Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Whitfield-Davis Memorial
"Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, ceremonial grounds for the Tuscarora and Saponi Indian tribes,
was included in the lands that were granted to William Whitfield under the Lord Proprietors by
King Charles II of Great Britain. Given the name "Pleasant Plains" this tract of more than five
thousand acres was the first of the twelve Whitfield plantations. The gifts, by Alonzo and Elizabeth Moseley Whitfield Davis, of acreage from the original grant,
allow the park to occupy both sides of the river. Erected April 8, 1964 by Elizabeth Augusta Davis Blocker."
Lionel Weil Memorial
"In appreciation of Lionel Weil, 1877-1948. His devotion to his native state combined with his
steadfast vision and generosity made possible this Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. "To him who in
the love of nature holds communion with her visible forms, she stears a various language..."
Bryant - Presented June 9, 1957"
River view
Witness the effects of the forces of erosion that have carved and chiseled cliffs in the south
banks of the Neuse River. Extending for 600 yards, this spectacular series of cliffs rises 90
feet above the water. Layers of sand, clay, seashells, shale and gravel form the multicolored
cliff face, a rainbow of white, tan, yellow and brown.
The cliffs were formed when a fault in the earth's crust shifted millions of years ago. The Neuse
River followed this fault line and over time, cut its course through layers of sediment deposited
by shallow seas that had earlier covered the coastal plain. A portion of the river took a bend
against its bank and the water's erosive action slowly carved the Cliffs of the Neuse.
Follow the cliff's edge for lovely views of the river below. A path bordered by a rail fence
leads along the riverbank. Oaks, dogwoods, and other trees line the path often cloaking the river
in a veil of Spanish moss. An observation area at the lower end of the bluff provides visitors
with an unobstructed view of the colorful striped cliff face. Though it took millions of years to
form the cliffs, irresponsible actions on the part of man could destroy them in no time.
In 1944, Lionel Weil proposed that the cliffs area along the Neuse River be preserved as a state
park. Land on the south side of the river was donated by Weil and other individuals through the
Wayne Foundation and the park was established in 1945. An additional contribution of
approximately 200 acres extended the boundary east of the river. Additional purchases and
donations increased the park to its present size of 751 acres.
Swimming area
Swimming, camping and hiking are permitted. To discover more about the Cliffs of the Neuse State
Park, contact:
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
345-A Park Entrance Road
Seven Springs, NC 28578
Phone: 919-778-6234
Fax: 919-778-7447
Cliffs Museum
Museum Exhibit
Museum Exhibit
Museum Exhibit
Museum Exhibit
Museum Exhibit
Museum Exhibit
Museum Exhibit
Museum Exhibit
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