HALF-DAY PADDLE:
TOWN OF HAW RIVER
TO SWEPSONVILLE
    The Haw River has many personalities as it flows east and then southeast through the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont. Eventually it merges with the Deep River to form the beginning of the Cape Fear River. From a feeling of wilderness to urban and back to wildness, from flat water to gentle rapids to challenging whitewater the river reflects the history of an industrial past, an ever improving quality environment and the potential to unify the communities along its banks as a natural, cultural and recreational treasure.
    All sections of the Haw River offer great opportunities for viewing wildlife and shedding the stresses that come with a civilized society. There is no better way to relax than to immerse yourself in the flat, slow-flowing stretch of river between the owns of Haw River and Swepsonville. An occasional class I+ rapid makes the trip both exciting and fun.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own canoe. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (78K PDF).

HALF-DAY PADDLE:
TOWN OF SWEPSONVILLE
TO SAXAPAHAW
    This paddling trip begins at a historic dam, wing wall and turbine building just downstream of the Town of Swepsonville. There are no rapids to negotiate, but what the river lacks in adrenaline-producing excitement is more than made up for in scenery and wildlife.
    In addition to great blue herons, Canada geese, cormorants, muskrats, beavers and turtles, ospreys, red-tail hawks and belted kingfishers are often seen. It is not unusual to also see bald eagles fishing in the downstream reaches of river.
    The river's wide floodplain makes for characteristic floodplain forests of sycamore, birch, sugarberry, box elder, willow and ash trees, while high rocky bluffs in some areas are characterized by beech, oak, pine and hickory trees, along with cane and mountain laurel under the forest canopy.
    The lower one-mile stretch of the river is on the backwater created by a dam at the historic mill town of Saxapahaw. The take-out is at a private camp just upstream of another dam.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (78K PDF).

EVENING CANOE & KAYAK TRIP:
HAW RIVER/SAXAPAHAW LAKE
    The Haw River originates northwest of Greensboro, and flows east and then southeast to its junction with the Deep River in Chatham County. All sections of the river offer great opportunities for viewing birds and wildlife, while some sections offer exciting whitewater paddling experiences.
    The river is a favorite of paddlers throughout the Piedmont. The section of the river between Swepsonville and Saxapahaw is particularly good for the beginning paddler or anyone looking for a relaxing experience. Most common wildlife species observed are turtles, deer, turkey, squirrel, muskrat and beaver. Common birds include great blue herons, cormorants, belted kingfishers and red-tail hawks. Bald eagles and osprey are often seen.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (72K PDF).

FLY FISHING PADDLE:
HAW RIVER MAINSTEM,
TRIBUTARIES & SAXAPAHAW LAKE
    The Haw River is a delight for anyone who enjoys fishing because of the diversity of fish habitat and the variety of fish species to be caught. Many river sections provide opportunities to fish from the bank, and a few have little to no fishing pressure. Still, there are many types of water to test your fishing skills.
    Whether our catch-and-release fishing is slow or not, you'll enjoy the floodplain forests, bordered in some areas by high rocky bluffs. Birds and wildlife abound. In addition to great blue herons, Canada geese, cormorants, muskrats, beaver, deer and turtles, ospreys, red-tail hawks and belted kingfishers are often seen. It's not even unusual to see bald eagles, themselves, fishing in the downstream river reaches.
    Fee: $55 per canoe or tandem kayak or $50 per single kayak, with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (88K PDF).

FULL MOON PADDLE:
HAW RIVER/SAXAPAHAW LAKE
    Nothing can be more beautiful than a full moon rising above a Piedmont lake. There is just something magical about moonbeams and sharing the experience of looking at the moon with someone special, even if that someone special is just you.
    Participants arrive early enough in the evening to practice paddling, enjoy a beautiful sunset and adjust their eyes to the night sky. As the moonlight gets brighter, we will paddle around the lake to enjoy the night sounds. Eventually, we will “raft-up” and lay back to fully take in our surroundings.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (71K PDF).

INTRODUCTORY PADDLE:
TOWN OF HAW RIVER
TO HIGHWAY 54 ACCESS IN GRAHAM
    The first 50 yards of this trip can be a little challenging since it's necessary to maneuver through a rocky area and past some bridge footings. Our guides will assist you in successfully negotiating this initial difficulty. Then, the river flows unobstructed, occasionally passing over gentle riffles, as it makes it way through a canopy of trees. It is very easy to watch fish and turtles as they swim along since the river is normally rather shallow. Great blue herons and belted kingfishers are commonly seen along with a variety of flowering plants and typical river bank trees such as sycamore, birch, ash, sugarberry, box elder and willow.
    Many stretches of the Haw River are not well suited for beginning paddlers, especially when accompanied by small children. The stretch of river, from the historic Town of Haw River to the Highway 54 river access in the southeast corner of Graham, is well suited for those without much experience or for those who do not have the time to take a longer trip.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (80K PDF).

INTRODUCTORY PADDLE:
HAW RIVER FLATWATER
UPSTREAM OF BYNUM
    In 2006, land on both sides of the Haw River upstream of the dam at Highway 15-501 in Bynum was added to the Haw Slopes State Natural Area, because of its biological and ecological significance. A diversity of habitats includes rich forested slopes, islands, rock outcrops and wetlands. Both rare and ancient plants are found along the shore. Great blue heron, belted kingfishers, Canada geese, red-tail hawks and eagles are commonly seen while paddling. Occasionally, deer, beaver and muskrats present themselves.
    The flatwater upstream of the dam is especially well suited for both the beginner paddler and anyone interested in nature. Parents paddling with children find the experience particularly gratifying.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (75K PDF).

LEISURE PADDLE:
HAW RIVER/GLENCOE LAKE
    The Haw River was once at the epicenter of this nation's enormous textile industry. Today, the entire village of Glencoe is on the National Historic Register. Historic preservationists have successfully restored the old mill houses and developed a fascinating textile museum. In addition, hiking trails are being created in the natural, forested buffer land both upstream and downstream of the village center.
    Our paddle trip will take us upstream of the dam at Glencoe and then back downstream to the village. The beautiful, high bluffs on the northwest side of the river will leave you with the impression that you are paddling on a mountain river. If you like the relaxation that comes with being outside in nature, watching birds and wildlife, you'll enjoy this trip. If time permits, we will visit the Textile Heritage Museum after our paddle.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (82K PDF).

PADDLE & POTLUCK
    People paddle canoes and kayaks for many reasons. Some like to watch birds and wildlife, others enjoy the exercise, many want the solitude and relaxation, and still others paddle for the fun of being with family and/or friends.
    What better way to enjoy nature, de-stress and have fun with others than to spend an afternoon paddling on a river, and after the trip ends, break bread together at a potluck while sitting around a fire in friendly conversation.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. If you are a member of the Haw River Paddle Club, the trip fee is $5 per person and is actually your donation to the Haw River Assembly to support its environmental education and conservation work. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (73K PDF).

PADDLE DINNER
    Known for its importance as a refuge for animals and plants, and for the well being of humans that are nature deprived, the Haw River Valley is also an important agricultural region in the Piedmont of North Carolina. In recent years, grapes have begun taking the place of tobacco as a crop. The unique soils and climate of the Valley are proving to be a world-class region for growing grapes, and a number of award-winning artisan wineries and vineyards are located near the Haw River.
    Recognizing the health benefits of red wine and getting outdoors on the river, The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company has partnered with several of the Haw River Valley wineries to offer a unique experience, a Paddle Dinner. The river trip, enjoyed by paddlers of all skill levels, is a two- to three-hour scenic canoe and/or kayak trip with a naturalist. Immediately after the trip ends, guests get a tour of a winery before sitting down to a luxuriant five-course catered dinner with wine pairings.
    Fee: $75 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $70 per person for those bringing their own boat. The fee includes a catered dinner with wine pairings. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (73K PDF).

PADDLE DINNER,
BREWERY STYLE
    For years, whitewater-paddling enthusiasts have known about the wonderful recreational opportunities available with the Haw River in Chatham County. What most folks don't realize is that the river upstream of the dam at Highway 15-501 in Bynum is ideally suited for beginning paddlers or experienced folks who just want a leisurely paddle. Upstream of the put-in, the river on both banks is part of the Lower Haw River State Natural Area and offers numerous islands that make a nice hideout for birds and wildlife — not to mention an even greater escape for over-worked, stressed humans.
    Want to have some fun, perhaps pick up a new skill and enjoy meeting new friends? What better way to top off a relaxing afternoon in nature than to share a wonderful meal with fellow paddlers? Modeled after our unique partnership with Haw River Trail vineyards and wineries, we have partnered with Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro to offer a similar experience. If you'd like to meet new paddling friends, break bread together and enjoy a few beers, this is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and evening.
    Fee: $75 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $70 per person for those bringing their own boat. The fee includes dinner with beer sampling. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (73K PDF).

PEDAL & PADDLE:
SWEPSONVILLE TO SAXAPAHAW
    The bike route (# 71 & # 72) from Saxapahaw to Swepsonville in southern Alamance County is approximately 8.6 miles in length, offering generally flat and gentle rolling hills through one of the county's most rural sections. Mainly a country lane, there is usually very little vehicular traffic to take away from the pleasant experience of getting out and exercising on a bike.
    From the historic, wood and stone cofferdam in Swepsonville to the hydroelectric dam back in Saxapahaw is an approximately 5.9 river-mile paddle. This remote stretch of river provides solitude; opportunities to enjoy birding and wildlife observation and the type of exercise that only flatwater paddling can offer.
    Throw in a little relaxing and a picnic lunch between the pedal and paddle and you have an ideal day of exercise and de-stressing.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own canoe. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (76K PDF).

POKER PADDLE:
A FUN AND FUNDRAISING EVENT
FOR NON-PROFITS
    Non-profit organizations always have a need to raise money to support their programs. Since we at The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company believe that you can't expect people to care about nature unless they feel some connection with it, we are offering a way for non-profit organizations to raise funds while getting out on the river to have fun paddling.
    We will place five 5-gallon buckets, in plain view, along an easy stretch of the Haw River. In each bucket will be a deck of cards. Each deck will have a distinctive design. Within a bucket, each card in the deck will be in a separate, sealed envelope. Poker Paddle participants will paddle to each bucket, withdraw one envelope from each bucket and return to the registration table. At that point, each envelope will be opened and the participant will know her/his poker hand.
    The non-profit organization will determine the entrance fee and provide winning prizes.
    Fee: The boat rental fee is $25 per person for those needing a canoe or kayak. For those bringing their own boat, there is a $5 per person fee separate from the entrance fee established by the non-profit organization. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (76K PDF).

POLAR BEAR PADDLE:
SWEPSONVILLE TO SAXAPAHAW
    There is no better way to start the New Year off right then to get out on the river and enjoy what nature has to offer. It seems that at this time of year, most of us are making resolutions about how we want to make improvement in our lives. So, start the year off right doing what you love to do — paddling.
    This annual tradition is always held the first Saturday in January, and is for those with a boat, paddling gear and the necessary clothing for cold weather paddling.
    Fee: There is no trip fee, though registration is required. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (70K PDF).

PUMPKIN PADDLE:
HAW RIVER FLATWATER
UPSTREAM OF BYNUM
    For many years, there has been a wonderful Halloween tradition on the pedestrian bridge over the Haw River in Bynum: beautifully-carved pumpkins are lined up along both sides of the bridge. People come from miles away to walk the bridge and enjoy the nighttime spectacle.
    A relatively new, on-water tradition has also developed on Halloween evenings. Both experienced and beginner-level paddlers meet at the highway bridge in Bynum for a nighttime float. Before launching, a carved pumpkin is attached to each boat. Some paddlers attach a pumpkin to both the bow and stern. Glow sticks in the pumpkins provide the illumination. For those not accustomed to paddling in the dark, it is a truly unique and special experience.
    After a magical time on the water, participants then walk the pedestrian bridge to marvel at the artwork on display.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For members of the Haw River Paddle Club, the trip fee is $5 per person and is your donation to the Haw River Assembly to support its environmental education and conservation work. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (75K PDF).

OWL PROWL:
BIG ALAMANCE CREEK & GLENCOE LAKE
    Big Alamance Creek, upstream of its confluence with the Haw River, and the river itself, upstream of the dam at the old textile mill at Glencoe, are great places to search for and watch birds and wildlife, especially in the early evening hours. Both waterways are heavily forested along the shoreline, creating ideal habitat for barred owls, one of the largest of owls.
    At night, woods next to waterways become alive with those creatures most active in the dark. That is the time when barred owls are easiest to locate. It isn't always easy to see them at night, but it is very easy to hear them as they call to each other. Male and female barred owls have different and distinctive calls, so it's easy to identify them, even when you can't see them. Their loud, sometimes hysterical sounding hoots, along with the slapping of beaver tails, make paddling at night an uncommon adventure.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (72K PDF).

RIVER CLEANUP PADDLE
    Over the course of a year, trash builds up along riverbanks and in log piles — causing a hazard to fish and wildlife and spoiling the natural beauty of our waterways. To do our part in cleaning up the Haw River, The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company sponsors three annual cleanups: March's “Cleanup-A-Thon,” June's “National Rivers Cleanup Day” and October's “Big Sweep Cleanup.” Each is focused on a different stretch of river.
    Canoes are provided at no charge for those participants who do not have a boat, and private boaters are encouraged to participate as well. We will help them shuttle their boats and equipment. All of the trash collected will be either recycled, if possible, or brought to a landfill by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company.
    Fee: There is no trip fee, though registration is required. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (68K PDF).

STARGAZING FLOAT:
HAW RIVER/SAXAPAHAW LAKE
    There's no better way to see the night sky in the Piedmont of North Carolina than by paddling, at night, on a large lake, and at the time of a new moon. If astronomy is your hobby — or even if you just want to learn about what you've been looking at all these years — this float trip will be both fun and educational.
    Participants arrive early enough in the evening to practice paddling, enjoy a beautiful sunset and adjust their eyes to the night sky. As the stars become brighter, everyone will “raft-up” and lay back. Participants will be encouraged to share their knowledge of astronomy and/or to ask questions about what we are seeing.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (71K PDF).

SUNSET PADDLE:
GLENCOE & SAXAPAHAW LAKES
    Lakes formed behind the dams at Glencoe and Saxapahaw are wonderful places to enjoy a calm, late afternoon paddle. The remote margins next to the shorelines are home to turtles, owls, great blue herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, turkey, beavers, muskrats, raccoon, squirrel and deer.
    This canoe and/or kayak trip is designed to give participants an opportunity to get away from the turmoil and stress of work or school, and spend a tranquil, late afternoon on the water. It also provides participants with the opportunity to try different types of boats, look for wildlife, gain more paddling experience and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of the trip, click here (77K PDF).