Enjoy fun on the water at this Wendell nature preserve
You don't have to go far to find a fun place to kayak or canoe. Robertson Millpond Preserve offers 85-acres to explore - almost all of it covered by water.
The millpond is located on Buffalo Creek.
The dam was likely built in the 1820s by the Avera family who operated the mill there at the time, according to Wake County Parks and Recreation. In the 1960s, people were able to rent boats for fishing at the millpond. While the dam remains, the mill was torn down in the 1970s and the pond closed.
Wake County purchased the property in 2013 as part of its Open Space Program. The park was reopened in 2015. It is known as the only bald cypress habitat in Wake County.
With just over 1 mile of water to explore, guests should bring their boat of choice, sunscreen, insect repellant and a life vest (which is required). Due to COVID-19 concerns, boats aren't being rented right now so bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard. No motorized boats are allowed.
The pond is 9 feet deep in many spots.
Look for turtles basking in the sunlight on nearby logs and nests of baby birds in the trees. Just follow the buoys as you paddle through the trees and relax and soak up nature.
Know before you go:
Where: 6333 Robertson Pond Road, Wendell
(Note: The dam associated with the preserve is located just north of Robertson Pond Road, also known as State Route 2324.)
Hours: We are in the peak season (until the first weekend in August) so it is open 8 a.m. to sunset Monday through Sunday
Be prepared: There are no restroom facilities or drinking water at the preserve.
What else can you do: Fish from the boardwalk. They also have picnic grounds.
Take a virtual tour online via the Robertson Millpond Preserve website.
