Raleigh to the sea - section 1

Paddle trail from Lassiter Mill Dam in downtown Raleigh, NC to Covered Bridge Rd in Clayton, NC. Initial 10 miles are through Crabtree Creek - very constricted and at times very polluted through residential and industrial areas. Once in the Neuse river, the water is more open and clean and, at the beginning, there are several nice class 2 rapids and large rock formations. As urban as this area is, you see almost no one - it is interesting and sad to see a community turn its back at a natural resource with such potential. Overall, not a very stimulating canoe trail, but still a favorite for a half-day workout. This trip is classified as difficult just because of its length; technically, it is only difficult at the beginning due to the need to slide over or sneak under fallen trees.