Coming Soon: Maple Cypress, Cool Springs, and Neuse River Day Images
Tour de Neuse
In May of 2009, the Upper and
Lower Neuse Riverkeepersembarked
upon an almost 250 mile journey down the length of the entire NeuseRiver.
This trip, beginning at the headwaters of the Neuse at Falls Lake Dam, took the
Neuse Riverkeepers and friends through rapids, cypress swamps and the Neuse "Bottom Lands" before their completion in Oriental, North Carolina.
During their trip, the
Riverkeepers encouraged river stewardship and informed the public about the
impact of their daily activities on the NeuseRiver.
They also hosted a camp out for several youth, celebrating the recreational
aspect of the River. Paddlers throughout the Neuse Watershed joined the trip,
experiencing the Neuse through the eyes of a RIVERKEEPER®.
Tour de Neuse allowed the
Riverkeepers to see every inch of the NeuseRiver
and enabled them to continue to provide a knowledgeable voice for the River and
the people it serves. Please click through the picture journals to view what
the Riverkeepers found along their journey.
Tour de Neuse Itinerary: EACH DAY COUNTS AS A LEG OF THE TRIP
May 2:(18 mi.) Falls Lake Road to Old Milburnie Road. See the beginnings of the Neuse as it leaves Falls Lake and begins the journey downstream.Join us to kick the Tour off at 9:30 am, Falls Lake Trailrace Entrance May 3:(17 mi.) Old Milburnie Road to NC Highway 42 Bridge. Paddle through the heart of Raleigh, past rock outcroppings and sycamore trees and into Johnston County. May 8: (14 mi.) NC Highway 42 to Smithfield Town Commons. Watch the river transition from the rocky outcrops of the Piedmont region into the sandy land of the low lying coastal plane. Arrive to dinner and music at the Neuse River Family Fun Concert, camping is available. May 9:(12 mi.) Smithfield Town Commons to Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center. Paddle the Neuse “Bottom Lands”, a stretch of undeveloped wilderness. Paddlers may see wild hogs, beavers or otters. Camping is available. May 10:(22 mi) Howell Woods to Ferry Bridge Road. Enjoy the twists and turns of the Neuse “islands” and views of cypress trees.
May 15: (19 mi) Ferry Bridge Road to US 117 in Goldsboro. Paddlers may catch a glimpse of bald eagles as they paddle through the cypress swamps. Camping is available. May 16: (13 mi.) US 117 to Alan Daly Campground. Spot turtles, frogs and beautiful vegetation on this stretch. Camping is available. May 17: (7 mi.) Alan Daly Campground to Seven Springs. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Cliffs of the Neuse, before arriving at a dinner celebration. May 22: (23 mi.) Seven Springs to Kinston Nature Center. This magnificent section of the Neuse will take you through widening waters, teeming with wildlife and areas of almost complete isolation. Camping is available. May 23: (24 mi.) Kinston Nature Center to Maple Cypress Landing. Sandy beaches and a flattening of the landscape will become apparent during this leg of the trip. May 29: (17 mi.) Maple Cypress Landing to Cool Springs Environmental Center. Paddlers may spot an alligator as they paddle past huge cypress and tupelo trees. Camping is available. May 30: Join us for a free paddle into Neuse River Day at Union Point Park in New Bern. Meet us with your canoe or kayak at Glenburnie Park,time TBA May 31st: Flotilla from New Bern to Oriental, check back for additional details
