Neuse River in North Carolina

Trip Overview

5 of us set out on Saturday morning around 10:30 on Hwy 64 in Raleigh, NC and headed to Smithfield commons. Stopped at our camp site around 4:00 that afternoon. The water was low due to the drought, but the river is dam feed so we did have enough. We packed in our fire wood and had enough to keep us warm thru the night.

The next morning we packed up and headed down river. Because of the low water, going was slow. Three of the group planned on going the rest of the way that day, while my son and myself planned on camping another night. By the time we got to Hwy 42 in Clayton one of the canoes (fiber glass) had rubbed a major hole. So the 3 that were trying for Smithfield that day called it the day at Clayton while my son and I went on to spend another great night on the river.

I had major back surgery Dec. 22 06 and have come to the conclusion that this has been my last paddle due to the amount of pain. I will always miss this great sport and provide any shuttle services I can for any paddlers in the area. This has been my passion for many years.

Accommodations:

None. We camped on mister PO steads land without any issues.

Outfitting:

2 old towne discovery 158

1 old towne discovery 169

1 old towne discovery 146k
a Feather light fiber glass 14'

Directions:

Hwy 64 in Raleigh to hwy 70 bus. in Smithfield.