The 90-foot cliffs of Cliffs of the Neuse State Park rise above the Neuse River. The park is in Wayne County, 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro. The river and the elevation give the landscape here its distinctive contours.
On Foot and on the Water
For exploring on foot, Old Waynesborough Park offers more than four miles of hiking trails across an area of over 150 acres. Those who would rather get out on the water can launch kayaks and canoes from there onto the Neuse River and Little River. Hiking trails and several river access points thus feature among the different ways to enjoy nature in Wayne.
There are also paddling opportunities at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, on the Neuse River and the park's swimming lake. Only private watercraft are allowed on the river, while only rental boats are permitted on the lake. Water access and rental terms can change seasonally, so check these details before heading out.
One specific option on the Neuse River is the eight-mile, moderately difficult route through the state park. It runs from the access point at Broadhurst Bridge to the NCWRC access point in Seven Springs and is recommended only for experienced paddlers. Check river conditions before setting out, too. Its length, difficulty rating and recommendation clearly make this a trip for experienced paddlers, not a general paddling option.
Places and Perspectives on History
Waynesborough was the first county seat of Wayne County and was incorporated in 1787. The Wayne County Museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying the county's historical knowledge and artifacts. Together, its early administrative history and the museum's work offer two different ways into the county's past: a specific connection to political history and a collection of knowledge and objects.
The Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield is primarily designed for self-guided walking tours. The Governor Charles B. Aycock Birthplace commemorates Aycock's legacy as a supporter of education as well as his role as a segregationist and driving force behind the disenfranchisement of Black residents of North Carolina. This portrayal keeps different aspects of his legacy in view.
Pickle Tradition and Local Cuisine
The North Carolina Pickle Festival takes place every April in Mount Olive. The Cuke Patch 5K is a long-standing festival tradition, and up to 20 participants take part in the Pickle Eating Contest. Both a race and a pickle-eating contest are thus part of the festival program.
The Mt. Olive Pickle Parlor brings together tastings and company history. Pickle tastings are offered daily at the pickle bar. The exhibit features artifacts, images, and highlights from the history of the company's employees, shareholders and events. The history room includes a 14-minute, award-winning company tour video in a simulated pickle barrel, as well as a company history timeline.
Wilber's Barbecue in Wayne County offers another facet of the food culture: whole hogs are cooked over hardwood charcoal in open pits. Pickle tastings, festival contests and this cooking method each offer a different focus, without any one dish having to represent the whole region.
Discover more destinations: Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Orange, Pitt, Madison County, Pender, Lenoir, Rutherford County.
For the main travel overview: North Carolina.
