Deep River State Trail
The Deep River State Trail is unique in that it is a hybrid trail for the entire length — both a land-based and paddle trail. The trail is undergoing multiple construction projects to add bridges that will connect this 125 mile land and water trail. The Deep flows 125 miles from its headwaters near High Point, joining the Haw River near Moncure to form the Cape Fear. Randolph County and it’s towns along the river have led the efforts in planning and constructing segments of the DRST. Much of the land trail in Randolph County, is a rail trail open to hiking and biking. Get to know the significant natural and historical features found in the heart of North Carolina by exploring the Deep River State Trail. It was designated as an official State Trail in 2007 by the NC General Assembly as both a hiking and paddle trail. 125 miles of designated trail across the state with 5 miles of trail currently on the ground (and many more planned) this is a gorgeous area to explore. A known home of Great Blue Herons, River Otters, and Osprey, be on the lookout for wildlife along your journey! Check out the details on the different segments below: Randleman, Franklinville, and Ramseur.
READY TO EXPLORE?
Explore the Deep River State Trail on Land
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
