Waterfall Hero Hikes: Neusiok Trail

The Neusiok Trail, part of Segment 16 of the statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail, is a 20-mile trail through the Croatan National Forest between the Neuse River and Newport River. The trail crosses sandy beaches, cypress swamps, pine savannas, pocosins, and salt marshes. Camping is allowed anywhere along the trail, though options are limited due to swampy conditions and thick vegetation. There are three shelters scattered along the trail. Additionally, the trail crosses several roads allowing for shorter hikes. Croatan National Forest is game land, so wear blaze orange during hunting season. The trail was constructed by volunteers from the Carteret County Wildlife Club, who also perform trail maintenance.

Trail:

The Neusiok Trail, part of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail is the premier hiking trail in eastern North Carolina. Although the total trail is more than 20 miles long, it crosses roads in several places, breaking the trail up into nice sections for shorter hiking.

The northernmost section from Pine Cliff to NC-306 is perhaps the most scenic section of the trail. It starts at Pine Cliff Recreation Area and leads along the beach for a ways before darting into the woods. There are several boardwalks that lead over pocosin bogs. About 3 or so miles into the hike is Copperhead Landing shelter near Cahoogue Creek. There is no potable water here, but a shelter for rest or to grab lunch. The trail continues along another couple miles before reaching NC-306.

This next section from NC-306 to NC-101 is also called Toad Wallow or Cottonmouth Spa, as these are carved into the boardwalks. Quite a bit of this section has boardwalks leading over boggy areas.

There is a parking area on NC-101 for trail access. 0.75 miles from NC-101, a short spur leads to Dogwood Camp shelter. The trail continues for another 2 miles or so to reach Forest Road 147 and head into Carteret County.

Camping:

Camping is permitted along the trail, however there few places suitable for camping due to swampy ground and thick vegetation. There shelters along the trail provide a place for backpack camping. No drinking water is available however.

Copperhead landing is near the northern end of the trail about 3.5 miles from the northern trailhead at Pinecliff.