SR 1111 Bridge to NCWRC Ramp to Merchant's to Lawson Park

DESCRIPTION

Total paddle distance 12 miles.  The Brices Creek Trail affords the paddlers, multiple options of distance therefore the trail will be described in three sections:

• 1st Section:  SR 1111 Bridge (N35 00.540 W77 01.608) to Brices Creek NCWRC Ramp (5 miles)
• 2nd Section:  Brices Creek NCWRC Ramp (N35 02.965 W77 02.904) to Merchant Store (4 Miles)
• 3rd Section:  The Merchant's Store (N35 03.986 W77 04.246) to Lawson's Park Ramp. (N35 05.956 W77 02.899) (3 Miles)
• Trip Highlight:  Meandering forested creek with some residential to open river.  Birds and wildlife sightings likely.
• Trip Difficulty:  Moderate to Extended based on distance of paddle chosen.
• Hazards:  Boat traffic, wind, slight current, snakes and alligators.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO

LAUNCH SITE:  SR 1111 Bridge

• From US 70 from New Bern toward Havelock turn right on Thurman Road. At intersection of SR 1111 (Old Airport Road), turn left and follow to bridge over Brices Creek.

LAUNCH SITE:  Brices Creek NCWRC Ramp

• From US 70 E in James City turn right on SR 1167 and travel 1.4 miles to SR 1004. Turn left on SR 1104 and proceed 1.7 miles to SR 1140. Turn left on SR 1140 travel 1.5 miles; turn left on gravel road entering the Croatan National Forest. Proceed 1.1 miles to the end of the gravel road to which the area is located.

LAUNCH SITE:  Creekside Park

• In James City, take Airport Road from Hwy 70 going east. Go .4 mile and turn left on Old Airport Road. The park will be .6 mile on the right.

LAUNCH SITE:  Merchants Store Ramp

• From US 70 E in James City turn right on SR 1167 (Williams Road) and travel 1.4 miles to SR 1004 (Madame Moores Road then changes to Brices Creek Rd). Turn left on SR 1104 and proceed 1.7 miles to the intersection of SR 1140 (Perrytown Rd) Turn left, launch is on immediate left.

TAKE-OUT SITE:  Lawson's Creek Park Ramp

• From US 70 in New Bern, turn north on Country Club Road/1st Street NC 1200. About one block, turn right into Lawson Park and follow road to ramp

PADDLE TRIP SUMMARY

The Brices Creek Paddle Trail signage and access points are maintained by the Craven County Recreation & Parks Department. 12 miles in length, this trail starts deep in the Croatan National Forest and eventually meanders past sparse development before finally entering the New Bern riverfront area.

TRIP DETAIL

FIRST SECTION (5 miles)

• Up-stream:  Immediately up stream from put-in is the new residential community of Carolina Colours.
• Put-in:  A somewhat primitive launch site is located at the SE side of the SR 1111 bridge (N35 00.540 W77 01.608) in the Croatan Forest.  Unfortunately, the first mile or so from the put in, there are a number of dead falls which may block the very narrow stream depending on water level, a portage may be necessary.
• Mile 0.3:  High ground forest land reverts to Cedar, Oak, and Poplar wetlands.  This 20 - 50 foot wide stream wanders and turns for almost the full length of this section of the paddle.
• Mile 2.0:  Early indications of future development (pier and concrete ramp!) on this "remote" section of creek.
• Mile 3.5:  A few houses (Taberna) appear on the right, HOWEVER, that is about to change with the Carolina Colours Project.  All lands on the left bank belong to the Croatan National Forest but land on the other side is open to development.
• Mile 4.9:  Brices Creek NCWRC Ramp (N35 02.965 W77 02.904) take-out.

SECOND SECTION (4 miles)

• Put -in:  Brices Creek NCWRC Ramp (N35 02.965 W77 02.904).
• Mile 6.4:  Creekside Park (N35 03.686 W77 03.068) appears on the right bank and defined by a fishing pier and Canoe/Kayak launch float.
• Mile 7.7:  Watch for a very small opening along the right shoreline.  This opening (N35 04.038 W77 03.494) leads the paddlers into a series of 4 or 5 quarry lakes that make for some great explorations.  Don't pass this up!
• Mile 9.0:  The Merchant's Store (N35 03.986 W77 04.246) is on the left bank just before the bridge.  The sand bank offers an excellent take-out or a great place to grab something to eat!

THIRD SECTION (3 miles)

• Put-in:  The Merchants Store put-in (N35 03.986 W77 04.246).
• Mile 9.2:  Paddle under the Brices Creek Road / Williams Road Bridge.
• Mile 10.2:  Enter the Trent River to the right.
• Mile 11.8: Pass beneath the Hwy 70/17 bridge.
• Take-out:  The Lawson Park Boat ramp (N35 05.956 W77 02.899) is directly ahead.