The Cape Fear River is a 191.08-mile-long (307.51-kilometer) [5] blackwater river in east-central North Carolina. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Fear, from which it takes its name. The river is formed at the confluence of the Haw River and the Deep River in …

Apr 3, 2025 · Cape Fear River, river in central and southeastern North Carolina, U.S., formed by the confluence of the Deep and Haw rivers along the boundary between Chatham and Lee counties.

The Cape Fear River system is the largest in North Carolina, encompassing a 9,000-square-mile basin that includes streams flowing within 29 of the state’s 100 counties.

It traverses the North Carolina piedmont and coastal plain to reach the ocean near Cape Fear, the genesis of its name. It provides water to many of the major cities in the state, including Greensboro, Durham, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, and Wilmington.

The Cape Fear River flows through the heart of North Carolina, encompassing a rich history and striking natural beauty. Originating from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the river meanders approximately 202 miles before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Brunswick County.

Explore the beauty of the Cape Fear River, North Carolina’s largest river system! Founded in 1987, Cape Fear Riverboats is downtown Wilmington’s longest continuously running boat tour. We offer a wide range of scenic Cape Fear River cruises that showcase the rich history, natural marvels, and wildlife in the area.

Discover the miles of Cape Fear waterfront on your next Wilmington vacation, and see why North Carolina's largest river lends itself well to Wilmington's easy-going, scenic charm.

The Cape Fear River encompasses 9,164 square miles making it the largest river basin contained entirely within North Carolina. According to the 2010 census, the river basin contains over...

Aug 19, 2024 · The Cape Fear is the only river in North Carolina that was engineered to handle inland navigation via the three sets of lock and dams built along it in the early 20th century.

The Cape Fear River is the basin’s largest tributary and only river in NC to flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Fear River Watch strives to protect and improve the water quality of the Cape Fear Basin and the ecological, economic and cultural resources it provides.