The three small auxiliary rivers to the west of Roanoke River present some off-the-beaten path cruising opportunities for adventurous skippers. To enter these waters, your vessel must be able to clear several fixed spans with only 16 feet of vertical clearance. As you might expect, all these streams hold the ever-present threat of fishing stakes and partially submerged snags. Because they are so narrow, none of the three streams is recommended for craft over 36 feet in length. Otherwise, depths are consistently 5½ feet or usually much better, and opportunities for sheltered anchorage abound. If you enjoy getting away from it all (and can clear the bridges), these are excellent cruising grounds. The Middle River is, in my opinion, the most interesting of all the Roanoke’s sidewaters. The shores are heavily wooded, undeveloped, and quite lovely indeed.
Depths on Middle River are 7 feet except for its intersection with the Roanoke River, but again, there are many, many fishing stakes to avoid. Don’t even think about trying to cruise this stream after dark! Anchorage opportunities are numerous, and protection is sufficient even for heavy blows. Vessels up to 36 feet should find enough room for a comfortable stay on the hook.
There are more places to drop the hook on Middle River than any cruiser could shake a proverbial stick at. However, simply as a starting point, you might want to check out the waters just southwest of the small charted island that bisects the river. Here, near 35 53.492 North/076 45.171 West, you will discover some 13 feet of water in an idyllic surrounding.

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