Fall Float on the Neuse

Neuse River enthusiasts will have a new tool to navigate the winding river through Lenoir County, thanks to a new paddler's guide.

The map will be handed out today to more than 70 people participating in the Lenoir County Neuse River Fall Float. Kayakers and canoeists from across the state will paddle more than 11 miles downstream on the Neuse River through Kinston.

This marks the first time the Lenoir County Paddler's Association and Lenoir County Tourism has hosted the Fall Float. Three previous paddle events on the Neuse River were held during the spring.

Lenoir County Tourism director Lucy Marston said the Neuse River's water level was looking good this week for the paddle event.

"I talked to the Lower Neuse Riverkeeper Larry Baldwin Wednesday about the river's conditions," she said. "It's not at flood stage levels."

Marston said both the Lower Neuse Riverkeeper and Lenoir County Emergency Management teams will run safety boats along the paddlers' route to assist them if there is any emergency.

"We are all excited about the event this year," she said.

The new paddler's guide will help the kayakers navigate the Neuse along their journey, which will end at the Neuse Nature Center. The guide was developed this year after several Neuse River enthusiasts statewide requested more information about the river's route through Kinston.

"There are a few landmarks along the river in Lenoir County," Marston said. "We are working to get grant funds to place more markers along the river to showcase its history."

Marston said a marker could be placed at the river where the CSS Neuse sank after being scuttled by its crew.

The paddler's guide also offers river enthusiasts a list of global positioning numbers, which allow them to know where they are at all times. Marston said the GPS coordinates provide a safety feature for people who are outdoor enthusiasts.  

"If there ever is an emergency, people can tell rescue crews exactly where they are based on the GPS system," she said.

The N.C. Paddler's Association also helped develop the new map, which will be available to the public at the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, Kinston-Lenoir County Visitor and Information Center, Kinston City Hall and Neuse Nature Center.

"We worked to make sure the map is accurate," Baldwin said. "It gives people a way to connect to the river."

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.