If you are looking for a scenic and adventurous destination in North Carolina, you might want to check out the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. This park is located in Seven Springs, Wayne County, about 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro. It features a stunning 90-foot bluff overlooking the Neuse River, as well as hiking trails, biking trails, paddling opportunities, fishing spots, a swimming lake, and camping facilities. We visited this park and had a blast exploring its natural beauty and history. Here are some highlights of the park:
The Cliffs
The main attraction of the park is the Cliffs of the Neuse, a series of cliffs that extend for 600 yards along the south bank of the river. The cliffs are composed of layers of sand, clay, seashells, shale, and gravel that create a rainbow of colors on the face of the cliff. The cliffs were formed millions of years ago when a fault in the earth’s crust shifted and the Neuse River followed it, cutting its course through the sedimentary deposits. The cliffs offer a spectacular view of the river and the surrounding landscape. You can access the cliffs from a short trail that leads to an observation deck. Be careful not to get too close to the edge, as there are no railings or fences.
The Trails
The park has four hiking trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty and length. The longest trail is the Galax Trail, which is 3 miles long and loops around the park. It passes through different habitats, such as longleaf pine restoration areas, hardwood forests, and wetlands. Along the way, you can see various plants and animals, such as eastern fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. The trail also crosses several creeks that were once used to make moonshine and cornmeal by local residents. The other trails are shorter and connect to the Galax Trail. They are the Bird Trail (0.3 miles), the Spanish Moss Trail (0.6 miles), and the Spring Trail (0.2 miles).
The park also has a 3.5-mile bike trail that is open to mountain bikes. The trail is challenging and fun, with twists, turns, hills, and jumps. You can bring your own bike or rent one from the park office for a small fee.
The Lake
The park has an 11-acre lake that offers opportunities for swimming and boating. The lake has a sandy beach with a bathhouse and a concession stand that sells snacks and drinks. You can swim in the designated area from Memorial Day to Labor Day for a small fee. Lifeguards are on duty during this time. You can also rent boats from the park office for a small fee. The park has paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats available. You can enjoy paddling around the lake and admiring the scenery.
The River
The Neuse River is another water feature of the park that you can explore by paddling or fishing. The river is calm and wide in this section, making it suitable for beginners and families. You can launch your own boat from the park’s boat ramp or rent one from a nearby outfitter. You can paddle upstream or downstream and see different views of the cliffs and the wildlife along the riverbanks.
The river is also a popular fishing spot for anglers of all skill levels. You can fish from the shore or from a boat. The river has a variety of fish species, such as largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish. You need a valid North Carolina fishing license to fish in the river.
The Camping
The park has several options for camping if you want to stay overnight or longer. You can choose from tent sites, trailer sites, RV sites with full hookups, camper cabins, or group sites. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Some sites have water and electric hookups. The park also has a dump station and showers for campers’ convenience. You can make reservations online or by phone.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. If you are interested in visiting this park yourself, you can find more information on their website or call their visitor center. This park is definitely worth a visit if you love nature and adventure! 🌲🌊🚴♂️🎣🏕️