Merchants Millpond State Park is in Gates County, about 10 miles south of the Virginia border. It centers on a 760-acre millpond more than 190 years old. Hiking the trails or paddling the shallow, calm water is a good way to see the wetland. Old-growth cypress trees draped in Spanish moss create an enchanted forest, especially at Lassiter Swamp, and visitors have even spotted American alligators. Camping and boat rentals are available.