Hydeland Canal

The Hydeland Canal boat ramp in Swan Quarter provides public access to the Hydeland Canal and surrounding waterways. The facility features two launching lanes (approximately 14 feet wide each), a courtesy dock, and parking for about 20 boat trailers. This is a free, publicly maintained access point operated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

From the ramp, paddlers can explore approximately 3.7 miles of canal and creek waters (Hydeland Canal and Juniper Bay Creek) before reaching the open waters of Pamlico Sound to the north. The canal itself is generally suitable for paddling with no major obstacles. This location is an excellent starting point for accessing both Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge and Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, making it ideal for kayakers and canoeists interested in coastal marsh paddling and wildlife viewing. Note that restroom facilities are not available at this site.