A First Day Hike at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park offers first rate views.(Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
A First Day Hike is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. A bike ride is scheduled for 1 p.m.(Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
The cliffs for which Cliffs of the Neuse State Park are named are on the right as the river bends to the left.(Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
Take all the pictures you want while in the park, but please don’t take anything else.(Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
Each trail in Cliffs of the Neuse State Park leads to a place of beauty.(Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
“I’m going to get in shape this year. Seriously. I mean it. I’m going to exercise; I’m going to drop a few pounds.” How many times, at year’s end, have you looked ahead to January 1st and declared that this year would be the year?
Well, on New Year’s Day, you can make good on that promise to yourself, jumpstarting your new active lifestyle by taking part in a guided hike at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, starting at 10 a.m. and lasting until about noon.
Every year throughout North Carolina, many state parks offer First Day Hikes, which are designed to accommodate folks of all ages and physical abilities (waddlers welcome!). These are low-key, family-friendly events (Fido can tag along, provided he’s on a leash) led by knowledgeable rangers or volunteers, who can tell you about the park’s plant and animal life as you walk.
At Cliffs of the Neuse, the hike will begin at the visitor’s center and proceed down Old Wagon Path Trail (an easy, .4-mile walk) to an overlook that gives hikers a spectacular view of the layers of sand, silt and shale that form the 90-foot cliffs overlooking the Neuse River. From there, it’s on to the short 350-Yard Trail, and then back through the picnic area before returning to the starting point at the visitor’s center. Participants are encouraged to hike only to the extent that they feel comfortable, so anyone wishing to shorten the trek is welcome to turn back and return to the visitor’s center at any time. If, however, you complete the entire hike and still have some fuel in your tank, you’re in luck, as a second, two-mile hike around the Lake Trail is also being offered.
If hiking’s not your thing, how about biking? A ranger-led bike ride (following the same trails listed above) is scheduled for 1 p.m. (weather permitting). If you’re interested, show up at the visitor’s center with all the gear you’ll need — most notably a bicycle and helmet — and be ready to roll.
After participating in either of the guided activities, there’s no need to rush home. Feel free to continue to explore other areas of Cliffs of the Neuse on your own — just pick another trail and go for it.
No pre-registration is needed for either activity and no fee is charged. To take part in the hike, be at the visitor’s center, located at 240 Park Entrance Road, Seven Springs, at 10 a.m. The bike ride departs from the visitor’s center at 1 p.m.
For additional information, call 919-778-6234.
