LUMBER RIVER STATE PARK
Lumber River State Park is a North Carolina state park along the Lumber River in Scotland, Hoke, Robeson and Columbus counties. It covers 13,659 acres along a 115-mile stretch of the Lumber River. Lumber River State Park is located in North Carolina's Coastal Plain.
A canoe trip down the river, a quiet walk along the river's edge or an overnight camping trip in the park provides unique opportunities to see the abundance of wildlife on the river. Look ahead of your canoe to see a great blue heron, belted kingfisher or spotted sandpiper flying low over the dark water. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of a beaver or a river otter.
The Lumber River has a long history of economic significance for the towns that are located along its banks. Deriving its name from the extensive timber harvesting and transporting done in the late 1700s, the river is the primary reason why the towns along its banks were settled.
The Lumber River is the only North Carolina black-water river to earn federal designation as a national wild and scenic river. The upper river was designated as North Carolina's first recreational water trail in 1978. In 1981, it was established as a national canoe trail, and the lower Lumber River was designated as a state canoe trail in 1984. The persistent interest of the Lumber River Basin Committee and other public interest groups contributed to the park's existence. In 1989, the General Assembly established the Lumber River as a natural and scenic river and also as a state park.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, with rentals available at the Princess Ann Access area. There's also an option to bring your own boat as long as it meets safety regulations set by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The river is classified into four sections: Natural, Scenic, Recreational and Community - each offering different experiences ranging from serene paddling through untouched wilderness to navigating past historic structures in local communities.
Anglers can enjoy fishing from the riverbank or a boat. Common catches include largemouth bass, black crappie and catfish. The park also houses several species of sunfish. Fishing is permitted year-round with appropriate licenses.