Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is located in Seven Springs, NC. The park is named for the 90-foot…read morecliffs that overlook the Neuse River. I first stopped at the Visitor Center. I like visiting these as they are like a little museum in each state park. This visitor center was very interactive and had bright colors with the storyboards. I like that they covered the local ecology, the history of the river and also how we can help make better choices to keep the water safe. In the lobby, there are some taxidermies; you will see a black bear, an owl, a fox and a bobcat that lived in the area. When the fault formed, the water created the cliffs. The cliffs are unique in the layers formed. The white and yellow layers of sand and gravel are remnants of ancient beaches. The Atlantic Ocean once covered the area. Then the dark gray and black layers were made of clay likely deposited by ancient marshes. Between these layers are marine life, seashells, shale, and gravel. These got left behind as the sea levels rose and fell. These formations are 90 feet high and 200 feet underground. Native Americans gathered here, the Tuscarora and Saponi tribes. The river acted as a transportation route and a source of food. They used canoes to go from the coast to the inland forest. The high ground served as a lookout point, allowing them to see anyone approaching. They hunted deer and turkey. The museum has stone tools and other artifacts that were found in the area. During the Civil War, in the Battle of Whitehall (now Seven Springs), the Union soldiers used the higher ground to fight the Confederates. The Confederates were building an ironclad ship (the CSS Neuse). They thought being upriver would keep them safe from the Union ships. They had hoped to retake New Bern with it. The ship survived the battle with only minor damage and was moved to Kinston to have an engine and heavy iron armor added. (The ship can be seen at the CSS Interpretive Museum in Kinston, NC) I liked the phones available for a glimpse into the past from people who were part of the park, and the viewer glasses. The building is air-conditioned, and restrooms are available. There is a small gift shop too. The staff were friendly as they were expecting campers. There is an Overlook for a beautiful view. It is just steps away from the parking lot. The view was stunning. The signs make it easy to find from the visitor center. There are some trails to follow as well if you want to explore more.

The name caught my eye, and despite this being far away from the mountainous part of the state…read morethere are indeed cliffs. The river was at flood stage due to heavy rains throughout the region when I visited, but there was no danger of getting wet at the top of the cliffs. You can pretty much drive right up to where the views are, and this being a NC state park, you can simply motor on in without paying a fee, which is not the case in neighboring states like SC and VA. Trails take one from the cliffs down to the riverside in fairly short order, and there were plenty of interesting sights to see in the short time I spent there, another on my list of sights seen in a fascinatingly diverse state.

Always a great time. Walking around and looking at the whirligigs is one of my kids favorite…read morepastimes times. I encourage you to stay and check out a local eatery as well.

Plenty of free parking, located downtown and there are a few places to grab a bit to eat and enjoy…read morethe park. The park is small but a wonderful sight to see in person. If you're in town this is a must see.

**RV SITE REVIEW** A…read morecouple weeks back me and my dad camped for one night at Goose Creek State Park, and we stayed at RV site #20. This RV site was fantastic. All of the sites were flat (which is what you want), and offered plenty of privacy (The sites were very spacious from one another). All RV sites consist of 30 and 50 amp hookups, as well as a connection to fresh water, and a sewage pipe. The bath house was new and clean. It was modern on the inside, offered hot water (even in 20 degrees), and was well taken care of. The camp host does a great job at taking care of this site. I would highly recommend that you stay/visit Goose Creek when you can. It is a great hidden spot that offers a wide array of trails and activities.

This was a beautiful little park with a small beach and lots of beautiful walking trails. Also pet…read morefriendly.

Again I can say this park is for all humans and beautiful animals. But as of yesterday like I…read morepredicted there was animal attack I don't know the full story yet, but they have a training dog school ppl with big dogs and the trainers are not logical trainers. Dogs need there space not to be in the middle of an active field with small dogs, ppl, children. That's a bad connection. The trainers bring dogs that have no control of their senses to a family park in an open space. Park department should not allow this. My dad trained German shepherd , Doberman and he trained them indoor until they were well trained and obedience. If they continue to get complains the park department may listen. I don't know why they are not investigating yet. I would hate to have find another park for my pup because of safety.

Beautiful clean concrete sidewalks Kids park with swings…read moreWater fountain near park Amphitheater

Nice to have some nature in the city. It has miles of trails and fishing ponds. The ponds are stock…read moreregularly and you do have to buy a fishing permit to fish at the ponds. They also let you camp here but you have to reserve at the park office. The trails can go pretty far along the Tar river. Spring and fall is the best time to come

This is such a beautiful area. With such a wide range of facilities, there's something for everyone…read morehere. It's a shame there's no easy way to get to the park from Greenville other than by car. Building a new bridge across the Tar River to carry bikes and pedestrians could connect the park to the Greenway on the other side, creating a truly grand recreation area.

This passive park is located on the site of the former Lemual Harvey Elementary School that stood…read morehere from 1925 to 1974. I'm not sure what happened to the school but this is now an open space with a gazebo at the center. It's nice for a picnic and would probably be ideal for a festival or farmer's market sort of thing. There is a dedicated parking lot. Watch yourself on the steps as some of them are a little cracked. [Review 15471 overall, 975 of 2021, number 3015 in North Carolina.]

This is my favorite park in onslow county. The huge track around the entire park makes…read morerunning/walking enjoyable. There are plenty of ball fields, basketball courts and even disk golf. The kids play area I think could be a little bigger or offer some updated equipment, but overall a great place to come and enjoy the outdoors.

Nice little park outside of Richlands. Frisbee golf, tennis court basketball volleyball court. Nice…read moretrail to walk. Wish there was a better playground. So many parks in Onslow county have so much more to offer smaller and disabled children.

This small park with a playground is located on a corner of the UNC Lenoir Health Care hospital…read morecampus and has its own dedicated parking lot. The park has a fenced playground with modern equipment that appears in great condition. I like that there is a small fence to limit access and keep the little ones from possibly wandering off. There is also a picnic shelter with picnic tables though no grill. The main attraction here is the walking track that was in good use today with at least a dozen folks doing laps. It alternates days going clockwise and counter-clockwise so that the walking is perhaps a little fresher and less boring. Parts of the track are in the shade and there are some fixed fitness pieces along the way. [Review 15475 overall, 979 of 2021, number 3018 in North Carolina.]

Great playground park with tons of piers & boat ramps. Opens until midnight for fishing per my…read morebrother-in-law. The kiddos loved playing there & seeing all the boats go by. Had view of the bridge crossing over to the mainland. Very nice & safe. Plenty of parking available for the park use, street parking is pay to park option as well if it gets busy

A beautiful waterside park with a fun playground for children, fishing decks, picnic kiosks, and…read morewooden deck walking paths. There is also a separate kayak drop off parking area and kayak drop in area. Can't beat the view or the ocean breeze at this marvelous park on Topsail Island with is also a short walk to Surf City Beach. Park in the free land side lot adjacent to the traffic circle and walk over the high rise bridge to get to the park for an exhilarating experience and light exercise. This is an exceedingly safe park that is rarely packed but always has families at the playground and people fishing from the decks. Birdwatchers will love this park. There is free parking for boaters with a load in ramp that has a bathroom close by. There are several great restaurants and sweets shops within walking distance of this park as well as nearby beach supply and souvenirs shops. Please do not use this park solely for beach parking.

Nice beech. I had no problem finding a parking place since it was February and a Sunday morning at…read morethat. In fact I visited this beech early on a Sunday morning about 10 am. So, I was the only one here. It was cold but the Sun was out. One tip, visit this beach early in the morning between 8 am and 10 am and you will see the glare of the sun shining down on the ocean. It makes for a beautiful breath taking view. However, you have to wait until the Sun goes above the horizon to capture an unexpected, unprecedented spectacle unbelievable view for pictures. The bathrooms are to the left where I parked. They were clean. You also have to watch your speed limit getting here. I saw cops pulling people over for speeding. So, be sure to drive slow.

Plenty of parking and free when it's off-season. Very clean indoor restrooms with one changing…read moreroom. Sheltered picnic area with grills available. Send volleyball, lots of beach during low tide. Trucks drive through the beach, but they have permits. We had a great experience there. People were very polite and respectful. We didn't hear any loud music or smell any cigarette smoke. There is a small wooden platform with an ocean view if you don't want to go into the sand.