Cliffs of the Neuse park to hold centennial celebration
By Joey Pitchford
Published in News on March 22, 2016 1:46 PM
Outdoor lovers are expected to flock to the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park on Saturday, when the park holds its centennial celebration. Featuring a variety of events and attractions, the celebration will run from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The celebration is built around three main events.
The first is a guided paddle trip, in which guests will travel 8 miles down the Neuse River with a park ranger and view the cliffs which give the park its name. Participants will be shuttled to the starting point at 9 a.m., and will pause around noon for lunch before continuing on to Seven Springs.
Pre-registration is required for this event, and all six park canoes are currently spoken for. If you have your own canoe or kayak, you are welcome to bring it.
The next event is a 4-mile "Fun Run" which leaves from the Visitor Center at 10 a.m. This run is a figure-eight, which mainly traverses the Longleaf and Lake trails, the park's newest. Those who complete the run will be given a certificate of achievement.
Also beginning at 10 and running through 1 p.m. will be a series of guided interpretive hikes. Led by a park ranger, guests will learn about the park's Longleaf Pine restoration project as well as have the chance to ask questions about the park.
The celebration will also feature local artists and sculptors as well as a barbecue concession stand.
Park Ranger Autumn Kahl said that the multitude of events will make it enjoyable for many groups of people.
"People who don't know what's going on out here can come out and experience it," Ms. Kale said. "They get a wide variety of events to check out."
For those planning on making a day of the celebration, camping space is still available. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 919-778-6234.