Celebrate the Haw River on a 2-mile Hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

We will be meeting at the Saxapahaw Island Park parking lot at 330pm and walking on the future route of the MST that crosses behind the Saxapahaw Campground that Mike Bordeaux owns. The trail runs along the Haw River NW over the side of the dam and out and back approximately 1 mile (2 miles total).

We will walk and talk about the construction of the two story stone steps built by AFMST volunteers. Some of the stones used in this project are over 400 lbs and they were moved by volunteers and hand tools. Further down from the dam is 100 feet of boardwalk also installed by AFMST volunteers. Funds for the boardwalk were obtained through a gift from American Eagle Outfitters and FMST. We will talk more about trail building and point out areas of construction that most hikers do not even notice when hiking a trail.

Further down is a cedar bridge on the Roselle and Andrews property constructed from cedars from the Andrews property and cedar decking milled from local cedars. This was a joint project with funds from Alamance County Parks paying for the decking materials.

This is an easy hike of approximately 1 mile out and back (2 miles total). Children are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring any food and water that you might require. We look forward to hiking and answering any questions you might have regarding trail building and maintenance.

This event is part of the ...

This hike is part of a celebration of the Haw River including the 2025 International Paddling Film Festival hosted that evening by Haw River Canoe and Kayak, and many excellent river partners. The event, in Saxapahaw, includes:

10 am -- noon -- Celebrate the Haw River Trail with a Wildflower Walk. More info here.

1-3 pm -- 4-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail/Haw River Trail hike led by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Hometown Strong division. More info here.

1:30 - 3:30 pm. -- Haw River Assembly River Watch. More info here.

3:30-4:30 pm -- Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail hike and trail construction discussion. More info here.

4:30 pm -- On-water demonstrations

5:30 pm -- River Social at Haw River Ballroom

7 pm -- Start of the International Paddling Film Festival. For and click on more information and tickets, wich are $18, visit Haw River Canoe & Kayak here and click on "Full Event List."

Host or Publisher NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/Hometown Strong