I rode the entire Neuse River Trail (and a bit of the Clayton River Walk) over Labor Day 2021. I started at the Wake Forest trailhead and ended a little past mile 30 in Clayton. I'm used to riding on rail trails that while flat and easy to ride offer very few turns or elevation changes. The Neuse River Trail offers many curves, multiple small elevation changes and just one road crossing (a very quiet country road) along its almost 30 mile length. These constant changes make the Neuse River Trail an exciting departure from my usual rail trail rides.

The trail itself is entirely paved and in immaculate condition. Possibly one of the best paved trails I've ever rode on. There are mile markers every quarter mile and the trail has very clear signage to take one of the many turn offs to a parking lot, a development or even another trail.

My only criticism is that there is only one or two obvious points to get water/bathrooms/something to eat (one being Anderson Point Park). I'm sure there are more options down one of the many turn off points but it was not obvious to me from the trail. Another point of concern is trail etiquette, I did not have any close calls but many cyclists would quickly pass me (I was averaging in the low to mid-teens) without calling out sometimes around some curves. This trail will require your constant attention due to its many curves, slopes and sometimes inconsiderate riders but I found it to be one of the best rides I've taken in a long while and highly recommend this trail.