Neuse from Smithfield to Seven Springs
| River: | Neuse |
| Skill: | Beginner |
| Trip Date: | 11/11/2023 |
Neuse River Nov 2023 compressed 6
Our trip was 76 miles. Day 1 was 16 miles from Smithfield where we put in to the Howell Woods campground. Day 2 was 32 miles to a campground near Old Waynesborough Park. Day 3 was 29 miles past the Cliffs of Neuse River Park to Seven Springs.
We were looking for a challenging 3 day stretch of the River with designated campgrounds for 2 nights. We had paddled the first 29 miles of this trip as a one day paddle back in May 2023. We made the Day 3 segment longer than required so that we could paddle past the Cliffs of Neuse Park.
Smithfield
We put in at Smithfield which is a small charming town in and the county seat of Johnston County, NC. As of the 2010 census, its population was 10,966. Smithfield is home to the Ava Gardner Museum where visitors enjoy the annual Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival, walks along the Buffalo Creek Greenway, and the historic downtown district. The town is located about 30 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh.
We got a late start around 12:30PM which is maybe why I am not smiling in the picture. We had about 4 1/2 hours of daylight to paddle 16 miles to the campground for the first night.
Day 2
We got on the River at 8AM and paddled hard for 32 miles and got to the Day 2 campground just as it was getting dark.
The Wise Landing campground only had a fire ring and a small table but it was all we needed.
Day 3
Paddled 29 miles to Seven Springs