Robertson Millpond Preserve — Attraction in Knightdale

Robertson Millpond Preserve is a new Wake County Park, protecting a historical millpond on Buffaloe Creek, The park is very new, so the only amenities are a parking area, boat dock, and paddle trail. There are no restrooms or drinking water, so plan accordingly. There is a pump with non-potable water to wash off boats. The paddle trail is a loop a little over a mile and marked by numbered buoys. It's not long, but don't expect to race through. The millpond is really scenic and you'll want to stop and admire the views. It's basically a blackwater cypress swamp, common much further east in North Carolina, such as Merchants Millpond or Great Dismal Swamp. But completely unexpected just outside Raleigh in Wake County. Since it's a swamp, I would avoid the area in the summer as I imagine the mosquitoes and insects would be horrible. But in the fall, it's absolutely beautiful. It took my wife and I about 2 hours to paddle just over 2 miles as we stopped so many times to enjoy the views. We ventured off the paddle trail a few times, but don't go too far as it would really easy to get lost in here. Overall, a great place to paddle. Although there are no rentals at the park, you can rent from a local outfitter. And the park is very new, so check their website for updates. The paddle trail is now a full loop, up to...

I just recently started visiting this park even though I moved to a nearby town in 2014. I somehow did not know about this amazing park to go boating at! I purchased an inflatable small boat and went rowing a couple times already. Amazing photography opportunities and just relaxing. You can rent a kayak on Saturdays or if you have your own you can go any day of the week! The pond closes at 7:30. So obviously you need to be off the water by then. I rinsed off my boat, my oars and just had an amazing time. They have life preservers you can use if you don't have your own life jacket. Which I think is such an amazing touch. What an amazing little treasure. I don't think people realize how rare it is to have an area like this, this far inland with all of the cypress gum trees etc. It's like going back in time. Or at least being in Louisiana again, for me!

Highly recommend! Such a...

This is a no frills park at the moment. They do have a boat ramp, no gas engines, and a picnic shelter with two tables. No worries if you do not have a boat as there are rentals available by Paddle Creek, for a reasonable fee and you have to sign a waiver. The rental & waiver signing can be done online at the Paddle Creek website. Currently, there is no building for the staff so they are currently outside under a canopy. All were very nice and informative and answered all of our questions. There was some construction equipment at the park and I assume, as I did not inquire, that it is for the continued work on the park. We definetly plan to return. It was easy to get to and so amazing to have this lovely piece of nature so close...