The Black River originates in southern Sampson County, North Carolina, approximately 15 miles south of Clinton, where Great Coharie Creek and Six Runs Creek converge at a point near Clear Run. From this confluence, the river flows roughly 50 miles southeastward through Sampson, Bladen, and Pender counties before joining the Cape Fear River approximately 10 miles northwest of Wilmington. This blackwater river system, designated as Outstanding Resource Water by North Carolina in 1994, maintains a distinctive tea-colored appearance from tannins released by decaying vegetation.

The Black River provides exceptional flatwater paddling opportunities across multiple sections spanning from Highway 903 (Lisbon Bridge) downstream to the Highway 210 bridge and beyond. Popular paddling segments include the upper reaches from NC 903 to NC 411 Bridge (approximately 6 miles), continuing through NC 41 Bridge to Ivanhoe Road Wildlife Access (cumulative sections totaling around 14 miles), and extending downstream through Beatty's Bridge to Hunts Bluff Access (an additional 13 miles). The river maintains sufficient water levels year-round, though paddlers should monitor the USGS gauge near Tomahawk, with optimal conditions typically occurring when readings exceed 2.3 feet. Paddling difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly Class I flatwater throughout most sections, with the notable exception of the Three Sisters Swamp area (locally called "the Narrows") between Beatty's Bridge and Hunts Bluff. This mile-long, half-mile-wide braided channel system requires intermediate skills and route-finding abilities as paddlers navigate through narrow passages between ancient bald cypress trees, some exceeding 2,600 years old—making them the oldest known trees in eastern North America.

The river corridor supports remarkable biodiversity including river otters, bobcats, black bears, alligators, numerous waterfowl species, and rare fish such as the Santee chub and broadtail madtom. Bald eagles and ospreys nest along the banks, while prothonotary warblers and yellow-throated vireos inhabit the swamp forests during breeding season. Spring brings spectacular displays of spider lilies blooming for approximately two weeks, and swamp roses appear throughout the growing season.

Major access points include NC 903 Bridge in Sampson County, NC 411 Bridge, NC 41 Bridge, Ivanhoe Road Wildlife Access (managed by NC Wildlife Resources Commission), Beatty's Bridge Road, and Hunts Bluff Access in Bladen/Pender counties. The Nature Conservancy has protected over 17,000 acres as the Black River Preserve since 1989.

Historical significance includes former steamboat navigation routes that operated until the early 20th century, with remnants of old landings like Hedden Bluff still visible. Safety considerations include limited cell phone reception, few emergency access points in remote sections, potential for strainers and downed trees, and tidal influence in lower sections near the Cape Fear confluence.