Online Map of Roanoke River State Trail Now Available in National Database

The River Management Society has added the Roanoke River State Trail to the National Rivers Project website, an online map and directory that allows visitors to plan river trips with ease. This national river recreation database now features the trail’s four river sections, 21 access points, and 25 reservable camping platforms nestled in the wilderness of North Carolina’s coastal plain.

Stretching from Roanoke Rapids to Albemarle Sound and into Chowan County, the Roanoke River winds through the largest intact bottomland hardwood forest in the Mid-Atlantic. Stretching 215 miles, it is North Carolina’s longest river and moves more water than any river in the state. Known as “the Amazon of North Carolina,” the river supports over 200 bird species and abundant wildlife, including black bears, river otters, and bobcats.

This addition was made possible through collaboration with Roanoke River Partners, a nonprofit organization that pioneered the development of the paddle trail and continues to promote eco-tourism and conservation along the river corridor.

“We’re thrilled to see the Roanoke River State Trail added to the National Rivers Project,” says Anne Lunsford, Roanoke River Partners’ Trail Coordinator. “This digital tool will help more people discover the beauty, biodiversity, and adventure the Roanoke offers.”

Inclusion on the National Rivers Project site complements existing PDF maps and introduces new visitors to the river through its intuitive search and filter tools. Visitors will find links for detailed information about each section to further assist in trip planning. All data is provided and vetted by river managers so paddlers can plan their adventures with confidence.

Published June 5, 2025

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