Holly Shelter

Holly Shelter is a boat ramp access point on the Northeast Cape Fear River in Rocky Point, Pender County. The Northeast Cape Fear River is a large river system with a stream order of 6, draining 1,703 square miles and averaging over 2,200 cubic feet per second of flow. This section of river features a moderate gradient of 1.1 feet per mile and an average current velocity of 2.2 feet per second, making it suitable for various watercraft including kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. The river elevation in this area ranges from 0.5 to 44 meters, providing diverse paddling and boating conditions.

Paddlers and boaters using Holly Shelter should be prepared for moving water typical of a large river system. The moderate current and flow volume suggest this is best suited for paddlers with intermediate skills and boat operators comfortable with river conditions. The access point provides launch capability for exploring the Northeast Cape Fear River corridor, which is known for its scenic bottomland hardwood forests and wildlife habitat. The river extends 162 miles downstream to its mouth, offering numerous paddling opportunities for those seeking longer expeditions.