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North Carolina | Northampton and Halifax counties
Roanoke RiverGaston / Roanoke Rapids Access to Weldon Outtake
A guarded 6-mile Roanoke River State Trail segment from the public Gaston/Roanoke Rapids Access to the Weldon outtake before the Weldon rapids. The state trail, Roanoke River Partners, Dominion Energy, and the direct Roanoke Rapids gauge provide the endpoint, flow-control, and hazard package.
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A short, release-dependent whitewater run with a direct gauge, named public endpoints, and a mandatory take-out before the Weldon rapids.
Access map
Put-in
Gaston / Roanoke Rapids AccessRoanoke River Partners lists Gaston/Roanoke Rapids Access at 36.4826, -77.6443 and the Weldon outtake before the rapids at 36.42986, -77.59113; follow current signs and access-owner instructions rather than relying on map pins alone.
Take-out
Weldon Outtake (prior to rapids)Dominion Energy identifies Gaston as the upstream landing and Weldon as the downstream landing near U.S. 301. Confirm the planned release and generating-unit status immediately before unloading.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Roanoke River Partners lists Gaston/Roanoke Rapids Access at 36.4826, -77.6443 and the Weldon outtake before the rapids at 36.42986, -77.59113; follow current signs and access-owner instructions rather than relying on map pins alone.
- Dominion Energy identifies Gaston as the upstream landing and Weldon as the downstream landing near U.S. 301. Confirm the planned release and generating-unit status immediately before unloading.
Watch for
- release changes
- flood control
- rapidly rising water
- cold water
- strainers and debris
- missed pre-rapids take-out
- access closures
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Roanoke River at Roanoke Rapids, NC. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Roanoke River at Roanoke Rapids, NC |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
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| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 2,000 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Dominion Energy Roanoke River recreational release guidance |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- State-trail corridorRoanoke River State Trail, Roanoke Rapids to Albemarle Sound
North Carolina identifies this as a paddling trail and lists Gaston and Weldon among the designated accesses.
- Endpoint coordinates and mileageGaston/Roanoke Rapids Access to Weldon Outtake, 6 miles
Roanoke River Partners publishes both access coordinates and the 6-mile downstream spacing.
- Release and safety guidanceControlled recreational releases generally 2,000–3,300 cfs when not in flood control
Dominion Energy documents the two landings, release-sensitive conditions, and required whitewater equipment. Paddle Today uses 2,000 cfs only as a conservative minimum screen.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-08-27USGS 02080500; 2,040 cfs and 2.98 ft at 2026-08-27 14:00 local time
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Whitewater reach contextRoanoke NC Route 48 to below U.S. 301 / Weldon
American Whitewater identifies the named Weldon reach and the direct Roanoke Rapids gauge; the stored route ends at the documented pre-rapids outtake.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
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Quick answers
Roanoke River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Gaston / Roanoke Rapids Access to Weldon Outtake route on the Roanoke River?
Paddle Today watches Roanoke River at Roanoke Rapids, NC and uses 2,000 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Gaston / Roanoke Rapids Access to Weldon Outtake route on the Roanoke River start and end?
This route starts at Gaston / Roanoke Rapids Access and ends at Weldon Outtake (prior to rapids), 6 river miles on the water.
Is the Gaston / Roanoke Rapids Access to Weldon Outtake route on the Roanoke River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a hard route. Treat the live score as a planning aid, then confirm conditions, hazards, access, and group skill before launching.
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