Don't underestimate the Neuse or pamlico either in heavy conditions. You get very short period steep chop building up and it is really hard to power through it, each wave tends to stop the boat then you don't have enough time to get moving again before the next one. Great for downwind runs but tough beating or powering into it. So the same cautions should apply to that area as well. Heading north out of Adams against a southwest or west very strong wind is a real challenge as the entrance to Adams takes some pretty sharp turns forcing you nose into a steep chop. I've seen a lot of boats get to that point, turn around and drop a hook in the creek and wait until it calms down before heading across to Oriental.
I haven't spent much time along there but the Pamlico River up to Washington likely has the same issues. All these areas are very shallow, with 20 feet being about a max depth.
Regarding the Alligator River, and the canal down to Bellhaven, this is all a wildlife sanctuary and federally protected lands so it is extermely remote. The Towboat US in Bellhaven is the closest assistance and about a 25 mile run to the south end of the alligator river. The anchorage Rich described is a great spot to spend the night, no lights, peace and quiet, just a few bears swimming by once in a while. It is a really beautiful area where I've seen bald eagles, lots of Osprey and all kinds of other wildlife on land.
