Friends of Merchants Millpond State Park

Friends of Merchants Millpond State Park Support Merchants Millpond State Park. Merchants Millpond State Park is a North Carolina state park in Gates County, North Carolina, in the United States.

Located near Gatesville, in North Carolina's coastal plain, it covers 3,447acre around a 200-year-old, 700acre millpond and Lassiter Swamp. Canoeing is one of the park's major attractions. Alligators live in its large cypress swamps. History Settlement in the Gates County area began in 1660. Residents of early rural communities made a living by farming and lumbering. In the early 18th century, Hun

ters Millpond was built at the head of Bennetts Creek to provide a means of processing and marketing regional produce. Highway construction destroyed this millpond in 1922. But further downstream, Norfleets Millpond, which was built in 1811, thrived. Gristmills, a sawmill, a farm supply store and other enterprises made the area the center of trade in Gates County. Thus, the pond became known as Merchants Millpond. Shortly before World War II operations around the millpond came to a halt and millers sold the land to developers. In the 1960s, A.B. Coleman of Moyock purchased the property and later donated 919acre, including the millpond, to the state. His generous donation led to the establishment of Merchants Millpond State Park in 1973. In the same year, the Nature Conservancy contributed an additional 925acre of woodlands to the park that now encompasses more than 3250acre.

Any of our Facebook friends ever been here before? Not too far from us.
09/07/2026

Any of our Facebook friends ever been here before? Not too far from us.

MEET ME FRIDAY......Today we introduce you to........ No one! Someone let Friday slip up on them this week. Bossman has...
09/04/2026

MEET ME FRIDAY......

Today we introduce you to........ No one! Someone let Friday slip up on them this week. Bossman has everyone working hard. Or maybe it's all the 'team building' going on in the cool Visitor Center? Instead, enjoy this picture of a cooler day at the Millpond taken a few years ago.

We will be back next Friday with another one of our great employees info. .

I went outside and was planning on taking some photos to use on our page. NOPE, not happenin today. It's too da...
09/03/2026

I went outside and was planning on taking some photos to use on our page. NOPE, not happenin today. It's too dang hot out there. It's really cool in our Visitor Center so no need to be out there today. Just don't tell the bossman. Can sitting around talking be considered 'team building'? Not asking for a friend...

Since today is Thursday, decided to go in the archives for a Throwback Thursday. Yall recognize any of these folks from past events held at the Millpond?

09/02/2026

🌿 Habitat Restoration Volunteer Day — This Sunday!
đź“… September 6, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
đź“Ť Merchants Millpond State Park

Join NCWF’s Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC for a rewarding morning of hands-on habitat restoration along the Coleman Trail. We’ll be working together to remove invasive Japanese Stiltgrass, a fast spreading plant that crowds out native understory plants and reduces habitat quality for insects, amphibians, reptiles, and ground nesting wildlife.

Your efforts will directly support the park’s long-term ecological health and help open up the forest understory for beneficial native plants to flourish. No experience needed!

We’d love to have you join us for this meaningful restoration project. Every pair of hands makes a difference!

Register here: https://ncwf.org/event/invasive-stiltgrass-removal-at-merchants-millpond-gatesville/

Yall, it's gonna be hotter than (insert your own phrase here) this week. If you are out on the trails or out for a canoe...
08/31/2026

Yall, it's gonna be hotter than (insert your own phrase here) this week. If you are out on the trails or out for a canoe ride, please make sure you are hydrated.

Stop in our Visitor Center to cool down, check out our exhibits and displays, and use our clean restrooms.

See you at the park!

Call the number on the flier for additional info.
08/30/2026

Call the number on the flier for additional info.

Say hello to our little friend. How many of you know what this is? Without using it's actual name, what would you name i...
08/29/2026

Say hello to our little friend. How many of you know what this is? Without using it's actual name, what would you name it?

MEET ME FRIDAY.....Today we meet Schools in Parks Specialist Stephanie Luedi. Stephanie has been with us for a little o...
08/28/2026

MEET ME FRIDAY.....

Today we meet Schools in Parks Specialist Stephanie Luedi.

Stephanie has been with us for a little over a year and is originally from Polk County. Since her focus at the park is on education you can find her on a typical day either facilitating a requested educational program, scheduling field trip visits or preparing for upcoming programs. Through the Schools in Parks Collaborative, Stephanie works with teachers to develop outdoor learning experiences for their students.

On her days off she enjoys hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking, hanging out at the lake or beach, and spending time with family.

She recently returned from a trip to Switzerland, so she won’t be going on any big trips soon, but says she would love to visit Spain.

When asked for a fun fact, she says she loves salamanders and then gave us a bit of education saying, "NC is home to many salamander species and one of the largest salamanders- the Eastern Hellbender. It can grow up to 16 inches long! Although we do not have Hellbenders at the Millpond, we do have many other unique species. Anytime you want to stop in and chat about salamanders, I got you!"

Asked what her favorite thing about Merchants Millpond was, she stated:
The Millpond is a very special place, so it is quite difficult to narrow down my favorite thing, but as of right now it is getting to see our otter friends. Watching them swim, hunt, and play sure does brighten my day! see if you find her otter friends in the photo!

We THANK YOU Stephanie for all your hard work!

If you are a teacher (or know a teacher) and interested in bringing your class to the Millpond for a field trip, please reach out to her!

Hey Kinston Police Department, how bout a canoe race between our Park Superintendent and your Police Chief? Yall lose- w...
08/27/2026

Hey Kinston Police Department, how bout a canoe race between our Park Superintendent and your Police Chief? Yall lose- we get a World Famous Doughburger, yall win- yall get some Lane Angus Beef. We have faith, Park Superintendent Turner ain't losing no canoe race!

What's up everyone! Anyone have any exciting plans for today? Whether you are visiting us or another State Park- Have fu...
08/26/2026

What's up everyone! Anyone have any exciting plans for today? Whether you are visiting us or another State Park- Have fun!

Address

176 Millpond Road
Gatesville, NC
27938

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+12523571191

Website

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