Williamston Access

The Williamston access site offers two public boat ramps providing entry to the Roanoke River, a major waterway flowing 377 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. Located at 744 River Road in Williamston, Martin County, this is one of several launch points along the river and serves as an excellent starting point for paddlers exploring the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge. Parking is free and plentiful, with additional spaces available across the street, making it convenient for day trips and longer expeditions.

The Roanoke River at Williamston is a substantial stream characterized by significant flow (averaging nearly 9,700 cubic feet per second) and moderate velocity. Paddlers should be prepared for a major river environment with a gentle average gradient of 3.2 feet per mile. This section is popular for canoe and kayak trips, particularly the run from Williamston downstream to Jamesville. The nearby Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge protects extensive bottomland hardwood forests and swamps that are best explored by boat, offering scenic paddling through pristine wetland habitat.