Cypress of the Shallows
Explore a living art gallery without walls located on Washington County’s Coastline along its northern boundary waters on the Albemarle Sound.
One of the most surprisingly magical things about Bearolina and Plymouth, North Carolina - besides being a charming riverside town tucked quietly beside Highway 64, the bustling, traffic weary route on the way to the Outer Banks of North Carolina - is just off the highway, along easy, smooth waters is a stand of centuries-old bald cypress trees.
They’ve been dubbed the Cypress of the Shallows - a living art museum without walls along the shoreline of the Albemarle Sound.
To get there, it’s easy to put in a canoe or kayak at Mackey’s Marina on Kendrick Creek in Roper, NC. Paddle the soft, smooth water and get lost among the living relics. Knobby knees and twisting trunks from years of weathered living along and in the brackish waters. Each one visually unique. Each one with a history as endearing and inspiring as Plymouth itself. The most infamous cypress is affectionately called the Carmen Miranda Cypress, by local Tom Harrison. And it is dancing, no doubt, a little chica chica boom chic.
Need a guide
Cassandra of Native Girl Kayaking provides tours from Mackey’s Landing that is approximately a 2.5 hour paddle and 3 miles. Recommended for ages 10+. Rentals are also available.
