A small group of us is headed to Merchants Millpond State Park (in Gatesville, NC) the weekend of April 15 and 16.

There's plenty of room for more people. Let me know if you wish to join us.

For those not familiar with Merchants Millpond, its one of the most beautiful paddle trails in eastern NC. Lots of bald cypress trees in the water with moss hanging from them.

We've reserved one of the remote paddle-in sites. Other than a fairly nice pit toilet, you have to carry everything in and out, including water.

i'd love to come, but i'll be in arkansas on the buffalo river during that time. i've been to merchant's millpond before and loved it. have a great trip.

Shawhh -- Please post a trip report on the Buffalo River trip. I had considered doing that in the fall, but opted for Quetico instead. Still want to do the Buffalo some day.

i'll try. i've floated the buffalo before from ponca to buffalo city (approx 126 miles). the buffalo deserves its reputation as one of the premier floats in the country. i highly recommend it.

Will be on the AT. Have fun.

Rlhed -- You too! Will you be ahead of the thru-hikers?