BYNUM UPRIVER PADDLE
    Becasuse of its biological and ecological signifcance, land on both sides of the Haw River upriver of the dam at Highway 15-501 in Bynum is part of the Haw Slopes State Natural Area.
    A diversity of habitats includes rich forested slopes, islands, rocky outcrops and wetlands. Both rare and ancient plants are found along the shore. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, Canada geese, red-tail hawks and eagles are commonly seen while paddling. Occasionally, deer, beaver and muskrats present themselves.
    Flat-water upriver of the dam is especially well-suited for both the beginner paddler and anyone intersted in nature. Parents paddling with children find the experience particularly gratifying.
    Fee: $40 per single kayak, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat.

FULL MOON PADDLE
    Nothing can be more beautiful than a full moon rising above a Piedmont lake. There is just something magical about moonbeams and water — 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.

GREATER ALAMANCE CREEK ACCESS
TO SAXAPAHAW LAKE
    Greater Alamance Creek, a major tributary of the Haw River in Alamance County, has a great deal of historical significance. At one time, the creek served as a significant trading path for both indigenous people and early settlers. During the War Between the States, the junction of the creek with the Haw River was an important crossing for the Underground Railroad.
    Today, a trip down the creek offers the paddler a remote setting with lots of birds and wildlife. There is even a greater variety and abundance of birds and wildlife to see by continuing downriver to Saxapahaw Lake.
    Fee: $45 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat.

HISTORY REDISCOVERED
    The rivers in the Piedmont of North Carolina are rich in the cultural history of the 1700s and 1800s. Evidence of fords, locks, dams, canals, bridges, grist mills, home sites and graveyards can be found, if you have previous experience looking for such things.
    That is why we have teamed up with the Trading Path Association to offer monthly educational and exploratory river trips in the spring, fall and early-winter months. TPA has a history of offering Sunday afternoon hikes to historically significant sites and is very familiar with old roadways that crossed the Haw River.
    Fee: $45 per person with the canoe or kayak provided or $40 per person for those bringing their own boat. The fee includes a representative from TPA, background information on the sites visited and a river guide.

OWL PROWL
    Big Alamance Creek, upriver of its confluence with the Haw River, and the river itself, upriver of the dam at Saxapahaw, 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.

PADDLE BRUNCH
    Weekends are for recharging the mind, body and spirit. What better way to do that than to eat a nutritious meal of locally-grown food prepared by folks who know how to make it delicious and then exercise the body and renew the spirit while paddling down the Haw River?
    The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. has partnered with the Saxapahaw General Store to offer a relaxing brunch followed by a river trip. Getting in touch with our natural surroundings will be the focus of this two-and-a-half-hour paddle.
    Fee: $45 per person with the canoe or kayak provided or $40 per person for those bringing their own boat.

PADDLE BUFFET
    Like our popular Paddle Dinners, this afternoon guided river trip ends with a visit to Benjamin Vineyards & Winery, where guests enjoy a buffet meal provided by Cherlafay Catering. Designed to be less expensive than the Paddle Dinners, Paddle Buffets still feature the wonderful wines and great food from our partners, just not as much.
    Fee: $45 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $40 per person for those bringing their own boat. The fee includes a buffet meal and a glass of wine.

PADDLE DINNER:
BENJAMIN VINEYARDS & WINERY or
THE GROVE VINEYARDS & WINERY
with CHERLAFAY CATERER
    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 Benjamin Vineyards and Winery, The Grove Vineyards and Winery, and Cherlafay Caterer 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.

PADDLE DINNER:
BREWERY STYLE
with THE EDDY AND
SAXAPAHAW GENERAL STORE
    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 The Eddy and General Store in Saxapahaw to offer a similar experience. If you would 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. Vegetarian options are available.

PADDLE DINNER:
GENERAL STORE CAFE
    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 the General Store Café in Pittsboro 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 go to the General Store Café for 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. Vegetarian options are available.

PEDAL & PADDLE
    Rural Alamance County offers many miles of generally flat land with gentle rolling hills and, usually, very little vehicular traffic to take away from the pleasant experience of getting out and exercising on a bicycle.
    What better way to exercise different muscle groups than to bike to Saxapahaw and lock away your equipment in the offices of The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. before beginning to paddle your choice of a two- to three-hour flatwater or whitewater river trip?
    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 a canoe provided, $40 per person with a recreational kayak provided for the flatwater river trip or $40 per person with a sit-on-top kayak provided for the whitewater river trip.

PHOTOGRAPHY PADDLE
    The eye of the camera can see more than images; it can capture feelings, emotions and expressions. Lighting, colors and perspective can be transformed by the camera lens into art.
    The Photography Paddle is not intended to be an introductory course in nature photography. Participants should already know how to use their cameras. The purpose of this guided trip is to offer amateur and professional photographers an opportunity to get closer to water, birds, wildlife and reflections not ordinarily possible from land. Participants must provide their photographic equipment.
    Fee: $45 per person with the canoe or kayak provided or $40 per person for those bringing their own boat. The fee includes a river guide with professional photographic experience.

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 cannot 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: In addition to the non-profit entrance fee, there is a boat rental fee of $25 per person for those needing a canoe or kayak. There is no additional fee for individuals bringing a personal canoe or kayak to participate in the fundraising event.

POLAR BEAR PADDLE
    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 improvements 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.

PUMPKIN PADDLE
    The Town of Saxapahaw has a new Halloween tradition! Paddlers meet at The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. for a nighttime float and community gathering.
    Before launching, a carved pumpkin is attached to each boat and a glow stick placed in each pumpkin provides 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, while surrounded by glowing pumpkins, take part in a riverside bonfire.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat.

RED SLIDE PARK TO
SWEPSONVILLE RIVER PARK
    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 flatwater to gentle rapids to challenging whitewater the river reflects the history of an industrial past, an ever-improving natural 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 birds and 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 Towns of Haw River and Swepsonville. An occasional class I+ rapid makes the trip both exciting and fun.
    Fee: $45 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak, or $20 per person for those bringing their own canoe.

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.

SHALLOW FORD NATURAL AREA
TO INDIAN VALLEY ACCESS
    This easy paddle trip originates from Shallow Ford Natural Area in Alamance County. Slow and intimate, the river generally runs clear enough to see fish and turtles swimming beneath the surface while birds flit around in overhanging trees.
    Spring months of the year make canoeing and kayaking a peaceful way to experience this section of river and its associated wildlife. During the drier months of the year, we swap canoes for kayaks, which are able to navigate the shallower conditions.
    Just before ending the trip at the Indian Valley Access, gentle class I rapids make for a more exciting experience.
    Fee: $45 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat.

SPIRIT ISLAND CAMPOUT:
GUIDED TRIP OPTION
    Need to get away for the weekend, but don't want to go too far from home? Spirit Island, on the Haw River, is an ideal place to shed the stresses of an urban lifestyle and enjoy isolation, beautiful scenery and plenty of birds and wildlife.
    Beginning at Saxapahaw, we paddle 4.5 miles to the island on a river section free from rapids, but home to great blue herons, Canada geese, cormorants, muskrats, beavers, turtles, ospreys, red-tail hawks, belted kingfishers and an occasional bald eagle.
    At the island, we set up tents on one of two camping platforms and soak up the surroundings before an evening meal. After breakfast the next day, we paddle back to Saxapahaw and arrive by noon.
    Fee: $75 per person with the canoe, dinner and breakfast provided, or $65 per person for those bringing their own boat.

STARGAZING FLOAT:
SAXAPAHAW LAKE
    There is no better way to see the night sky in the Piedmont of North Carolina than by paddling, at night, on a 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,” lay back, and identify stars and constellations.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat.

SUNRISE PADDLE
    A great way to begin the day is to get out onto the water to celebrate nature in all of its physical and spiritual forms. For those with the eyes, ears and heart to see, creation visibly takes form in the pastel colors of the rising sun, the song of birds, the scurrying of animals in the woods and the promise and hope that each new day brings.
    We start each Sunrise Paddle with a favorite quote, a poem, a prayer or a silent meditation as our way to celebrate our time on the river. Then, we split up to individually explore our local surroundings.
    Fee: $25 per person with the canoe or kayak provided, or $20 per person for those bringing their own boat.

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 river 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.

SWEPSONVILLE RIVER PARK
TO SAXAPAHAW LAKE
    There are no rapids to negotiate on this river trip, but what the river lacks in adrenaline-producing excitement is more than made up for in scenery, birds and wildlife. Besides, even during the lowest water levels of the year, there is always enough water to paddle.
    Great blue herons, Canada geese, cormorants, muskrats, beavers, turtles, ospreys, red-tail hawks and belted kingfishers are often seen. It is not unusual to also see bald eagles fishing in the downriver reaches.
    The river's wide floodplain makes for characteristic floodplain forests of sycamore, birch, sugarberry, boxelder, 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 river is the backwater created by a dam at the historic mill town of Saxapahaw. The take-out is at a private camp just upriver of the dam.
    Fee: $45 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak, or $20 per person for those bringing their own canoe.

WHITEWATER PADDLE
    Two sections of the Haw River in Alamance County offer wonderful class II whitewater paddling experiences.
    The river between Glencoe and Red Slide Park in the Town of Haw River has many rapids that are exciting to negotiate. The paddler hardly notices that the river flows past an industrial site next to one of the more challenging rapids.
    Downriver of Saxapahaw, the river feels wild and remote. Many class I and class I+ rapids, along with two beautiful class II rapids — one of which is particularly long — occur in the 5.5 miles between Saxapahaw and Old Greensboro Highway.
    Whitewater paddles on these two river sections will be held in the spring, when water levels are reliably high enough.
    Fee: $40 per person with a sit-on-top kayak provided.

WOMEN'S EVENING PADDLE
    Sometimes, you need to escape the stress of busy schedules, get away from it all and enjoy a peaceful, refreshing evening. That's the idea behind the Women's Evening Paddle, where your female river guides lead a "women only" group. The goal is to become rejuvenated through movement on the water, observing nature and enjoying a relaxing post-paddle social.
    The two-and-a-half-hour river trip begins while egrets and great blue herons settle for their evening rest, and concludes at Benjamin Vineyards and Winery for a glass of wine, light fare and a relaxing chair massage. It's a unique trip designed by women for women.
    Fee: $55 per person with a canoe or kayak provided.