Neuse River in North Carolina

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

I finished work early on Friday, October 5, and decided that despite the threatening rain (we need it in this record-breaking drought!), I'd hit the Neuse for a couple of hours of paddling. I loaded up the canoe in the back of the pickup and headed for the nearest access.

The day was overcast and threatening rain, but it wasn't raining yet when I put in at the Wildlife boating access at Whitetail Landing (just north of the US 117 bridge across the Neuse). The rain began about 5 minutes after I launched, but that was OK because the temperatures were fine for a wet afternoon of paddling.

I paddled upstream about 1 1/3 miles (just beyond the point where some high-tension power lines cross the river) before I turned around. Upstream at the next bend I could see two large strainers (very big trees...one from each bank) have blocked a majority of the river. Being alone, I decided it would not be prudent to attempt the upstream passage between them despite the low water levels. The float back to the access site was slow and leisurely and I spotted herons, ducks, and some nutria during the passage.

I also had what was one of the most thrilling moments of my life during the float back. A hawk (maybe an Osprey, but I'm not sure as the light was not optimal) dove and took a fish from the river not more than 60 feet in front of me. Simply beautiful!

After I got back to the access site, I decided that I had had enough of a rest that some more paddling could be attempted, so I continued to float about 1/3 of a mile downstream to check the confluence of the Neuse Cutoff with the River. Water levels are currently low enough that the part of the cutoff that I could see was not navigable by canoe, but the view up the stream bed with its overarching trees was a sight for which I wish I'd had a working camera! After talking with a couple of fishermen, I paddled back upstream to the access site, loaded up the canoe, and headed home.

Total elapsed time: 2 1/2 hours

Accommodations:

There are several hotels in Goldsboro and multiple access sites to the Neuse within easy driving distance.

Fees:

No fees or permits required at the Wildlife access site. Be sure to park in the access site parking area rather than at the private club.

Directions:

From Goldsboro, take US 117 south toward Mar Mac. About 1/3 mile before the Neuse River bridge, take the old road to the right (there is a "Wildlife" access site sign posted) and turn in at Whitetail Landing (a private club). The access site is next to the club and has a brand new concrete ramp and ample parking. The ramp was just rebuilt in August/September 2007.

Resources:

"Paddling Eastern North Carolina" by Paul Ferguson is a great resource for paddlers in this area.

Additionally, I used the USGS Map labeled "Southwest Goldsboro." The access site is indicated on it.

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location