment plus 1 gallon of water per person. There is no swimming in the pond, but extra clothes/shoes in case you get wet would be a good idea. Fishing is allowed under NC Fish and Wildlife rules and regulations (you need to buy a license). Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing. Definately bring large plastic bags to cover everything.

Food

Pack a bag lunch to eat at the parking lot for Saturday. Patrols should plan meals for Sat. dinner, Sunday breakfast and a parking lot lunch on Sunday before leaving for home.

Messages and Emergency Contact

Telephone contact may be tried; call (Mr. Filpus) or 740-4351 (Mr. Hock). Merchants Millpond State Park can be reached at 252-357-1191.

Driving Route