Deep River State Trail
Winding through the scenic heart of Randolph County, the Deep River State Trail invites you to explore North Carolina’s natural beauty and rich history. Built mostly along the path of the former Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad, this developing trail offers peaceful river views and a glimpse into the region’s industrial past. Perfect for walking, biking, or simply enjoying the outdoors, it’s a recreational journey the whole family can enjoy.
When complete, the Deep River State Trail will stretch 125 miles as both land and paddle trail, from the river’s headwaters in High Point to its confluence with the Haw River. While the full trail is still in progress, land and paddle sections are open in Randolph County—Randleman, Franklinville, and Ramseur—as well as paddle access in Moore, Lee, and Chatham Counties. Ongoing construction projects, including bridges and new access points, will continue expanding and connecting the trail. Stay tuned for exciting updates!
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Randleman Lake: Southwest Park | Water
Randleman Lake is a man-made reservoir at the confluence of Muddy Creek and the Deep River. It is located on the Deep River, part of the Cape Fear River basin. With 100 miles of beautiful shoreline to explore, recreation activities allowed on the lake include boating, fishing, canoes and kayaks. Snacks and restrooms are located at the marina. No swimming is allowed on the lake since it is a drinking water source. No power boats are allowed north of NC-62. You can access the lake at the Marina, or at Southwest Park for paddling. Check park hours before heading there!
- Accessibility: Concrete boat ramp.
Randleman Lake Marina | Water
Randleman Lake is a man-made reservoir at the confluence of Muddy Creek and the Deep River. It is located on the Deep River, part of the Cape Fear River basin. With 100 miles of beautiful shoreline to explore, recreation activities allowed on the lake include boating, fishing, canoes and kayaks. Snacks and restrooms are located at the marina. No swimming is allowed on the lake since it is a drinking water source. No power boats are allowed north of NC-62. You can access the lake at the Marina, or at Southwest Park for paddling. Check marina hours before heading there!
- Accessibility: Concrete boat ramp.
Randleman Greenway | Land
The Deep River State Trail in Randleman, also known as the Randleman Greenway, is 1.5 miles of fine gravel trail that features views of the Deep River. You’ll find the occasional bench or picnic table waiting for you along the way. The trail is an easy, mostly flat walk with lovely views as you explore the green and rocky banks of the Deep River. This river access is a take out only.
- Accessibility: Wide and flat crushed gravel
Worthville Road Boating Access Area | Water
BEWARE OF TWO DAMS ON THIS SECTION. NO PUBLIC TAKEOUTS AFTER THIS POINT.
Paddlers can access the Deep River just below the dam at the Worthville Road Access Area. There is no public take out below this point, but paddlers can float down and paddle back to Worthville Dam. Construction of a 1.5 mile land trail from Worthville to Randleman is coming soon!
- Accessibility: There are two accessible parking spots. The boat ramp is concrete, the approach to the dam is sand.
Faith Rock: Franklinville West | Land
This 0.75 mile natural surface trail connects right to the trail in Franklinville. It takes you to the top of a 50-foot blue stone outcrop as it juts into the Deep River. The preserve will always be there as it’s protected in perpetuity by PLC. From the trailhead, cross the historic bridge and follow the trail through woods with beautiful views of Deep River to the top of Faith Rock, a natural heritage site with rare plants.
- Accessibility: Walking trail has steep inclines, rocks and roots on trail.
- Distance: 0.75 miles
- Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: The Historic Faith Rock, Andrew Hunter Memorial Bridge, Deep River
Riverside Park Trailhead: Franklinville Mid | Land
Park at Riverside Park and head right towards Faith Rock, or head left towards the old textile mill to continue on the Deep River State Trail. Passing by the old grist mill and textile factory, the trail in Franklinville highlights the river’s importance to industry in small-town North Carolina. The fine gravel trail journeys through Riverside Park, passing right through Deep River Fabricators , and continues into a peaceful forest. This trail connects with the Ramseur section via a bridge over Sandy Creek near the US Hwy 64 bridge. Combine this great trail with Faith Rock and you have a full day of adventure.
Route Options:
- To Faith Rock and back: 1.25 Miles
- To Sandy Creek and back: 3 Miles
- To the Water Treatment Plant and back: 1.15 Miles
For this trailhead, there are 2.7 miles of continuous trail to explore in both directions.
- Accessibility: Wide crushed gravel.
Rising Sun Trailhead: Franklinville East | Land
Head left (SE) from this trailhead to connect trail with the Ramseur section via a bridge over Sandy Creek near the US Hwy 64 bridge.
Head right (NW) to travel through the old grist mill and textile factory, the trail in Franklinville highlights the river’s importance to industry in small-town North Carolina. Keep heading north to journey arrive at the Riverside Park trailhead. Combine this great trail with Faith Rock and you have a full day of adventure.
Route Options:
- To Faith Rock and back: 2.4 Miles
- To Sandy Creek and back: 2 Miles
- To Riverside Park and back: 1.4 Miles
For this trailhead, there are 2.7 miles of continuous trail to explore in both directions.
- Accessibility: Wide crushed gravel.
Sandy Creek Trailhead: Franklinville / Ramseur West | Land
This is the southernmost terminus of the 2.7 mile continuous section of trail with the northernmost section being the Franklinville (west) access near Faith Rock.
Head southeast to continue on the Deep River State Trail or Head north west to travel through the old grist mill and textile factory, the trail in Franklinville highlights the river’s importance to industry in small-town North Carolina. Keep heading north to journey arrive at the Riverside Park trailhead. Combine this great trail with Faith Rock and you have a full day of adventure.
Route Options:
- To Faith Rock and back: 4.2 Miles
- To Water Treatment Plant and back: 2 Miles
- To Riverside Park and back: 3.2 Miles
For this trailhead, there are 2.7 miles of continuous trail.
- Accessibility: Wide flat crushed gravel
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Sandy Creek Bridge, Deep River
Downtown Ramseur Parking
This is the southernmost access to the Deep River State Trail on land. Park behind the Ramseur Community Museum and head west on Liberty St. following the sidewalks and crosswalks to arrive at the entrance of the Deep River State Trail.
Construction on the future Columbia Cotton Trailhead is TBD.
- Accessibility: Wide flat crushed gravel
FUTURE SECTION COMING SOON
Columbia Cotton Trailhead | Land
