Whether you have one hour or several weeks, the Perquimans River and its tributaries offer a delightful adventure to flat water paddlers and small boaters. The Perquimans is a “lazy, liquid ribbon” that winds from one end of the county to the other. Its tranquil waters offer a unique experience in paddling trails (Perquimans County Trailblazers) the year round. Red maples, black gum, and cypress trees covered in Spanish moss line the shores. Small family farms are nestled along the riverbanks. Each season offers a changing pallet of color. In autumn, the tea-colored water reflects the beauties of fall through a tapestry of fallen leaves on the water´s surface. The bare trees of winter bring a glimpse of wildlife: deer, beaver, muskrat, otters, nutria, mink, squirrels, rabbits and even an occasional black bear. Spring is glorious, with its promise of new growth and wildflowers. Birds, such as the 
prothonotary warbler and the great crested flycatcher, can be easily seen and heard due to nesting activities and musical song along the more than 15 miles of official birding trails. Each spring herring and shad swim in from the sea and lay their eggs in tranquil river pools, which also provide a permanent home to white and yellow perch, catfish, flounder, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Turtles are also very common, especially the Eastern painted turtle, yellow bellied sliders and common snapping turtles. Whatever the time of year, the Perquimans River is a delight, beckoning you to come and explore.