Old Sparta

Old Sparta is a boat ramp access point on the Tar River in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. The Tar River is a large river system with a stream order of 7, spanning 198 miles with a total elevation drop of 614 feet. At this location, the river has an average flow of 3,077 cubic feet per second and an average velocity of 2.42 feet per second, indicating moderate current conditions typical of a mid-sized river in its lower reaches. The river drains a watershed of 2,903 square miles and maintains an average gradient of 3.1 feet per mile.

Boaters using Old Sparta should be prepared for the characteristics of a large river environment. The Tar River supports various recreational activities and has sufficient water volume and flow for motorboats, canoes, and kayaks. Given the river's size and average current velocity, paddlers should have at least intermediate skills to safely navigate the waterway. The location is approximately 236 miles upstream from the river mouth, placing it in a productive section of the river system. Anglers, paddlers, and recreational boaters will find the Tar River offers varied opportunities depending on seasonal water levels and conditions.