Roanoke

One can avoid the long flat water section described and paddle the swiftwater/class I-II rapids near the 95 bridge by using a lower, public access point. The Roanoke Canal trail runs along the river. On River Road, in Roanoke Rapids, there is a parking lot to access the trail (use Google Maps to find it). A short 5 minute walk along the lower trail brings the trail next to the river and an abandoned housing development on the right. Put in here, next to a drain culvert with good eddy service.