Lumber River State Park — Attraction in Nichols

8-12-23

This seems to me a paddle type state park per the signage and maps, but there are plenty of campsites and some hiking. We come to parks to hike, so I will stick to that.

We did all the trails (Naked Landing, Griffins Bluff, Mill Hole), which totals about 2.5 miles or so. A large shelter with bathrooms is between Naked Landing and the other aforementioned trails. The Naked Landing Trail has its own parking area, a great viewing area on the river (nice swing), and a walk along the river with some campsites. Good views.

Griffins Bluff and Mill Hole are good trails. These can be accessed by the shelter with its own parking area. Rock gravel, some wooden walkways, a pier, swampy type views, as well as views of the river. Easy. Semi-shaded. Campsites are on Mill Hole. These loop you back to the shelter area.

The uniqueness of the Lumber River with its black hue is neat and perhaps one of the best "river" state parks in NC (second only to Eno, in my...

So today I'm parked in the shade... Just me and our 5 dogs. We were parked as we do almost daily and never more than 30 minutes. Not in a marked parking spot, not on the grass or dirt. We were not blocking any access nor roadway and this young ranger on a power trip besides to check me out which is fine and he says what you doing checking out the water and I reply yeah he says okay well I don't want you parking here too long. Who the heck is he to decide how long I can park somewhere if it's not posted no parking I think I pay taxes on all of that property and not just one parking spot. In fact his salary probably comes out of my tax dollars. This isn't the first time he's seen me park there either and all the rangers down there know that I'm only there a few minutes but yet you just had to use your power to push somebody around because you think you can. Next time you see me I...

Beautiful but seems to be best enjoyed by boat! We found out from a very kind and informative park ranger that Lumber River does NOT have boats for rental (BYOB-bring your own boat). However, you can call and set up a ranger-led tour ahead of time for your party, which is free. I’d recommend the park for people nearby but not for those coming long distance—unless you have a boat. At the Princess Anne Access, we walked the Griffin Whirl trail. It was pretty but very buggy (definitely wear bug spray!). I enjoyed the quiet, cypress “knees,” and watching the strong river currents.

Note: The ranger said that people use floats but it’s not recommended; they’re likely to pop very quickly due to debris/branches...