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.

Surf City holds a special place in my heart thanks to childhood nostalgia, the site of many a…read morefamily vacation filled with wonderful memories. The original pier and Barnacle Bills were lost to a hurricane, and it's much more developed than it was when I was a kid, but the soul remains.

The pier at Surf City offers way more than just amazing ocean and shore views. The 937 feet pier…read morehosts hunderds of avid fisherman each day. For only $1, I was able to walk the pier and watch several fish being pulled from the ocean. The complex consists of a bait/fishing shop, gift shop and small grill serving breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs and the pier. The staff in the shop are friendly and prices to rent a fishing pole are reasonable, but you need to bring your own gear. It costs only $12 to rent a pole and fish for 24 hours and the pier is open 24/7. I walked out on the pier and was mesmerized watching the people with their poles. I saw a ray and blue pulled in and released. The people were friendly in a Southern charm way. The views from the pier are lovely. I would like to return for sunset photos. The pier has fish cleaning stations and benches to sit. A lot of birds hang out hoping for some fish. Worth a visit if you love the ocean and fishing.

Located along the New River and with a great view, Kerr Street Park has a baseball/softball field…read morethat is in good condition, basketball courts, playground, and tennis courts. The recreation center (closed because of COVID) has a large meeting room that can seat up to 40 and is reservable and rentable from the city. Lots of open space here and very refreshing to sit at one of the benches overlooking the water. Some folks were here fishing, too! [Review 15508 overall, 1012 of 2021, number 3050 in North Carolina.]

This place was popular but not what we were looking for. The pier was very crowded with people…read morefishing. I had to keep my head on a swivel to make sure no hooks were coming my way. The cost to park was 5$ for 40 minutes, max around $30 for the day. There was an ice cream shop but it had closed before we arrived. We like more relaxing places so we will not be back. If you are looking to pack a cooler and fish for the day, off the pier, then it might be for you!

I grew up fishing here and the local area (25 years) I have really really tried to give this pier a…read morechance with the constantly changing rules and management (four times I gave them) and this last one did it for me. I had two eyes break off an old rod, I kept it there with my stuff because I wanted to see what happened (pressure, wear, epoxy failure) and swapped reel to another one from my car. When I was leaving after watching the hoveround gang come and flex their AARP affiliation, I had SIX people come out (they have walkie talkies) and tell me I had too many rods and that though the one was beaten like a dead mule and visibly not usable (missing the top of the darn rod tbh) that I shouldn't do it there again... because I was idk huckleberry finning for crawdads or something... one or two saying it okay; but six. Jesus, I know this is the first time y'all have had power over other people and such but damn... I might be a bit forgetful at my age now but not that quick. If I go back ya'll can hold my rods and bait em for me to make sure I don't upset any rules (as kids are smoking dope and drunk as hell on the pier)....

Awesome fishing trip with Captain Rob. Caught several red and black drum. He knows fish and he…read moreknows the area. Laid back, fun and extremely knowledgeable! You can't go wrong by booking this charter. The best around so look no further!!!

Captain Rob took my family of 5 with three boys, 8,6,and 3 out for what turned into the best half…read moreday of our Emerald Isle vacation. He catered to the needs and dreams of young boys at ever turn, and it was evident he knows the water and channels of the area like the back of his hand. We saw dolphin, hunted shark teeth on a sandbar island, did a little fishing, dropped crb traps, and he taught he kids about all the animal life we encountered including a massive manta ray, and hundreds of fiddler crabs we scooped up for bait. Thanks for filling our day with adventure and delight!!

We had a great morning charter with Captain Roy. Our family group of 6 were lucky enough (with…read moreRoy's expertise) to get 21 bonitos. His driving, baiting, and all-around hustle and good attitude were fantastic and assured a fun and successful trip. We visited from out of town, and would definitely go out with Roy again if we are back.

The captain of the boat was very knowledgeable of his fishing and has amazing prices. Also very…read moreprofessional and called us the night before just like he said he would. 10/10 would go back!

I can't believe I've never been to this park before! It was such a great spot for a walk around the…read morebeautiful lake and to play! The main path (1.3 miles) is paved with additional dirt trails on the sides. The playground is absolutely amazing and my kid loved it. The park was clean and there were lots of people out. The bathrooms were decent and there was picnic tables under shelter. Parking was filling up but it was a sunny day in February so I think people were out enjoying it. They have kayak launches that I'd love to come back to try!

Great.little park to take a trail around and hike. Nice for canoeing or fishing (catch and release…read moreonly) Dogs need to be leashed , and cannot go near park

This is a great place to spend the day with family or friends. They have kayaks and boats to rent…read morefor a few hours or the whole day. There are plenty of fishing space if you dont want to go out in the water. There are bbq grills and brick benches under an overhang that are free to use. So you can bring the family and grill food while they play or fish. If you dont have poles you can also rent them here with tackle equiment.