North CarolinaNC Waterfalls

One of three locks on the Cape Fear above Wilmington, and the most upstream, William O. Huske Lock and Dam can be safely ignored without fear of missing something. The only reason I can think that you would enjoy visiting it is if you just happen to be nearby and need a picnic table, or if you are weirdly attracted to river navigational locks.

You can’t see the dam without getting in the water and the whole place is ugly. I do recommend seeing Lock and Dam Number 2 and Number 3 downstream, especially Number 1.

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 a 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.