Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is located in Seven Springs, NC. The park is named for the 90-foot…read morecliffs that overlook the Neuse River. I first stopped at the Visitor Center. I like visiting these as they are like a little museum in each state park. This visitor center was very interactive and had bright colors with the storyboards. I like that they covered the local ecology, the history of the river and also how we can help make better choices to keep the water safe. In the lobby, there are some taxidermies; you will see a black bear, an owl, a fox and a bobcat that lived in the area. When the fault formed, the water created the cliffs. The cliffs are unique in the layers formed. The white and yellow layers of sand and gravel are remnants of ancient beaches. The Atlantic Ocean once covered the area. Then the dark gray and black layers were made of clay likely deposited by ancient marshes. Between these layers are marine life, seashells, shale, and gravel. These got left behind as the sea levels rose and fell. These formations are 90 feet high and 200 feet underground. Native Americans gathered here, the Tuscarora and Saponi tribes. The river acted as a transportation route and a source of food. They used canoes to go from the coast to the inland forest. The high ground served as a lookout point, allowing them to see anyone approaching. They hunted deer and turkey. The museum has stone tools and other artifacts that were found in the area. During the Civil War, in the Battle of Whitehall (now Seven Springs), the Union soldiers used the higher ground to fight the Confederates. The Confederates were building an ironclad ship (the CSS Neuse). They thought being upriver would keep them safe from the Union ships. They had hoped to retake New Bern with it. The ship survived the battle with only minor damage and was moved to Kinston to have an engine and heavy iron armor added. (The ship can be seen at the CSS Interpretive Museum in Kinston, NC) I liked the phones available for a glimpse into the past from people who were part of the park, and the viewer glasses. The building is air-conditioned, and restrooms are available. There is a small gift shop too. The staff were friendly as they were expecting campers. There is an Overlook for a beautiful view. It is just steps away from the parking lot. The view was stunning. The signs make it easy to find from the visitor center. There are some trails to follow as well if you want to explore more.

The name caught my eye, and despite this being far away from the mountainous part of the state…read morethere are indeed cliffs. The river was at flood stage due to heavy rains throughout the region when I visited, but there was no danger of getting wet at the top of the cliffs. You can pretty much drive right up to where the views are, and this being a NC state park, you can simply motor on in without paying a fee, which is not the case in neighboring states like SC and VA. Trails take one from the cliffs down to the riverside in fairly short order, and there were plenty of interesting sights to see in the short time I spent there, another on my list of sights seen in a fascinatingly diverse state.

Again I can say this park is for all humans and beautiful animals. But as of yesterday like I…read morepredicted there was animal attack I don't know the full story yet, but they have a training dog school ppl with big dogs and the trainers are not logical trainers. Dogs need there space not to be in the middle of an active field with small dogs, ppl, children. That's a bad connection. The trainers bring dogs that have no control of their senses to a family park in an open space. Park department should not allow this. My dad trained German shepherd , Doberman and he trained them indoor until they were well trained and obedience. If they continue to get complains the park department may listen. I don't know why they are not investigating yet. I would hate to have find another park for my pup because of safety.

Beautiful clean concrete sidewalks Kids park with swings…read moreWater fountain near park Amphitheater

This is my favorite park in onslow county. The huge track around the entire park makes…read morerunning/walking enjoyable. There are plenty of ball fields, basketball courts and even disk golf. The kids play area I think could be a little bigger or offer some updated equipment, but overall a great place to come and enjoy the outdoors.

Nice little park outside of Richlands. Frisbee golf, tennis court basketball volleyball court. Nice…read moretrail to walk. Wish there was a better playground. So many parks in Onslow county have so much more to offer smaller and disabled children.

Located along the New River and with a great view, Kerr Street Park has a baseball/softball field…read morethat is in good condition, basketball courts, playground, and tennis courts. The recreation center (closed because of COVID) has a large meeting room that can seat up to 40 and is reservable and rentable from the city. Lots of open space here and very refreshing to sit at one of the benches overlooking the water. Some folks were here fishing, too! [Review 15508 overall, 1012 of 2021, number 3050 in North Carolina.]

Phillips Park is more than a neighborhood park as it is a bit larger than usual. It stands at a…read morebend in the New River and offers some waterside view which is quite nice. Of course, you need to be on the lookout for wildlife. The park includes a medium sized picnic shelter that has charcoal grills. Nearby is playground equipment, an outdoor basketball court, and a multipurpose field. The park is accessed through the parking lot for what looks like a liquor store. There is plenty of parking, some of which is in the shade. [Review 15516 overall, 1020 of 2021, number 3058 in North Carolina.]

Decided to stop and sit to eat my lunch as it's a beautiful day out and was happy to see no trash…read morepicnic area clean kids playing on equipment having a great time nice open field for them to run around as well.

Great park to fish or just walk about with ur dog. Just remember there's alligators watching…read more. nice park must visit ..

This modern park is located in a corner of Jacksonville and does have a number of other parks…read morewithin a few blocks. But this one is the nicest. Clean, smooth walking path with a neat bridge over the creek. A beautiful picnic shelter with grill. And a lovely playground frame that includes slides and climbing areas. This is a very nice park. Do be aware of wildlife as there is a lot of low bushes where things can hang out. And please pick up after your dog. There could be more parking which would make this park perfect. [Review 15510 overall, 1014 of 2021, number 3052 in North Carolina.]

This linear park is the center strip where the rails used to be, between Railroad Street and L.P…read more Willingham Parkway. It is a passive park, currently fenced off for repair and replanting of the grass that looks like it's a little torn up from too much use. The park seems like it would be ideal as a farmers market or art show area. The top of the park is the main draw, the original Jacksonville train station since rebuilt and restored to its original exterior. The building was closed so I don't know what the interior looks like. There is also a small caboose rail car next to the station for maximum photographical awesomeness. The back end of the building has a small covered stage. [Review 15506 overall, 1010 of 2021, number 3048 in North Carolina.]

I decided to bring my kiddos to the park so they could enjoy jacksonville winterfest for the first…read moretime. We have lived here for over a decade, but yet this was our first time coming. My kids loved watching Santa ride in on his Harley. The man playing Santa was courteous and didn't feel like they rushed the kids in and out like an assembly line. Or herding cattle. Didn't feel like that at all. The lines were crazy long. Just means so many of our local neighbors got to enjoy the fun festivities out city put on for its people. The "snow" could definitely be improved, but this is coming from a former northern who lived in the snow.

The landscape was beautiful and the trails were clearly marked. I was there by myself and felt very…read moresafe. If you're ever looking for a nice quiet place to go for a nature hike, this is your spot.

This lovey trail is part of Croatan National Forest. It's free, and there's a small parking lot…read morewith a restroom at the trailhead. I visited on a warm weekday afternoon between Christmas and New Years and saw only a few other folks out on the trail. There's a big loop that's about 1.5 miles, or you could do a shorter loop. The trail is mostly shaded and quite flat, making it an easy stroll and accessible for kids (including strollers) and people who need low intensity hikes; there are many benches along the way. Many parts are wooden bridges out over the marshland; at the right time of day you can see fiddler crabs in the water. (If it's recently rained, don't go at high tide; parts of the trail may be wet or muddy!) You'll find a really nice variety of trees and micro climates- the grasses and small trees in the marsh land are quite different from the hardwood forests and pines just a few feet further inland. This trail would be especially lovely at sunrise or sunset. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Emerald Isle/Swansboro area!

The playground and park for kids is great, however, I was mostly there for the fishing/boat ramp at…read morethe end of NE Creek Park Rd. If you're fishing from the boardwalk or where the picnic tables are...just don't. It's quite shallow, and where it isn't, lie just as many hazards. Logs, rocks, and plenty of old fishing line and weights to lose your rig on. Would probably be a lot better if you rented the kayak and took it out onto the river a ways. Don't know though, as I didn't try it. Lost two lures here. Pretty sad about it. But the experience of the beauty was great.

Has a nice splash pad and frisbee golf. Plus a dock for fishing and launching your kayaks.read more

This place is so beautiful and offers kayaking,canoeing, and paddle boarding. They have a swim area…read morefor families in the summer time open too. Nice campgrounds and friendly people! We love going there

Visited my family who were camping there for a few days. When I was a small kid we used to camp…read morethere. You can camp in your tent or RV. Multiple buildings for using the bathroom with a drink machine outside the doors. Multiple piers to walk, 2 play grounds for younger or older children..my son loves both since he was the only one playing out there. Very clean area, & awesome workers!