Haw River
A paddle on the Haw is a paddle through history. If you are looking for a natural wonder coursing through the heart of North Carolina’s picturesque landscapes this is the river for you. This captivating waterway is a haven for paddling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From its tranquil stretches ideal for leisurely paddles to thrilling sections with moderate rapids, the Haw River promises an unforgettable experience. Prepare to immerse yourself in the region’s rich biodiversity, encounter diverse wildlife, and explore the timeless beauty that makes paddling the Haw River a truly remarkable adventure. Visit thehaw.org for the most up to date info and resources, video guides, history, and more!
These paddles are great for the whole family. These segments are also great if you are new to paddling and looking to get a taste of the paddling world! These segments will be under 2 hours and will have few if any rapids, no dam portages, and are generally calmer areas to paddle in a canoe, or flat water kayak. When its possible, we pick accesses that have bathrooms and formal river accesses. Want to learn more about paddling with the family? REI has an amazing guide.
These segments will have a great payoff for the hard work you put into paddling. These routes will range from beginner to intermediate depending on rapids and length. Always bring extra water, snacks, and safety supplies. Check out the homepage for a packing list and safety information. Don’t forget to tag @Piedmontlegacytrails or #Piedmontlegacytrails in your pictures!
These are the sections for you! These segments will cover our Advanced level of paddling with class 2+ rapids. These sections will typically require gear like whitewater kayaks, sprayskirts, helmets, and skills like the ability to wet exit your boat. If you are paddling in advanced rapids, consider taking a swift water rescue course at the White Water Center or Landmark Learning or Cape Fear River Adventures.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
14) Great Alamance Creek Paddle Access
Great Alamance Creek Paddle Access: 2229 South Main Street, Graham, NC 27253
This is perfect for a logistically easy day. No shuttle needed. This paddle follows the Great Alamance Creek to the Haw River. It is a 1 mile each way trip where you turn around and paddle upstream to return the way you came. Learn more here.
- Miles: 2
- Hours to Paddle: 1.5
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Highlights: No shuttle necessary, lots of shade, confluence to the Haw
SIGHTS WORTH SEEING
06) Glencoe Paddle Access to Red Slide Park
Put in: Glencoe Paddle Access: 2348 Glencoe Street, Burlington, NC 27217
Take out: Red Slide Park: 389 Lang Street, Haw River, NC 27258
The ruins of old mills create ledges and class 2 rapids that will keep you engaged in this paddle. As you paddle under the towering old textile mills you will feel like you are paddling through the ruins of an old mill town.
This paddle includes Goat Island. This island is home to many mysteries, half man- half goat monsters, local folklore, and some pretty cool geo-cache opportunities only available by padding! Learn more about the paddle here.
- Miles: 5
- Hours to Paddle: 3
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Goat Island, old textile mills
ADVANCED ADVENTURES
02) Altamahaw to Shallow Ford Natural Area
Put in: Altamahaw: 2996 North NC Hwy 87, Elon, NC 27244
Take out: Shallow Ford Natural Area: 1955 Gerringer Mill Rd, Elon, NC 27244
This section is full of small class 1-2 rapids. The indicator for enough water to paddle the full segment seems to be making it past the first big rapid. If you get stuck, it may be best to find another paddle route for the day! Ensure that water gauges are appropriate before embarking on this adventure! After your paddle explore the Shallow Ford Natural Area. Primitive Camping is now allowed by reservation at the Shallow Ford Natural area if you are looking to plan a multi-day paddling trip! Visit their site for reservations. Learn more about the paddle here.
- Miles: 2.7
- Hours to Paddle: 2
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Highlights: Shallowford Natural Area
HAW RIVER INTERACTIVE MAP
The Haw River is green. Click on each number to see details of each paddling segment.
PRINTABLE BLUEWAYS GUIDE
HAW RIVER ACCESSES AND TRIP DETAILS
ONLY AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP OR TABLET.
VISIT INTERACTIVE MAP FOR INFO. DATA AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP OR TABLET.
| River | Access | Address | Miles | Paddle | Difficulty | Notes |
| Haw | 01) Brooks Bridge | 7403 Brooks Bridge Rd, Gibsonville, NC 27249 | 4 | 2.5 Hours | Intermediate | |
| Haw | 02) Altamahaw | 2996 North NC Hwy 87, Elon, NC 27244 | 2.7 | 2 Hours | Advanced | |
| Haw | 03) Shallow Ford Natural Area | 1955 Gerringer Mill Rd, Elon, NC 27244 | 4.2 | 2 Hours | Beginner | |
| Haw | 04) Indian Valley | 930 Indian Valley Dr, Burlington, NC 27217 | 1 | 45min | Beginner | |
| Haw | 05) Great Bend Park | 350 Greenwood Dr, Burlington, NC 27217 | – | – | – | |
| Haw | 06) Glencoe | 2348 Glencoe St, Burlington, NC 27217 | 5 | 3 hours | Intermediate | |
| Haw | 07) Red Slide Park | 389 Lang St, Haw River, NC 27258 | 3.5 | 2 Hours | Beginner | |
| Haw | 08) Graham Paddle Access | 1124 Cooper Rd, Graham, NC 27253 | 2.25 | 1.5 Hours | Beginner | |
| Haw | 09) Swepsonville River Park | 2472 Boywood Rd, Swepsonville, NC 27253 | 5.5 | 3 Hours | Beginner | |
| Haw | 10) Saxapahaw Lake | 6096 Jordan Dr, Graham, NC 27253 | – | – | Beginner | https://thehaw.org/paddle-trail/river-section-guides/saxapahaw-lake/ |
| 11) Saxapahaw Mill Race Paddle Access | 6079 Swepsonville-Saxapahaw Road, Graham, NC 27253 | 5.5 | 2.5 Hours | Beginner | ||
| Haw | 12) Union Bridge | 7525 Greensboro-Chapel Hill Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27253 | 12 | 6 Hours | Intermediate | |
| Haw | 13) Highway 15-501 Paddle Access | 4495 Highway 15-501, Pittsboro, NC 27312 |
For more info on the Lower Haw River accesses Visit: https://www.lowerhaw.org/ or to view the maps scroll back to “printable blueways guide”
RIVER RENTALS
Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company
6079 Swepsonville-Saxapahaw Rd Graham, NC 27253 Rentals: Kayak / Canoe / SUP / Shuttle
GetOutdoors Pedal & Paddle
1515 W Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27403 336-294-3918 Rent or Purchase: Kayak / SUP
HAW RIVER RESOURCES
The Haw River Trail provides public access to Alamance County’s most important natural feature. Built on the idea of conservation through recreation, the land and paddle trails allow the community to explore and appreciate its river while helping to conserve and protect this important resource.
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Disclaimer: This information is used entirely at the reader’s discretion and is made available on the expressed condition that no liability, expressed or implied, is accepted by the author or publisher or any of its associates, employees, branches, or subsidiaries for the accuracy, content, or use thereof. River channels are dynamic features and thus change frequently; the boater must be aware that hazards exist and be wary of them. Paddling poses significant potential hazards, including the risk of injury or death, and each person participating in this activity needs to understand the risks involved, obtain the necessary training, and take all the needed precautions. This guide provides general information on the topic of paddling, and by providing this information, we do not assume any liability for its use.
