Explore. Learn. Discover.
Welcome to Cape Fear River Adventures: Your ticket to an awe-inspiring journey through Wilmington’s most magical hidden gems. Experience the serenity of the Black River. Hug some of the oldest living trees on planet earth. Kayak among enchanted ancient forests. Immerse yourself in the rare, natural wonders that only an expert guide can show you.
Your adventure is waiting.
Explore. Learn. Discover.
Welcome to Cape Fear River Adventures: Your ticket to an awe-inspiring journey through Wilmington’s most magical hidden gems. Experience the serenity of the Black River. Hug some of the oldest living trees on planet earth. Kayak among enchanted ancient forests. Immerse yourself in the rare, natural wonders that only an expert guide can show you.
Your adventure is waiting.
Discover a magical world
Take a step back in time. Travel into a world of pristine natural beauty that is home to diverse wildlife, breathtaking ancient forests, and some of the oldest living trees on planet earth.
The tours through the Three Sisters Swamp of the Black River target both the local wildlife as well as the rich regional history and ecology. While en route along natural rivers and creeks, visitors can expect to see an abundance of wild natives, including egrets, osprey, blue herons, crabs, fish, and even alligators. The Black River, one of the most remarkable natural areas left in the world, is home to the oldest living trees in eastern North America, and the 5th oldest living things on earth. They rival the beauty and grandeur of the virgin redwood forests of California, to which they are botanically related.
Tour goers can rest assured that a wealth of stunning landscape, local wildlife, and amazing stories of regional history and ecology are in store during your exploration. This is a can’t-miss experience when visiting the Wilmington N.C. area, and should be at the top of every visitor’s bucket list.
visit the ancient ones
Excursions through the Three Sisters Swamp reward adventurers with unparalleled views of the Ancient Bald Cypress trees, the oldest living trees in eastern North America.
years old
Right in the middle of Three Sisters Swamp is a tree called Methuselah, or BLK69 by its official name, which is at least 2,624 years old, making it the oldest tree in eastern North America.
B.C.
Methusela, the oldest living bald cypress, has been thriving since ancient times, and dates back to at least 605 B.C. Scientists believe it isn’t even the oldest tree in the Three Sisters, it’s just one of the few that has a solid core that allows for accurate age analysis.
oldest living things on earth
Taxodium distichum is the oldest wetland tree species, the oldest living trees in eastern North America, and the fifth oldest living thing on earth. Miraculously, these pristine bald cypress trees survived logging because they were not ideal for lumber. Many Black River bald cypress trees are over 1,000 years old, some are over 1,500, and a few exceed 2,000 years in age.
year of discovery
The ancient trees were discovered in 1984 by accident when a University of Arkansas professor bored a hole in one of the trees and extracted a cross-section as part of an effort to learn if climate played a part in tree growth rings. The professor, Dr. David Stahle, went on to become a leading researcher of and advocate for the Ancient Bald Cypress and its surrounding habitat.
visit the ancient ones
Excursions through the Three Sisters Swamp reward adventurers with unparalleled views of the Ancient Bald Cypress trees, the oldest living trees in eastern North America.
years old
Right in the middle of Three Sisters Swamp is a tree called Methuselah, or BLK69 by its official name, which is at least 2,624 years old, making it the oldest tree in eastern North America.
B.C.
Methusela, the oldest living bald cypress, has been thriving since ancient times, and dates back to at least 605 B.C. Scientists believe it isn’t even the oldest tree in the Three Sisters, it’s just one of the few that has a solid core that allows for accurate age analysis.
oldest living things on earth
Taxodium distichum is the oldest wetland tree species, the oldest living trees in eastern North America, and the fifth oldest living thing on earth. Miraculously, these pristine bald cypress trees survived logging because they were not ideal for lumber. Many Black River bald cypress trees are over 1,000 years old, some are over 1,500, and a few exceed 2,000 years in age.
year of discovery
The ancient trees were discovered in 1984 by accident when a University of Arkansas professor bored a hole in one of the trees and extracted a cross-section as part of an effort to learn if climate played a part in tree growth rings. The professor, Dr. David Stahle, went on to become a leading researcher of and advocate for the Ancient Bald Cypress and its surrounding habitat.
visit the ancient ones
Excursions through the Three Sisters Swamp reward adventurers with unparalleled views of the Ancient Bald Cypress trees, the oldest living trees in eastern North America.
years old
Right in the middle of Three Sisters Swamp is a tree called Methuselah, or BLK69 by its official name, which is at least 2,624 years old, making it the oldest tree in eastern North America.
B.C.
Methusela, the oldest living bald cypress, has been thriving since ancient times, and dates back to at least 605 B.C. Scientists believe it isn’t even the oldest tree in the Three Sisters, it’s just one of the few that has a solid core that allows for accurate age analysis.
oldest living things on earth
Taxodium distichum is the oldest wetland tree species, the oldest living trees in eastern North America, and the fifth oldest living thing on earth. Miraculously, these pristine bald cypress trees survived logging because they were not ideal for lumber. Many Black River bald cypress trees are over 1,000 years old, some are over 1,500, and a few exceed 2,000 years in age.
year of discovery
The ancient trees were discovered in 1984 by accident when a University of Arkansas professor bored a hole in one of the trees and extracted a cross-section as part of an effort to learn if climate played a part in tree growth rings. The professor, Dr. David Stahle, went on to become a leading researcher of and advocate for the Ancient Bald Cypress and its surrounding habitat.
meet captain charles robbins
Conservationist. Educator. Wilderness Guide.
Equipped with an authentic sense of place, a passion for the outdoors, and an intimate knowledge of the Cape Fear River’s ecological landscape and history, Captain Robbins leads kayak, canoe, and boating explorations along the Cape Fear River and in the Three Sisters Swamp. His work as a wilderness guide has spanned from the North Rockies to the rivers of the Southeast. Contributing to the research of the world renowned Dr. David W. Stahle, and serving as Chairman of the Board to the Ancient Bald Cypress Consortium, Captain Robbins is committed to studying the Ancient Bald Cypress trees, and to educating others on these marvels of nature that endure for us to observe. He gives talks throughout Southeastern North Carolina, as an expert on the ecological research and discoveries underway in the Black River. As a leader of the Cape Fear River Watch, Captain Robbins is deeply involved in the local conservation efforts to study and preserve our vibrant wildlife habitats. He is passionate about sharing the magic of these waterways with groups of friends, families, kids, school groups, couples, and travelers. Contact Captain Robbins to plan your trip today.
Captain Robbins is an active member of the following research, conservation, and education organizations:
| Cape Fear River Watch | Ancient Bald Cypress Consortium | Conservation Network | Coastal Land Trust | Nature Conservancy | Eagles Island Coalition | North Carolina Partnership | North Carolina Arch Conservation Group |
Captain Robbins is an active member of the following research, conservation, and education organizations:
Cape Fear River Watch
Ancient Bald Cypress Consortium
Conservation Network
Coastal Land Trust
Nature Conservancy
Eagles Island Coalition
North Carolina Partnership
North Carolina Arch Conservation Group
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Come join us on the river
Take a step back in time and explore the ancient wonders of these enchanted waterways
teaching & skill building
Captain Robbins loves sharing his knowledge with classes and school groups, and enjoys creating unique learning experiences for kids of all ages. He is involved with the Boy Scouts of America, and also offers Science Badge opportunities. Although being on the waterway is ideal, he can also come to a place of your choice, or create an outdoor classroom setting for small groups. After school groups or weekend vacationers can also set times for a custom outdoor adventure stock-full of exciting learning and fun activities. A must-do for any families visiting the Wilmington, NC area!
Unique learning experiences and skill building adventures can include:
- Boating
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- Wildlife Recognition
- Conservation
- Why volunteer
- Photography
- Eco systems and how they work
- Boy Scout Badge opportunities
- Stewardship
- Birding
- Local river history
get a closer look
View photos of past adventures
the tree house
Looking for a unique place to stay while you’re in town? Sleep among the trees at the “Robbin’s Nest.”
ready to start your adventure?
Get in touch and start planning your own epic journey today.
910-620-0296
charlesvrobbins@mac.com
Copyright Cape Fear River Adventures 2021. Website design by Within Sight Design Solutions
910-620-0296
charlesvrobbins@mac.com
Cape Fear River Adventures
910-620-0296 ● charlesvrobbins@mac.com
Copyright Cape Fear River Adventures 2023. Website design by Within Sight Design Solutions | Sitemap