VANCEBORO to BRIDGETON NCWRC RAMP

DESCRIPTION

Total paddle distance 16.4 miles.  The Swift Creek Trail affords paddlers, multiple options of distance based on put-in locations. This trail will be described in three sections:

• 1^st Section:  Vanceboro (N35 13.706 W77 08.896) to the Hwy 43 Bridge (N35 13.893 W77 06.738) (6.2 miles).
• 2^nd Section:  Hwy 43 Bridge (N35 13.893 W77 06.738) to Cool Springs Landing (N35 11.588 W77 05.017)  (4 miles).
• 3^rd Section:  Cool Springs Landing (N35 11.588 W77 05.017) to Bridgeton NCWRC Ramp (N35 08.760 W77 2.880) (6.2 miles).
• Trip Highlights:  Swamp River changing to Maritime Forest to Open River. Bird and wildlife sightings likely.
• Trip Difficulty:  Demanding to Easy depending on distance with some open water/wind.
• Hazards:  Boat traffic, wind, alligators, snakes and getting lost.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO

LAUNCH SITE:  Vanceboro

• Traveling north on US17 from New Bern, turn left on NC 43 heading into Vanceboro. The launch site is about 1 ½ miles from the turn on left and is located in the vacant area just before Bob Werner's Construction (has Kayaks out front).

LAUNCH SITE:  Hwy 43 – Swift Creek Bridge

• Traveling north from New Bern on NC43, the Swift Creek Bridge is about 1.2 miles from the intersection into the Weyerhaeuser plant. Once past the bridge and at the end of the guard rail on the left side of road, there is an access dirt road (North west side). Turn and follow to the back to a launch site (about 100 yards).

LAUNCH SITE:  Cool Springs Landing

• Traveling north on US17 from Bridgeton, about 5 miles, turn left on Askin Brick Rd. Continue about 2 miles then turn left again on Cool Springs Road. Just past the entrance to the Cool Springs Environmental Center turn left into launch area.

TAKE-OUT: Bridgeton NCWRC Ramp

• From Bridgeton east of New Bern, travel 1.0 mi north of city limits along US 17. Turn left on SR 1431 (Wildlife Rd) and proceed 1.0 mile to ramp area.

PADDLE TRIP SUMMARY

River current diminishes as you travel closer to New Bern however wind tide becomes a factor. It is recommended to travel downstream from Vanceboro to Bridgeton NCWRC Ramp to take advantage of the current. Depending on wind directions, paddlers may experience the unpleasant odor from the Weyerhaeuser Plant on a short section of this paddle.

TRIP DETAILS

• Put-in:  Follow Swift Creek down stream (to the left) from launch site in Vanceboro.
• Mile 2.5:  Dock and collapsing shelter along right shoreline at Heath Landing.
• Mile 3.9 to 4.2:  Island formed by Bear Branch, may round in either direction.
• Mile 4.6:  Another landing along right bank.
• Mile 6.2:  Hwy 43 bridge and another launch site. Follow Swift Creek downstream (to the left).
• Mile 6.8:  Island may round from either direction.
• Mile 7.8:  Your paddle will take you under an old RR trestle N35 12.876 W77 06.173 with a small sand beach on the left bank.
• Mile 8.6:  Little Swift Creek (N35 12.367 W77 05.845) will be straight ahead. To follow the Swift Creek Paddle Trail, follow waterway to the right. Note, Little Swift Creek is a nice side trip and will take you about 3+ miles and nearly to the Hwy 17 bridge.
• Mile 10.2:  Cool Springs Landing boat ramp is on the left and another launch site. Follow Swift Creek down stream (to the left).
• Mile 10.4:  You will paddle along (the left shoreline) Weyerhaeuser's Environmental Center's shoreline for the next couple miles or so.
• Mile 11.2:  Swift Creek joins with the Neuse River. Hog Island forms the right bank of the Neuse River.
• Mile 12.4:  Along the left bank, Weyerhaeuser has a Picnic Shelter and port-a-potty. The small sand beach area offers a great place to stop.
• Mile 13.6:  Passing under HV power lines.
• Mile 15.2:  Reach the end of Hog Island, bear to the left river shoreline. Ahead is another small island, round on either side. just ahead.
• Take-out:  The Bridgeton NCWRC Ramp is on the left bank of the Neuse River. Total trip 16.4 miles. 

OPTIONAL PADDLE

Take-out: 16.5 mile trip - Glenburnie Park Ramp along the Neuse River's right shoreline.