New Yadkin Riverkeeper and State Trail Coordinator Set Sail on Long Paddle
On August 1, Nicole Eastman, the newly appointed Yadkin Riverkeeper, and Ward Swann, Yadkin River State Trail Coordinator, will embark on a inaugural journey: a 192-mile, 14-day "Long Paddle" down the Yadkin River. This expedition will traverse almost the entire length of the river, beginning in Happy Valley and concluding at the confluence with the Uwharrie River at Lake Tillery and Morrow Mountain State Park, where the river transitions into the Pee Dee River.
Media Contact: Timothy Hager, thager@fftc.org or 704.973.4570The second segment, from August 15 to 20, will begin at the Highway 64 access and conclude at YRST Mile Marker 0 in Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly County. During their paddle, the Yadkin Riverkeeper staff will briefly pause to attend the Great Trails State Conference from August 10-12 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
The Long Paddle serves a dual purpose: to showcase the recreational opportunities of the Yadkin River State Trail while raising awareness about its ecological significance. Throughout the journey, Eastman and Swann will be joined by several "Long Paddlers," who will contribute to monitoring water quality and documenting the river's stories to share online, thus amplifying the mission of the Yadkin Riverkeeper (YRK).
“Paddling the Yadkin River from Happy Valley to Morrow Mountain State Park is a great opportunity to take inventory of our river and highlight its beauty and importance to the communities along it while noting the threats and opportunities for better protection,” said Nicole Eastman.
The public is invited to join in the adventure on select days by registering on YRK’s website. Special “Meet and Greet” events will also take place during the journey:
August 3, 9:00 AM – Kerr Scott Reservoir Tailrace Access, Wilkesboro, NC
August 4, 11:00 AM – Crater Park, Elkin, NC
August 6, 10:00 AM – Shoals Access Area, Pilot Mountain State Park, East Bend, NC
August 15, 4 PM – 6 PM – Boone’s Cave Park, Davidson County, NC
August 16, 4:00 PM – Yadkin River Park, York Hill Access Camping Area, Davidson County
August 19, 5:00 PM – Badin Lake Boat Access, Badin, NC
August 20, 1:00 PM – End of Long Paddle Celebration, Morrow Mountain State Park Boat Ramp, Stanly County
Swann added, “The Yadkin River has enormous, unrealized recreation potential. Not only is it some of the best paddling and smallmouth fishing in the state, but also it's the easiest way to have a nature-based experience and see wildlife without having to travel days to get to it.”
The Long Paddle pays homage to the historic voyage of Dr. Douglas Rights, who journeyed the Yadkin in 1925, documenting his experiences in the book “A Voyage Down the Yadkin-Great Peedee.” This tradition continues to inspire modern advocates for the river’s protection and health.
Yadkin Riverkeeper is actively seeking donations and sponsorships to support the Long Paddle initiative. Those interested in contributing can do so on YRK's website.
In the words of Eastman, “Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of clean water and bring attention to all the Yadkin River has to offer.”
