1 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 Hiking the Neusiok Trail Photo by Becka Walling The Neusiok Trail and Cedar Island MST Segment 17 THE NEUSIOK TRAIL TO CEDAR ISLAND FERRY By Kate Dixon and Jim Grode This special part of the MST includes the Neusiok Trail, the longest hiking path in eastern North Carolina, the North River, small fishing towns that face the Core Sound, and the 14,500 acres of the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Neusiok Trail marked its 45 th birthday in 2016. This trail in the Croatan National Forest was built and is maintained by the Carteret County Wildlife Club with help from the United States Forest Service. The western ( northern) end is at Pine Cliff Recreation Area on the Neuse River, and
Segment 17 2 the trail continues 21 miles to Oyster Point Campground on the Newport River. Between are pine forests and cypress swamps, boot-grabbing bogs and sandy beach, salt marsh and distinctive raised swamps called pocosins. Hikers may encounter black bear, alligator, bald eagles, and several species of poisonous snakes. Boardwalks in many of the boggiest areas, and three primitive camping shelters, make this trail a great backpacking experience. Heading east, hikers cross the North River north of Beaufort, and then head down east, past a string of waterfront communities fronting Core Sound. Hikers are rarely out of sight of bays, estuaries, and wetlands as they hike through Otway, Smyrna, Williston, Davis, and Stacy. The route veers off US 70 onto NC 12 as it nears the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, where the only people on the road are visiting the refuge or heading for the ferry. The refuge sits where the Pamlico and Neuse Rivers empty into the Pamlico Sound. Here vast marshlands stretch toward the horizon, dotted with occasional islands of trees. Two hundred and seventy species of birds, 91 of amphibians and reptiles, and 35 mammals are known to live in the refuge, including breeding black rails, a bird species of special concern. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE 21 miles of the Neusiok Trail, the longest continuous hiking trail in North Carolina s coastal plain The diversity of native plants and wildlife first in the Croatan National Forest and then along the sounds, rivers, marshes, and estuaries of North Carolina s inner banks The welcoming people who live in the small villages down east along the Core Sound
3 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 Total Distance: 69.1 miles (45.6 on paved roads; 4.3 on unpaved roads; 19.2 on trail) Difficulty: Easy on-road sections to moderate on trail Trail Updates When planning your trip using this guide, take a moment to see whether Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Friends) has posted any updates about the trail route by visiting Friends Trail Updates page at www. MountainstoSeaTrail.org/updates. Camping/Lodging Eastbound (EB) Miles 0.0-21.4; Westbound (WB) Miles 47.7-69.1 Neusiok Trail Camping is permitted anywhere on the Neusiok Trail through the Croatan National Forest, except at the Pine Cliff Recreation Area. Designated camping spots are the Copperhead Landing Shelter (EB Mile 3.7; WB Mile 65.4); Dogwood Camp Shelter (EB Mile 10.0; WB Mile 59.1); Blackjack Lodge Shelter (EB Mile 19.0; WB Mile 50.1); and Oyster Point Campground (EB Mile 21.4; WB Mile 47.7). All campsites have water. EB Mile 22.8; WB Mile 46.3 Reece s Chapel Baptist Church, 171 Old Winberry Rd., Newport, 28570. For permission to camp or get water from the spigot on the back of the building, call the church at 252-726-3276. If no one answers, call John Pierce at 252-342-5549. EB Mile 26.7; WB Mile 42.4 Harlowe United Methodist Church, 4261 NC 101, Newport, 28570. To camp or get water from spigot on right side of parking area under a rock cover, call Bert Taylor at 252-241-6815. EB Mile 38.4; WB Mile 30.7 Woodville Baptist Church, 450 US 70, Beaufort, 28516. For permission to camp under the drive-through in inclement weather at night, call Terri McInnis at 252-241-7556. A water spigot is available. EB Mile 40.3; WB Mile 28.8 Otway House Bed & Breakfast, 368 US 70, Beaufort, 28516, 252-728- 5636; www.otwayhouse.com. Rates range from $129 to $142 per night.
Segment 17 4 EB Mile 48.7; WB Mile 20.4 Davis Bed & Breakfast, 811 US 70, Davis, 28524, 252-418-0037; www. davisbandb.com. Rates are approximately $179 per night. EB Mile 48.9; WB Mile 20.2 Davis First Baptist Church, 130 Community Drive, Davis, 28524. For permission to get water or to camp, call Edward Renfrow at 252-729-8771. EB Mile 53.4; WB Mile 15.7 Stacy Free Will Baptist Church, 1290 US 70, Stacy, 28581. For permission to get water or camp, call Earl at 252-225-7711. EB Mile 55.3; WB Mile 13.8 Home of Diane Styron, 1995 US 70 E, Stacy, 28581. Lighthouse Community Church, 2015 US 70 E, Stacy, 28581. Diane is a Trail Angel who loves meeting MST hikers. She allows camping in her front yard by the fence between the rose bush and the road. Call Diane at 252-225-1116. If Diane is not available, the church will allow camping and use of a water spigot behind the church. A call to Joyce Gaskell at 252-241-8687 is appreciated but not required. EB Mile 69.1; WB Mile 0.0 Campground at Cedar Island ferry. Food/Supplies/Post Office EB Mile 31.5; WB Mile 37.6 EB Mile 41.1; WB Mile 28.0 EB Mile 41.2; WB Mile 27.9 EB Mile 42.7; WB Mile 26.4 EB Mile 43.6; WB Mile 25.5 EB Mile 43.7; WB Mile 25.4 EB Mile 48.9; WB Mile 20.2 EB Mile 68.1; Mile WB 1.0 EB Mile 69.1; Mile WB 0.0 Convenience store Dollar General Store Convenience store Handy House gas station and convenience store, small supermarket George s Take-Out Smyrna post office Handy House gas station and convenience store, Davis Store Provisions Islands Choice convenience store Cedar Island post office
5 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 Water/Restrooms Water along the Neusiok Trail and everywhere in the Croatan National Forest can be scarce and must be treated before drinking. However, there is water available at all the campsites. Bottled water is available at convenience stores along the route, and many of the churches that allow camping also allow people to take water from their spigots. Restrooms are available at the Pine Cliff Recreation Area, Oyster Point Campground, Cedar Island ferry terminal, and at convenience stores along the route. Hunting Hunting is allowed throughout the Croatan National Forest. See www. ncwildlife.org/hunting.aspx for information about seasons and licenses. Signs/Blazing The Neusiok Trail is marked with 2-inch circular white markers and aluminum tags, and has a few MST signs. There are no other blazes or signage in this segment. Special Considerations Avoid drinking untreated surface water. Watch for traffic and narrow shoulders on paved roads throughout the route. Dogs are allowed on this segment, but should be on a leash at all times.
Segment 17 6 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Friends office: 919-825-0297 or info@mountainstoseatrail.org Ferry information: www.ncferry.org Carteret County Chamber of Commerce: www.nccoastchamber.com Carteret County Tourism: www.crystalcoastnc.org Carteret County Wildlife Club: www.carteretcountywildlifeclub.org Croatan National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/ recarea/?recid=48466&actid=63 Neusiok Trail Site: www.neusioktrail.org North River Farms: www.nccoast.org/project/north-river-farms Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge: www.fws.gov/refuge/cedar_island Trail Maps Google map of the entire MST: www.mountainstoseatrail.org/map Croatan National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/internet/ FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5403940.pdf Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge: www.fws.gov/uploadedimages/ Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/Mattamuskeet_Complex/Cedar_ Island/Sections/About/new%20Cedar%20Island%20Map.jpg A most distinctive weathervane in Stacy Photo by PJ Wetzel, www.pjwetzel.com
7 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 PRIMARY PARKING LOCATIONS Pine Cliff Recreation Area, Western End of Segment 17 EB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 69.1 K N L N34.93885, W76.82208 Neusiok Trail and NC 306 EB Mile 6.5; WB Mile 62.6 K N34.90145, W76.81863 Neusiok Trail and NC 101 EB Mile 9.3; WB Mile 59.8 K N34.86993, W76.80646 Neusiok Trail and FR 147 EB Mile 10.7; WB Mile 58.4 K N34.85507, W76.80207 Oyster Point Campground, Southern End of Neusiok Trail EB Mile 21.4; WB Mile 47.7 K N A N34.76076, W76.76168 Cedar Island Ferry, Eastern End of Segment 17 EB Mile 69.1; WB Mile 0.0 K E G A I N35.01870, W76.31412 Coordinates can be entered in your mapping software just like a street address.
Segment 17 8 The Neusiok Trail at Mill Creek Road Photo by PJ Wetzel, www.pjwetzel.com Hiking Directions, Eastbound 0.0 Segment 17 begins at the Pine Cliff Recreation Area Neusiok Trailhead and parking area. Begin walking on the Neusiok Trail, following 2-inch circular white markers and aluminum tags. Note: To reach the Pine Cliff Recreation Area by automobile, go east from Havelock on NC 101, turn left (north) on NC 306, and after 3.3 miles, turn left on Pine Cliff Rd. The trailhead has restrooms and a picnic shelter. K N L 0.1 Pass Croatan National Forest Hiking Trail/Neusiok sign and MST visitor log, then continue right, ignoring alternate trail markers for the horse trail. Note: Please sign the visitor log.
9 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 0.3 Bear left, following trail markers. 1.0 Bear left, following trail markers into the woods (trail is not on the beach). Turn right immediately after entering the woods, following Neusiok/MST marker, not horse trail. 1.1 Turn right, following directional sign. 1.4 Bear right at informal campground/fire pit. A 1.7 Bear right, following trail markers. 2.9 Bear right, following trail markers. 3.7 Pass Copperhead Landing Shelter on right, with camping and water. A 4.5 Turn right, following sign to NC 306. 6.5 Continue straight across NC 306, with parking. K 6.7 Continue straight across old logging road. 7.2 Bear left, following trail markers. 7.9 Continue straight across old logging road. 8.5 Continue straight across old logging road. 9.3 Continue straight across NC 101. K 10.0 Pass Dogwood Camp Shelter 250 feet off trail to right, with camping and water. A 10.7 Bear left, following trail markers. Note: Follow the side trail to the right 0.1 mile to reach parking on FR 147. K 12.7 Turn left on FR 147. Note: Almost none of the forest roads in the Croatan National Forest are marked; road numbers are provided for use with a map, but are not adequate for navigation on the ground. 12.8 Turn right on FR 169. 14.8 At end of the long straight stretch, where road curves to the right, turn left onto trail. Cross the bridge into the woods. 17.4 Continue on trail straight across FR 124. 19.0 Pass Blackjack Lodge Shelter on right, with camping and water. A 19.7 Continue on trail straight across Mill Creek Rd. 20.3 Turn left on gravel road. 20.4 Turn left on trail headed into the woods. 21.4 Reach southern terminus of Neusiok Trail and parking area. Continue straight ahead on gravel road. Note: Oyster Point Campground on left has camping, a vault toilet, and water. K A N 22.4 Turn right on Mill Creek Rd.
Segment 17 10 Crossing Core Creek Photo by PJ Wetzel, www.pjwetzel.com 22.6 Turn left on Old Winberry Rd. 22.8 Pass Reece s Chapel Baptist Church on left. Note: For permission to camp or get water from spigot on back of building, call church at 252-726-3276. If no answer, call John Pierce at 252-342-5549. A 24.4 Continue straight past Mill Creek Rd. on right. 26.4 Turn right on NC 101, towards Beaufort, then cross bridge over Harlowe Creek. 26.7 Pass Harlowe United Methodist Church on right. Note: To camp or get water from spigot on right side of parking area under rock cover, call Bert Taylor at 252-241-6815 if possible. A 26.8 Turn right on Hardesty Loop Rd. 27.6 Continue straight where pavement ends. 28.7 Continue straight where pavement resumes. 29.3 At highway bridge, turn left off road and walk under bridge to embankment. Climb embankment on far (north) side and cross guard rail to reach NC 101, and then double back to head east on NC 101. 29.5 Cross bridge over Core Creek. 30.3 Turn right on Tuttles Grove Rd. 31.4 At first four-way intersection, turn left on unmarked road. 31.5 At T-intersection, next to gas station with convenience store, turn right on NC 101. G
11 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 Map produced for Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail by Curtis Belyea, 2016.
Segment 17 12
13 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 31.6 Turn left on Laurel Rd. 33.8 At T-intersection, turn right on Merrimon Rd. 34.3 Pass Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church on left. 36.3 Turn left at light in front of East Carteret High School sports complex with gas station onto US 70 (no road sign), following signs to Cedar Island ferry. 37.3 Cross bridge over North River. 38.4 Pass Woodville Baptist Church on right. Note: For permission to camp under drive-through in inclement weather at night, please call Terri McInnis at 252-241-7556. Water spigot available. A 39.6 Cross bridge over Ward Creek. 40.3 Pass Otway House Bed & Breakfast on right. I 41.1 Pass Dollar General Store on left. G 41.2 Continue straight past Harker s Island Rd. on right to gas station with convenience store and grill open until 11 pm. G E 42.6 Pass Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church on the left. 42.7 Turn left at Handy House Gas. Note: A few yards to the right is a small supermarket. G E 43.3 At Y-intersection with E. City Rd., bear left to stay on US 70, then take 90-degree left-hand curve. 43.6 Pass George s Take-Out on left. E 43.7 Pass Smyrna post office on left. 45.0 Pass Williston United Methodist Church on left. 45.1 Cross bridge over Williston Creek. 47.5 Cross bridge over Smyrna Creek. 48.7 Pass Davis Volunteer Fire Department and Davis Bed & Breakfast on left. I 48.9 At intersection with a gas station on left and Davis Store Provisions on right, turn left to stay on US 70. Note: Just beyond the supermarket is the Davis First Baptist Church. For permission to get water and to camp at the church, call Edward Renfrow at 252-729- 8771. G A 50.5 Cross bridge over Oyster Creek. 52.2 Cross bridge over Marina Creek. 53.4 Pass Stacy Free Will Baptist Church on right. Note: For permission to get water or camp at the church, call Earl at 252-225-7711. A
Segment 17 14 Crossing Salters Creek Photo by PJ Wetzel, www.pjwetzel.com 55.3 Pass Lighthouse Community Church on left. Note: See the Camping/Lodging section for this segment for information about camping here or at the home of Trail Angel Diane Styron next door. The church also allows MST hikers to use a water spigot behind the church. A call to Joyce Gaskell at 252-241-8687 before doing so is appreciated but not required. A 56.8 Cross bridge over Salters Creek. 57.1 Continue straight where road becomes NC 12 and US 70 continues to the right. Stay on NC 12 all the way to the Cedar Island ferry. 60.3 Cross High Bridge onto Cedar Island. For the next 5.3 miles, you will be passing through the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. Camping is not permitted in the refuge. 65.6 Pass Cedar Island Volunteer Fire Department on right, entering community of Cedar Island. 66.1 Pass Goodwin Ridge Rd. on left. 66.8 Pass cemetery on left and harbor on right. 68.1 Pass Islands Choice convenience store on right. G
15 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 At the ferry terminal at Cedar Island Photo by PJ Wetzel, www.pjwetzel.com 69.1 Reach Cedar Island ferry terminal and end of Segment 17. Note: As of the writing of this guide, the Driftwood Motel & Restaurant are closed and for sale, but the campground is open, as is a post office. By road, the ferry terminal is on NC 12 about 38 miles east of Beaufort. From Beaufort, take US 70 and NC 12, following signs to the ferry at the end of the road. K A
Segment 17 16 Hiking Directions, Westbound 0.0 From Cedar Island ferry terminal, head straight inland on NC 12 to begin Segment 17. Note: As of the writing of this guide, the Driftwood Motel & Restaurant are closed and for sale, but the campground is open, as is a post office. By road, the ferry terminal is on NC 12 about 38 miles east of Beaufort. From Beaufort, take US 70 and NC 12, following signs to the ferry at the end of the road. K A 1.0 Pass Islands Choice convenience store on left. G 2.3 Pass cemetery on right and harbor on left. 3.0 Pass Goodwin Ridge Rd. on right. 3.5 Pass Cedar Island Volunteer Fire Department on left. For the next 5.3 miles, until you cross the bridge leaving the island, you will be passing through the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. Camping is not permitted in the refuge. 8.8 Cross High Bridge onto mainland. 12.0 Continue straight as the road becomes US 70. 12.3 Cross bridge over Salters Creek. 13.8 Pass Lighthouse Community Church on right. Note: See the Camping/Lodging section for this segment for information about camping here or at the home of Trail Angel Diane Styron next door. The church also allows MST hikers to use a water spigot behind the church. A call to Joyce Gaskell at 252-241-8687 before doing so is appreciated but not required. A 15.7 Pass Stacy Free Will Baptist Church on left. For permission to get water or camp at the church, call Earl at 252-225-7711. A 16.9 Cross bridge over Marina Creek. 18.6 Cross bridge over Oyster Creek. 20.2 At an intersection with a Handy House gas station on right and Davis Store Provisions straight ahead, turn right to stay on US 70. Note: Just before the supermarket is the Davis First Baptist Church. For permission to get water and to camp at the church, call Edward Renfrow at 252-729-8771. G A 20.4 Pass Davis Volunteer Fire Department and Davis Bed & Breakfast on right. I
17 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 Welcome to Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge Photo by Heather Houskeeper 21.6 Cross bridge over Smyrna Creek. 24.0 Cross bridge over Williston Creek. 24.1 Pass Williston United Methodist Church on right. 25.4 Pass Smyrna post office on right. 25.5 Pass George s Take-Out on right. E 25.8 Where E. City Rd. comes in at sharp angle from left just beyond 90-degree right-hand curve, continue straight on US 70. 26.4 At the next Handy House gas station and convenience store, turn right to stay on US 70. Note: Just ahead is a small supermarket. G E 26.5 Pass Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church on the right. 27.9 Continue straight past Harker s Island Rd. on left at gas station with convenience store and grill open until 11 p.m. G 28.0 Pass Dollar General Store on right. G 28.8 Pass Otway House Bed & Breakfast on left. I 29.5 Cross bridge over Ward Creek.
Segment 17 18 30.7 Pass Woodville Baptist Church on left. Note: For permission to camp under drive-through in inclement weather at night, please call Terri McInnis at 252-241-7556. Water spigot available. A 31.8 Cross bridge over North River. 32.8 At T-intersection, turn right onto Merrimon Rd. 34.8 Pass Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church on right. 35.3 Turn left on Laurel Rd. Note: There is no sign for Laurel Rd., but the turn is posted for NC Bicycle Route 7 and Havelock. 37.5 Turn right on NC 101. 37.6 Just past gas station with convenience store, turn left on Steel Tank Rd. G 37.7 Turn right at first intersection onto Tuttles Grove Rd. (no road sign). 38.8 Turn left on NC 101, then cross bridge over Core Creek. 39.6 At far end of bridge, cross over guard rail and double back to descend embankment to Hardesty Loop Rd. 39.8 Turn right on Hardesty Loop Rd. 40.4 Continue straight where pavement ends. 41.5 Continue straight where pavement resumes. 42.3 Turn left on NC 101. 42.4 Pass Harlowe United Methodist Church on left. Note: To camp or get water from spigot on right side of parking area under rock cover, call Bert Taylor at 252-241-6815 if possible. A 42.7 Cross bridge over Harlowe Creek, then turn left on Old Winberry Rd. 44.7 At Y-intersection where Mill Creek Rd. comes in from left (church a short distance on left), bear right to stay on Old Winberry Rd. 46.3 Pass Reece s Baptist Church on right. Note: For permission to camp or get water from spigot on back of building, call church at 252-726- 3276. If no answer, call John Pierce at 252-342-5549. A 46.5 At T-intersection, turn right on Mill Creek Rd. 46.7 Just past Carteret County Solid Waste Recycling Site, turn left on the gravel road to Oyster Point Campground and the southern terminus of the Neusiok Trail. 47.7 Reach end of road, parking area, and kiosk at the southern terminus of the Neusiok Trail. Continue onto the trail, following 2-inch cir-
19 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 cular white markers and aluminum tags. Note: Oyster Point Campground on right has camping, a vault toilet, and water. K A N 48.7 Turn right on gravel road. 48.8 Turn right on trail heading into woods. 49.4 Continue on trail straight across Mill Creek Rd. 50.1 Pass Blackjack Lodge Shelter on left, with camping and water. A 51.7 Continue on trail straight across FR 124. Note: Almost none of the forest roads in the Croatan National Forest are marked; road numbers are provided for use with a map, but are not adequate for navigation on the ground. 54.3 Turn right on FS 169. 56.3 Turn left on FR 147, the first maintained road to come in from the left. There is an MST marker on a wooden post near the woods on the right. 56.4 Turn right onto Neusiok Trail. 58.4 Bear right, following trail markers. Note: Follow the side trail to the left 0.1 mile to reach parking on FR 147. We have routed the trail as we did so that MST hikers could experience all of the Neusiok Trail, but you can shorten your journey by 13.4 miles at this point by turning left on the side trail here. If you choose this alternative route, take the side trail to FR 147, then turn right. Follow the road 2.3 miles to NC 101 and turn left. This intersection corresponds to WB Mile 5.1 in the directions for Segment 16B. K 59.1 Pass Dogwood Camp Shelter 250 feet off trail to left, with camping and water. A 59.8 Continue straight across NC 101. K 60.6 Continue straight across old logging road. 61.2 Continue straight across old logging road. 61.9 Bear right. 62.4 Continue straight across old logging road. 62.6 Continue straight across NC 306, with parking. Note: You can shorten your route here by 9.4 miles by turning left on NC 306 and then following the directions for Segment 16B beginning at WB Mile 2.8. K 64.6 Turn left.
Segment 17 20 The Blackjack Lodge Shelter along the Neusiok Trail Photo by PJ Wetzel, www.pjwetzel.com 65.4 Pass Copperhead Landing Shelter on left, with camping and water. A 66.2 Bear left. 67.4 Bear left. 67.7 Bear left at informal campground/fire pit. A 68.0 Turn left. 68.1 As you come to beach, bear left, then immediately right, to stay on the trail. 68.8 Bear right. 69.0 Pass Croatan National Forest Hiking Trail/Neusiok sign and MST visitor log. Please sign the visitor log. 69.1 Arrive at Pine Cliff Recreation Area parking area, the Neusiok Trailhead, and the end of Segment 17. Note: To reach the Pine Cliff Recreation Area by automobile, go east from Havelock on NC 101, turn left (north) on NC 306, and after 3.3 miles turn left on Pine Cliff Rd. The trailhead has restrooms and a picnic shelter. K N L