Celebrate the Haw River Trail with a 4-Mile Hike

The Haw River Trail corridor runs 80 miles, from just north of Greensboro southeast to its conclusion in Jordan Lake. It's boulder-strewn waters give the impression of a mountain river while its flora-choked banks are almost junglelike in spots. It's perhaps the wildest experience to be had in the Piedmont.

The hike will begin just outside the Haw River Ballroom. We will hike the Haw River Trail 1.5 miles downstream on surprisingly smooth trail that defies the rocky river on your right, the lush wall of green on your left (save for a short stretch near the turnaround that passes a meadow).

This is an easy hike that's dog-friendly (leashed-dog friendly). We will take a mellow pace, stopping to check out the Haw along the way. After the hike, stick around for 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