Falls of Neuse Canoe Launch
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
This venue offers a highly rated, supported kayaking experience perfect for beginners and groups. It provides a convenient shuttle service upriver in a passenger van, handles kayak launching for you, and offers clear instructions and on-water monitoring at a checkpoint. It also functions as a public launch point for personal canoes/kayaks and is integrated into a larger greenway system featuring walking, hiking, and biking trails.
Key Highlights
- ✓Staff provides shuttle service upriver in a passenger van.
- ✓Kayaks are handled and launched into the water by staff.
- ✓Great instructions are given before launch, making it ideal for first-timers.
- ✓Staff monitors a checkpoint on the river to ensure safety during the paddle.
- ✓Excellent for large groups and first-time kayakers, leading to a 'blast' experience.
- ✓Features a nice, accessible launch point for canoes and kayaks.
- ✓Part of a multi-use area with well-maintained walking, hiking, and jogging trails.
Standout Features
- ⭐Full-service experience: includes upstream transport, kayak handling, and launch assistance.
- ⭐Pre-launch safety instructions and on-water checkpoint monitoring for peace of mind.
- ⭐Excellent for group outings, creating a fun shared experience.
- ⭐Serves as a convenient launch for personal canoes/kayaks for those with their own equipment.
- ⭐Integrated with bike trails and greenway for diverse outdoor activities.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Bring a small personal fan for the shuttle van to combat the heat, especially on warm days.
- →Check current river conditions and water levels before visiting, particularly after heavy rains, as adjacent trails can flood.
- →Consider booking for group outings, as it's highly recommended for such.
- →Even if you're a first-time kayaker, the provided instructions and support make it a great option.
- →Explore the bike trails and greenway in addition to kayaking for a full day out.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The passenger van used for the shuttle service can get 'hot af' (very hot), especially on warm days.
- ⚠River water levels can be high, with parts of the adjacent Greenway prone to flooding (e.g., observed 1/20/24), which might impact access or kayaking conditions.
- ⚠Some visitors reported not seeing anyone launching or in the water, which could indicate it might be quiet or less active at certain times/days, potentially impacting the desired atmosphere.
Price & Value
Pricing information is not mentioned in the provided reviews. However, the value proposition includes shuttle service, kayak handling, and safety instructions, which typically add significant value to a kayaking experience, especially for beginners and groups.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned in the reviews.
- •The shuttle van may or may not be wheelchair accessible (not specified).
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is available on-site at the launch location, as visitors are instructed to drive to the location and park.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Capable of accommodating large groups comfortably.
- •Can be quiet at times, with one reviewer noting no one else in the water.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Comprehensive pre-launch instructions provided to all participants.
- •Staff actively monitors a 'check point' on the river to ensure kayakers do not go past it, indicating on-water supervision.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you are highly sensitive to heat in enclosed spaces, consider bringing cooling aids for the shuttle van.
- • During periods of extremely high water levels if safety is a primary concern or if access to flooded greenway sections is critical for your plans.
- • If you're expecting a bustling, high-traffic environment constantly, as it can be quiet at certain times.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Avoid entering the river during periods of high flow due to fast moving currents that can make it hard to reach shore, push you into obstructions, or even capsize your boat.
- • Stay clear of obstructions like downed trees, boulders, log jams, or bridge footings which can trap boats and people underwater.
- • The bottom of the river is uneven – never stand in water deep enough to float you. If you end up in the water unexpectedly, float on your back with your feet facing downstream.
- • Exit the water at the first sign of thunder and lightning.
- • Never get in the water while intoxicated or impaired.
- • Always wear a life jacket when on the river.
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking area that includes double parking for trailers.
- • ADA parking available.
- • Overnight use is not permitted at parking lots of river access points. Cars may not be left overnight.
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Mark Dale
4 months agoNice launch past the tailrace to launch and canoe or kayak down the River and back.
Jim Gallagher
a year agoGreat place to walk, hike or jog. The water is very high today 1/20/24 and parts of the Greenway are flooded going downstream.
Jen Hale
a year agoWent on a kayak trip for the first time with a large group and had a blast! I can't wait to go again!
Quena Faine
a year agoThese dudes are so dope. Loved this little excursion to pieces!! You drove to the location and park. They take you up the river in a passenger van (hot af!! I recommend bringing a small personal fan) and then they take the kayaks to the water for you and send you on your way. Great instructions before launch, and they're there to make sure you don't go past the check point lol. Great experience!
Vespa Geek
4 years agoDidn’t see anyone launching a canoe here and didn’t see anyone in the water. Nice bike trails. Big squirrels watching us.
Contact Information
12098 Old Falls of Neuse Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
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