Mcneils Bridge

McNeils Bridge provides access to the Lumber River, a major river system in southeastern North Carolina that flows through Robeson County. The Lumber River is the eighth-order stream, meaning it's a significant waterway comparable in importance to major rivers like the Mississippi or Missouri. With an average flow of 1,859.78 cubic feet per second and a velocity of 2.62 feet per second, this is a moving river that requires some paddling experience. The water drops 191 feet in elevation over its 133-mile length, creating a gradient of 1.4 feet per mile on average.

For boaters and paddlers, the Lumber River offers a moderately flowing paddling experience. Canoeists and kayakers should be prepared for current and understand basic river navigation skills. The river's large drainage area of 1,759 square miles means it responds to rainfall, so water levels and current speed can vary seasonally. At McNeils Bridge near Lumberton, paddlers have access to a section of this historic river corridor, which has cultural significance to the region.

The site's proximity to river mouth information indicates this access point is well upstream in the river system, providing a longer paddling distance for those interested in downstream trips. Boaters should check current water conditions before launching, as flow rates and hazards can change with weather patterns and seasonal variations.