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North Carolina
25

North Carolina State Parks

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USA Parks
North Carolina
Heartland - Central Region
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
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Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Pine cone © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Dried out pine cone along the trails
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park River © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Plant life © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Plant life along the trails
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Fencing © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
2016 Centennial Swimming area.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
This is taken on the newest trail on the back side of lake showing the boat house. February 21, 2016
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Trees growing inside of old stump.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Neuse River © Christopher Bonar
Partial view of Neuse River from State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Neuse River stream © Christopher Bonar
Feeder stream for Neuse River. Picture taken from one of the 4 accessible trails.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Neuse River © Christopher Bonar
Partial view of Neuse River from State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Neuse River © Christopher Bonar
Partial view of Neuse River from State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Neuse River © Christopher Bonar
Partial view of Neuse River from State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Neuse River © Christopher Bonar
Partial view of Neuse River from State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Neuse River © Christopher Bonar
Partial view of Neuse River from State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Eagle © Liz Jackson
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Jeffery Forney
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Jeffery Forney
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The cliffs at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, North Carolina
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steps along the Spanish Moss Trail in Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, North Carolina
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park © Mr Poortom / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tree roots along the Neuse River.At Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Wayne County, North Carolina.
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CLIFFS OF THE NEUSE STATE PARK
CLIFFS OF THE NEUSE STATE PARK
345-A Park Entrance Road
Seven Springs, North Carolina   28578

Phone: 919-778-6234
Reservations: 877-722-6762
Email: park email button icon
The Cliffs of Neuse State Park is a natural wonder, boasting impressive sand cliffs overlooking the Neuse River. The 892-acre park offers diverse ecosystems including hardwood forests and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, picnic areas and swimming opportunities at an eleven-acre lake. Its visitor center features exhibits about the geology and history of the area while birdwatchers will appreciate its abundant wildlife.

History of the Area
Located in Seven Springs, North Carolina, the park was established in 1945. It spans over 1,000 acres and features impressive cliffs overlooking the Neuse River.

The area has a rich history dating back to Native American settlements from thousands of years ago. Artifacts found suggest it was once home to indigenous tribes such as Nusiok Indians.

In colonial times, European settlers used this region for farming due its fertile soil along with fishing on the river.

During World War II era 1930s-40s, local citizens lobbied for preservation of these unique geological formations leading to creation of state parks system by NC General Assembly.

It officially became part of North Carolina's State Parks System after being donated by Lionel Weil and family who owned much land around that time period.

Over decades since establishment, the park expanded through additional donations or purchases including areas like Museum Drive Tract added recently in 2016.
Swimming
1. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park offers a designated swimming area in its 11:acre lake.
2. Lifeguards are on duty at specific times during summer months for safety purposes.
3. The park's swim beach is sandy and spacious, perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles between swims.
4. Swimming season typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day with varying hours depending on weather conditions.
5. There is an admission fee to access the swimming area which varies by age group children under three enter free.
6. The bathhouse nearby provides showers and restrooms facilities close to the swim site.
7. Swimming outside marked areas or after lifeguarding hours isn't allowed due to potential hazards like deep water and currents.
Boating
Personal watercraft motorized nor unmotorized may be used in our 11 acre lake. We do however have canoe, kayak, peddle boats and stand-up paddle boards for rent during the summer season.
Fishing
The park offers river fishing, with species like largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Visitors may fish in the river that flows through the park. There is NO FISHING in the lake. A valid license is required.


Location
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is located near Dudley, Goldsboro and Kinston

Picnicking
1. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills for visitors.
2. There are one large, covered picnic shelters available to rent that can accommodate up to 100 people with barbecue grills and drinking water facilities nearby.
3. The park's main picnic area is near the lake swimming area, providing a scenic view while you eat.
4. Picnic spots also offer easy access to hiking trails, fishing areas, and bird:watching locations in the park.


Trails
1. Bird Trail A 0.3-mile short trail, ideal for bird watching with a variety of species to observe.

2. Galax Trail This is a moderate difficulty level trail that spans about 0.6 miles and features beautiful wildflowers.

3. Longleaf Loop An easy-rated looped hiking path stretching over approximately one mile through the park's longleaf pine ecosystem.

4. The Spanish Moss Trail - newly renovated and is now approximately 1.5 miles, this scenic route showcases an array of moss-draped trees along its course.

5. Cliffs Overlook Pathway - Short but steep at only .05 miles leads directly to panoramic views from atop the cliffs overlooking Neuse River.

6. Lake Shoreline Hiking Track - It's around 1.9 miles offering serene lake views throughout your hike.

7. Museum Nature Loop- Approximately quarter-of-a-miles long featuring educational exhibits on local wildlife and vegetation during walk-throughs.

8. Sand Bar Picnic Area Walkway - Roughly three-quarters-of-the-miles leading towards picnic areas by river sand bars perfect for family outings.

9. Campground Spur Route - Half a mile pathway providing access between campgrounds and other trails within Cliffs Of The Neuse State Park.

10. River View Boardwalk - Offers stunning sights across the wide expanse of water while being wheelchair accessible as well.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 100 species spotted, including hawks and waterfowl. Birdwatchers can explore five hiking trails or the riverside for sightings. A checklist is available at the visitor center to help identify different birds.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 20 Autumn did an outstanding job keeping th by NCMartian
park review stars; one to five Campfire and story time
November 9 A really good experience by Phillip W
park review stars; one to five We spent the weekend in the group camping area with our Royal Rangers outposts and had a great time. We were very pleased with the staff, the upkeep and improvements. I personally have been visiting the park for over 30 years and it just keeps getting better.
November 1 This is a Wonderful Great-State Park ! by Jeff and Pam from Wilmington
park review stars; one to five This is a Fantasic small State Park. As with all state parks, it has what you would expect! Decent faciliities, friendly rangers, well marked etc. This was a hidden jewel when we found it in 2004. We camped and had our Thanksgiving here. We had a great time, and have some wonderful memories and pictures. We will be doing it again this year as well !
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Directions
1. Begin by heading east on I:40.
2. Take exit 309 for US:70 E towards Goldsboro/Smithfield.
3. Continue onto US:70 E and stay in the right lane to take the bypass route around Smithfield/Selma/Goldsboro area.
4. Turn right onto NC Highway 111 South.
5. Drive about 9 miles and turn left onto Park Road.

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North Carolina
25

North Carolina State Parks

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