Lower Haw River State Natural Area
Lower Haw River State Natural Area
Lower Haw River State Natural Area
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
11 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Will C
Raleigh, NC36 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
The Lower Haw River tumbles over rapids and spreads out into several different channels as it makes it's way to Jordan Lake. Hiking is great in the fall, winter and early spring. I like to park at the bridge on Hwy 64, the Pittsboro side of the bridge at the parking area and hike down stream to Moose Jaw Falls. It's a little rugged and would not be suitable for small children. The other side of the bridge offers much easier hiking.
The river widens below the Hwy 64 bridge and spreads out to form islands and channels. This is caused by a layer of very hard rock called Rhyolite. It's kind of a greenish looking rock formed by magma hardening deep under ground. The river can't easily cut through this rock, so it spreads out. The fishing can be surprisingly good with Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Bream. This river offers whitewater paddling opportunities but it is extremely dangerous for a novice. People have spent the night stranded on the many islands, there have been many rescues that put the rescuers at risk and there have been drownings. Contact the Carolina Canoe Club before you challenge the rapids on this river with names like Thunder Falls, Ocean Blvd, Gabriel's Bend, Moose Jaw Falls, Tombstone and The Maze.
There were many mills on the river and some old bridges. These places can only be detected by an astute person because there is little left of them. Native Americans used Rhyolite to make arrowheads so you will be hiking on trails that predate colonization. Bald Eagles and their nests can be seen along with numerous species of birds. This area is going to be developed soon but this park will preserve a state treasure. Enjoy!
The river widens below the Hwy 64 bridge and spreads out to form islands and channels. This is caused by a layer of very hard rock called Rhyolite. It's kind of a greenish looking rock formed by magma hardening deep under ground. The river can't easily cut through this rock, so it spreads out. The fishing can be surprisingly good with Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Bream. This river offers whitewater paddling opportunities but it is extremely dangerous for a novice. People have spent the night stranded on the many islands, there have been many rescues that put the rescuers at risk and there have been drownings. Contact the Carolina Canoe Club before you challenge the rapids on this river with names like Thunder Falls, Ocean Blvd, Gabriel's Bend, Moose Jaw Falls, Tombstone and The Maze.
There were many mills on the river and some old bridges. These places can only be detected by an astute person because there is little left of them. Native Americans used Rhyolite to make arrowheads so you will be hiking on trails that predate colonization. Bald Eagles and their nests can be seen along with numerous species of birds. This area is going to be developed soon but this park will preserve a state treasure. Enjoy!
Written January 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HerrP
Warner Robins, GA2,330 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Spent a couple hours here, hiking the trails and walking the bridge. Excellent area to enjoy nature and appreciate serene settings.
Sometimes the best things in life are free. This is one of them.
Sometimes the best things in life are free. This is one of them.
Written December 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheryl h
Durham, NC57,924 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
The parking area is next to the bridge on 15-501 (between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro). The Haw River is a popular spot for canoeists and hikers. The nature area covers around 1000 acres including both sides of the river so there are plenty of trails to be walked. They offer trails above and below the dam. Some of the trails along the river are very worn so watch your step and others have lots of rocks exposed.
Written November 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvonne M
9 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Tried out the Haw River banks today starting at the parking area beneath the Hwy. 64 bridge on the Pittsboro side of the river. From previous reviews, we were prepared for the roughness of the natural setting wearing good hiking boots. A natural walking stick found early on helped tremendously (I'm an infrequent hiker accustomed to paved walking trails). We had a couple small creeks to find a crossover point, lots and lots of tree roots and rocks to slow the pace plus nice sandy areas to speed up on. We loved sitting on the boulders listening to the rapids which also gave us up-close watching of kayakers coming by. We saw old remnants of beaver activity, looked for arrowheads while watching our steps, and were careful not to crush the forest floor delicate wild flowers coming to life. Our dog loved it. As challenging as it was, I totally enjoyed true nature. Oh, and be sure to go to the bathroom before you come. No eagle sightings today.
Written March 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin P
Raleigh, NC4,557 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Lower Haw River State Natural Area protects a section of the Haw River from US-15/501 in Bynum south to Jordan Lake. It's managed as a satellite of Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. As a natural area, it is less developed than a park and as such there are few amenities besides parking at the trailheads. The north trailhead is in Bynum off Bynum Church Road and the south trailhead is along US-64 eastbound, just east of the bridge over Haw River. A four mile along the east bank of the river connects the two. It is not an official trail, so it's not maintained. And there are a lot of beavers in the area, so many trees across the trail. But its easy to follow and a beautiful trail that stays right alongside the river. We only saw a couple other people on our hike and we were here for about four hours. Three tributaries flow into Haw River and you'll have to go upstream a bit to cross. Pokeberry Creek, the northernmost of the three, has the most water and is the most difficult to cross. Overall, a great hidden gem for hiking and nature and I definitely plan to come back again.
Written December 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susan l
Raleigh, NC87 contributions
May 2017
Smaller hike, we went to the cabin locations first and hiked the trail around the lake and then directed to the new section off Church St, that was a nice quiet area, about a 45-60 minute hike, pretty.
Written June 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina D
Pittsboro, NC74 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
i love this little spot for a hike near home. Not much more than a mile out and then back again, but it is delightful along the Haw with some interesting old artifacts along there.
Written September 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana F
Chapel Hill, NC43 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Almost afraid to review: The best part is how secret it is... not heavily travelled. One of the prettiest spots on earth.
Written January 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Okiewood
Durham, NC270 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
The lower Haw River trail is a pretty hike and you can stop along the way to enjoy the flowing river. Take a rest by the river bank and enjoy the quiet.
Written June 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet N
4 contributions
Apr 2016
The Haw River area offers both excitement and relaxation blended together. The river is clean and stimulating, while adjacent paths offer a different peaceful adventure. So many photo opportunities or just absorb the moments.
Written May 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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