Copyright: North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
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Description
- Witness the effects of the forces of erosion which have carved and chiseled cliffs in the west bank of the Neuse River. Here ancient mountain communities meet coastal ones and mountain galax grows on rich slopes overlooking coastal trees draped in Spanish moss. Important geological history is revealed in the visible banks of sedimentation in the cliff side. A curious mixture of plant life also lives in the region of this cliff.
Park Hours: November-February 8 am-6 pm; March, October 8 am - 7 pm; April, May, September 8 am - 8 pm; June-August 8 am - 9 pm. Office hours: 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday. Gates will remain locked, except in emergency situations, when the park is not in operation. Please plan accordingly. The park is closed Christmas Day.
Recreation - The river and its banks are a haven for fishing and canoeing. Family and group camping are popular highlights along with the day-use attractions offering four easy hiking trails and one hundred picnic tables located in the shade of thick pines. There is also a large picnic shelter for large gatherings. Twelve tables and two fireplaces are housed in a covered brick shelter. Free unless reserved. Creative dioramas and audio visuals in the museum depict the geology and natural history of the region. River and stream fishing is permitted along the banks of the Neuse River A ranger is available to help educate visitors on the plant and animal life and other natural features of the park. Nature hikes and Saturday evening illustrated talks are conducted in the park amphitheater during the summer months. A museum is located near the northern end of the cliffs. Creative dioramas and audiovisuals depict the geology and natural history of the area. Contact the park office for information on the pre-colonial history of the area.
Environmental Educational Learning Experience (EELE)--The Cliffs of Time. Grades 6, 7, 8. Introduces students to basic geologic concepts, focusing on the geologic history, fossils, and erosion processes of the upper coastal plain along the Neuse River. Major concepts covered include: geologic time, weathering, erosion, fossils, prehistoric life, land forms and stewardship. A refreshment stand, near the beach area, is open from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer months.
The parking area and pathways to the museum are wheelchair accessible; however, the picnic area, restrooms and overlooks are not. Climate - North Carolina has a temperate climate with mild winters and long fall and spring months. Summers can be hot and humid, especially in the piedmont and coastal plain region, which don't get relief from coastal breezes or higher elevations. The mountains tend to be substantially cooler and receive some winter snow. In the Piedmont Region, winter daytime temperatures normally range from the upper 30's to the upper 40s. Summer daytime temperatures range from the high 70's to the low 90's. The state has a fairly wet climate with an average precipitation for this area averaging 44-52 inches (112-132 centimeters). Location -
Fourteen miles southeast of Goldsboro on NC 111
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