The Black River in eastern North Carolina runs wild and deep, daring kayakers to navigate its unspoiled flow. This nearly 70-mile waterway threads through Sampson, Pender, and Bladen counties before it joins the Cape Fear River near Wilmington. What sets this river apart? Its refusal to bend to human hands. It remains one of the few free-running rivers on the East Coast, carrying not only crystal-clear water but also a living archive—the ancient bald cypress trees of Three Sisters Swamp.

These giants aren’t your typical creekside trees. Many stretch back over a millennium, their gnarled roots gripping the swamp with stubborn strength. One tree, officially named BLK69 and colloquially known as Methuselah, has been carbon-dated to at least 364 AD – making it the oldest known tree in eastern America. Scientists suspect older trees lurk deeper along the river, but these ancient guardians show their age in storm-battered, flat-topped crowns and hollowed trunks that speak of centuries surviving unscathed.

Kayaking here isn’t just a paddle downstream; it’s an engagement with a fiercely self-sustained ecosystem where water and wood pulse with life and history. The Black River’s clean, undisturbed waters have earned the designation of Outstanding Resource Waters. This pristine condition supports the trees’ survival, protected further by the Nature Conservancy, which has safeguarded key river tracts since the ancient trees’ discovery two decades ago.

Adventurers face unique challenges on this remote river. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, demanding respect and preparation. The currents push thoughtfully, requiring skill and steady focus to thread among massive trunks and submerged roots. Guided trips by Watersmyth Kayaking in Wilmington or through Sampson County offer a safe and informative way to experience this rare ecosystem.

If you plan your trip right, the Black River offers silence punctuated only by the call of herons and the splash of paddles. Kayaking beneath towering cypress silhouettes, you move through a world that has barely felt a human hand—an encounter with time itself flowing quietly beneath your craft.

To prepare, bring hydrating supplies, suitable footwear for slippery launches, and waterproof containers for essentials. Mornings bring calm waters and softer light, ideal for photography and wildlife watching. But the river reminds you it’s wild, and attentive paddling is key. Respect this ancient forest in the water, and it rewards you with an adventure both humbling and unforgettable.