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Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,963 Google reviews · Running trail in Seven Springs, North Carolina · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyRestrooms

Trail-filled state park set along the Neuse River & offering space for camping, swimming & fishing.

What runners say about Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,963 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 7 mentions

“The camp sites, bathhouses and hiking trails were clean and well kept.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful state park with plenty of easy to moderate level trails and camping with friendly staff.”

Has a lake for swimming with lifeguards, snack bar, restrooms. There was a large amount of big black ants everywhere. If you stopped walking on the trail, they would climb up your shoes. Cool to see the river from up on the cliffs. Lots of walking trails.

★★★★★ — Brittany , Nov 2025

Had a nice time hiking a couple of trails. Good place to bring dogs and very nice scenery. Great shade on trail. Lots of large ants though that had an uncanny ability to wind up on shoes, ankles, and dog paws. More of a nuisance than a problem. Park office is very nice. Little museum inside. Hope to camp in future

★★★★★ — Mark , Jul 2022

My family and I went to this state park for the first time ever today. It felt amazing outside, and everyone we met along the way was incredibly friendly. This park has quite a lot to offer. Camping grounds, programs for kids, a visitors center that also includes an interactive play area for children, fishing, etc.

★★★★★ — Mel , Nov 2025

Cliffs of the Neuse was wonderful! Staff took care of the property with love and pride for the park. The camp sites, bathhouses and hiking trails were clean and well kept. Every staff member we came in contact with from the camp store, swim lake, and janitorial staff greeted us with a smile.

★★★★★ — Jennifer , Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,963 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 13 mentions

“It is somewhat primitive but it has plenty of parking and views of the Neuse River where it goes from Piedmont to Coastal Plains.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“Has a lake for swimming with lifeguards, snack bar, restrooms.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 2 mentions

“Good place to bring dogs and very nice scenery.”

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Plan your run at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitencparks.gov
  • Phone+1 919-778-6234
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–9 pm
Tuesday 7 am–9 pm
Wednesday 7 am–9 pm
Thursday 7 am–9 pm
Friday 7 am–9 pm
Saturday 7 am–9 pm
Sunday 7 am–9 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

240 Park Entrance Rd, Seven Springs, NC 28578

Get directions

Running trails near Seven Springs

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

The Lake Trail

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ShadedScenic

Hiking area that is also suitable for biking, with a restroom.

under a mile away

The Bird Trail

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Natural surfaceScenic

Well-marked hiking area with short trails suitable for families.

under a mile away

Spanish Moss Trail

4 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

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Loop

under a mile away

Berkeley Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 192 reviews

Goldsboro, NC

Lit

Public park featuring baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, a disc golf course, and a playground.

9.7 miles away

9.9 miles away

Stoney Creek Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 236 reviews

Goldsboro, NC

PavedDog-friendly

Recreational area known for its walking trails and disc golf course.

10.4 miles away

All running trails in Seven Springs, NC →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.