North CarolinaNC Waterfalls

The lower of three locks on Cape Fear River above Wilmington. It’s very similar to Lock and Dam Number 2, but I like this one a little better. The small dam here is built as a fish ladder.

The three locks and dams on Cape Fear River were constructed between 1915 and 1935 to provide a navigable channel for commercial vessels between Wilmington to Fayetteville. The locks were regularly used for many years, but river commerce slowly declined and they are no longer needed for commercial transport. In fact, I don’t believe they are currently operating for any vessels. The locks have been considered for removal for several years, but it’s complicated issue as Number 2 and Number 3 are used as water supply intakes, and there are other concerns involved.

For information about Cape Fear River in general, including a table listing all the waterfalls on the river, visit the River Basins & Rivers page and click on the Cape Fear River Basin tab.