Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

The Cliffs of the Neuse TRACK Trail is a two-mile-long moderate one-way trail, whose trailhead is located off Park Entrance Road at the park’s Visitor Center. It was opened to the public in June of 2015, and has since become one of Cliffs most popular trails.

This trail winds through a previously unused, forested section of the park and provides a good look at many mature white oaks in addition to a variety of other hardwoods. With a lesser number of loblolly and longleaf pines featured, hikers who look closely may glimpse historic remnants of dead longleaf stumps that were used in the Naval Stores industry between 1750 and 1875. Hikers should expect to see white-tailed deer along this trail in the fall during the peak of the hard mast (acorn) drop.

To return to the Visitor’s Center, hikers follow the main path up into the swim lake parking lot and continue on, or beside, the pavement back to the Visitor Center.

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, with its impressive cliffs overlooking the Neuse River, has been a landmark for centuries. Five hiking trails explore the riverside habitats and their mature forests and lead to some quiet fishing spots along the waterway. A favorite facility for the local communities is an 11-acre swimming lake with a bathhouse, grass-covered lawn, sandy beach and diving platform with rental boats available. Expansive picnic grounds are nearby. The park has group campsites and a 35-site family campground. A visitor center offers museum-quality exhibits that explore the natural and cultural history of the region, complementing regular interpretive programs.

Track an adventure here

Collectible Sticker for Cliffs of the Neuse

Location Details

Recreational Features: Canoe / Kayak, Camping, Picnic Tables, Fishing

Amenities: Restrooms, Visitor Center, Food Service

ADA Compliant: No

Seasonality: Open all year

Adventures for Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Track Adventure

e-Adventure

Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:

Moderate

Trail length:

2.00

The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.

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Track Adventure

e-Adventure

Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:

Moderate

Trail length:

2.00

The Nature's Hide & Seek brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover common things that are often overlooked in nature. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature.

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Track Adventure

Hiking

Types of Trees

Difficulty:

Moderate

Trail length:

2.00

It’s easy to get confused with the various types of trees that can be found in the forest. Use this guide to identify and learn about a few of the common types of trees in the area.

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Track Adventure

Hiking

Animal Tracks and Traces

Difficulty:

Moderate

Trail length:

2.00

Every animal leaves "Tracks and Traces" of its presence when they pass through an area. From footprints, to scat (poop), to other traces like food scraps, animals leave clues of their presence everywhere. The "Tracks and Traces" brochure was designed to help you identify the various tracks and traces animals leave behind.

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