August 19, 2008
Grand Opening of Newest Haw River Trail Segment Set For October

The newest section of Haw River Trail will celebrate its Grand Opening on October 11, 2008. Located between Indian Valley Paddle Access and Glencoe Paddle Access, the new segment will add approximately 2 miles to the Haw River Trail. The trail will traverse the City of Burlington’s Indian Valley Golf Course before connecting to a new 20 acre park adjacent to the Glencoe Mill Village. The dedication of the Haw River Trail will take place on October 11 in conjunction with the new park’s grand opening. The new park will be operated by Alamance County Recreation and Parks and will protect almost a mile of river frontage. In addition to hosting the trail, the new park offers access to a 5-acre island, numerous picnic areas and designated fishing areas. For paddlers coming from upstream, the park also secures portage around the Glencoe dam.  The property was acquired with a grant from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund.

The park’s name will be revealed to the public at the grand opening, but should reflect the rich history of the Glencoe Mill Village. Glencoe Mill Village is a National Historic District and is one of the state’s most historically important industrial sites. Glencoe Mills, Inc. was incorporated in 1880 by James H. and William E. Holt, sons of the textile pioneer, E.M. Holt. Glencoe was the last water-powered mill developed by the Holts and manufactured cotton plaids known as Glencoe Plaids or Haw River Plaids. At its peak, the village had nearly 50 houses and the mill employed more than 200 workers. The mill closed in 1954 and fell into disrepair.  Today, the village and the mill are being restored and redeveloped since being purchased by Preservation North Carolina in 1997.  You’re invited to come out and share in the celebration on October 11!

August 11, 2008
Work Underway at Newest Access on the Haw River Paddle Trail

The Haw River Paddle Trail is close to becoming a little bit longer. Haw River Trail Partner Alamance County Recreation and Parks Department finalized a lease with Glen Raven, Inc. on a 2.8 acre parcel in Altamahaw last month. The property is located on the west side of Highway 87, at the road’s intersection with the Haw River. When completed, the Glen Raven Paddle Access will add approximately 6 miles to the northern end of the Haw River Paddle Trail. The section of river between Glen Raven Paddle Access and the next access at Indian Valley is one of the most beautiful on the entire Haw.  Navigable only at elevated water levels, the stretch challenges paddlers to navigate substantial rock gardens on the narrow river.  The section also encompasses on of the largest elevation drops on the paddle trail.    

The site of the paddle access has been used by paddlers and fisherman for years with the informal permission of Glen Raven, Inc. The new agreement with ACRPD will allow for improvements and regular maintenance on the property. The agreement will also create safe portage around Glen Raven Dam, the only remaining stonework dam in Alamance County. The ACRPD is currently making improvements to the site including constructing a parking area, installing steps to the river and placing a pedestrian bridge on the property.  The bridge is being renovated and moved to the property after being removed from its former home in Burlington’s NorthPark. Haw River Trail Partner, Burlington Recreation and Parks Department donated the bridge, and the renovation and setting of the bridge will be done by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. 

August 4, 2008
Indian Valley Golf Course Brings in Record Revenue
After Opening Haw River Trail

When the City of Burlington routed the Haw River Trail through Indian Valley Golf Course last year, some were concerned about the effect the Trail would have on the course. Would sharing the course with hikers diminish the quality of golf play? Would a hiking trail drive away golfers and hurt revenues at the course?

Those questions were largely answered last week with the news that Indian Valley Golf Course brought in record revenue in the 2007-08 fiscal year. Indian Valley made over $600,000 last year for the first time in its history and broke even for the first time in years, reports the Burlington Times-News. The increased revenue is attributable to increased attendance. Rounds played at the course increased last year, as did visits to Indian Valley Paddle Access.

Congratulations of the City or Burlington for providing an excellent example of how to maximize recreational opportunities on publicly-owned land.

July 28, 2008
First Mile Marker Signs Up on Haw River Paddle Trail

The first of 37 mile marker signs were hung on the banks of the Haw last week. The signs are an effort on the part of the Haw River Trail Partnership to improve safety on the river and to enhance the experience of paddlers on the Haw River Paddle Trail.

The signs will help paddlers identify their location on the river and help emergency responders locate paddlers in need of assistance.  In addition, the markers are being integrated into a series of Haw River Paddle Trail guide booklets, highlighting historical and natural sites of significance on the Haw.

The signs were made possible by a Kodak American Greenways Grant, a joint effort of Eastman Kodak, The Conservation Fund and the National Geographic Society.  These grants stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout America.  In addition to receiving the grant award, the Haw River Trail Partnership will be showcased as a national model for innovative efforts to develop a greenway on the Haw River.

July 21, 2008
Haw River Trail's Impact on Mountains to Sea Trail
Featured in Raleigh News & Observer

The Haw River Trail has taken centerstage in a four part series about the Mountains to Sea Trail in the Raleigh News & Observer. The series follows path of the Mountains to Sea Trail from Clingsman's Dome to the Outer Banks, and explores the MST's history and progress over the past 30 years. The second article in the series focuses on the Triad, and highlights the critical role that the HRT is playing in the MST's development.

The Haw River Trail in Alamance and Guilford Counties represents the first large scale effort by local governements to compete the MST over private land. Since 2006, almost 3 million dollars have been dedicated to the trail work in Alamance County alone.

The series can be viewed at http://www.newsobserver.com/trailblazing.

July 10, 2008
HRT Partnership Recieves Grant for Trail Work

The Ciy of Graham, a Haw River Trail Partner was awarded a $5,000 grant from the North Carolina State Trails Program this month. The "Adopt-A-Trail" grant program awards $108,000 annually to government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private trail groups for trails projects. The funds can be used for trail building, trail signage and facilities, trail maintenance, trail brochures and maps, and other related uses.

The grant will be used for trail building on property owned by the City of Graham, on the banks of the Haw River near Interstate 85/40. The land was previously acquired with grant funds from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Trail work will begin soon - if you would like to volunteer, please contact us at 229-2229 or send an email getinvolved@thehaw.org.

 

June 30, 2008
State Trails Seeking Input From Paddlers

The North Carolina State Trails Program is launching a research project designed to collect information from both resident and non-resident paddlers who enjoy the lakes, rivers and coastal areas of our state. This is a follow-up study on a survey conducted in 2006.  The State plans to use the results from this project to promote paddling, enhance paddling experiences, and increase awareness of paddle tourism throughout North Carolina.  Each respondent will be entered into a drawing for a $200 gift card to the Great Outdoor Provision Company.

The survey can be accessed by clicking on this link:   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ogSiusYwE3APwc_2fq6Pn3MA_3d_3d

The results of this survey will be posted on the NC Parks website in the fall of 2008 at www.ncparks.gov. Questions about the study should be sent to Jennifer Beedle, the project manager at Jennifer.Beedle@ncmail.net or by phone at 919-715-9613.

 

June 23, 2008
Haw River Trail Grows with Donation of New Trail Easement

The route of the Haw River Trail became more defined this month, thanks to the donation of a trail easement by Tom Sykes of Haw River. The easement allows the Haw River Trail to travel south of US-70 to within a few hundred feet of the new "Red Slide Park" now under development in the Town of Haw River.

The land on which the trail easement was given has been in the Sykes family for generations. Tom maintains an orchard on the upper property, and was more than willing to accommodate the Trail near the Haw River. The site is a constant home to a family of Canada Geese, and Tom reports that a bald eagle frequents the spot many mornings. Tom's willingness to share his land is an example of the spirit of sharing that is driving the Haw River Trail.  We look forward to building the trail through this beautiful stretch of river.

 

June 2, 2008
Haw River Trail Featured on "North Carolina Weekend"

The Haw River Trail was the lead story on UNC-TV's "North Carolina Weekend" this week. The story focused on the unique experience of paddling the Haw River, and the conservation efforts that are supported by the recreational users. The segment featured interviews with many well known figures around the river including Haw River Canoe and Kayak's Joe Jacob and avid paddler Greg Massey. After being photographed paddling on the front page of Alamance Magazine in 2007, Massey lacks only a cameo in a feature film to complete the rare Haw River Media Hat Trick.

UNC-TV is North Carolina's public television station and broadcasts statewide. If you missed it, the show can also be viewed on the "North Carolina Weekend" website.

May 20, 2008
First Section of Mountains to Sea Trail Designated

Swepsonville River Park was officially designated as a portion of the North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail this month, the first section of the Haw River Trail to receive such a designation.  The park was one of the first sections of Haw River Trail opened in 2004 and represents an important node on the planned Haw River Trail/Mountains to Sea route.  The site of the park has been an important crossing point on the Haw River for over 200 years, and was the site of troop crossings in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Swepsonville River Park offers approximately two miles of hiking trails, extending northward from the confluence of Great Alamance Creek and the Haw River.  It also offers two paddle accesses, numerous fishing points and overnight camping to park visitors.

 

May 6, 2008
Haw River Acquires 15 Acres for “Red Slide Park”

The Town of Haw River has acquired 15 acres of property adjacent to the Haw River for the creation of a new public park.  The park will be called “Red Slide Park” in reference to the historical name of the neighborhood.  The property is located off Lang Street, across the Haw River from the historic Granite Mill.  The current owners of Granite Mill, Haw River Business Center, sold the majority of the property to be used for the park.  Additional property was sold by the Odis and Gloria Fogleman family.

The park will extend the Haw River Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail through the Town, and will create a new access point to the Haw River Paddle Trail.  The park will also protect approximately 3300 linear feet of frontage on the Haw River. The park’s acquisition and development are funded, in part, by a $75,000 grant from the North Carolina Recreational Trails Program.  The park project is a cooperative effort between the Town and the Haw River Trail Partnership.  The Haw River Trail Partnership is made up of several local governments and the Elon University Center for Environmental Studies.  The Town of Haw River was one of 10 local governments to pledge to work cooperatively towards recreation and conservation goals along the Haw River in a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding.  Signers of the 2006 MOU have conserved more than 1,000 acres and over 3 miles of frontage along the Haw River in the past 2 years.

 

April 21, 2008
Yee-Haw! River Paddle Brings over 180 to the Haw

This weekend's First Annual Yee-Haw! River Paddle was a great success. The event brought over 180 people from across the State to the Haw River for a day of paddling and fellowship. Three events tailored to beginners, families and experienced paddlers gave all skill levels a chance to enjoy the river, many for the first time.

The event was a joint effort by the Haw River Trail Partnership including the City of Burlington, the City of Graham, Alamance County, and the Elon University Center for Environmental Studies. Haw River Canoe and Kayak Company outfitted dozens of paddlers with boats and instruction and a sponsership by the Burlington-Alamance Convention and Visitor's Bureau allowed some of the proceeds to benefit the Elon University Center for Environmental Studies Haw River Trail Fund.

Thanks to all who attended. If you took photos of the event, please take a minute to share them on the Haw River Trail Gallery on Flickr.com

To read a story about the Yee-Haw River Paddle in the Burlington Times-News, click here.

 

April 7, 2008

Haw River Trail Program Receives Statewide Award

Alamance County was honored with the Outstanding County Program Award by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners this week for its role in developing the Haw River Trail Coordinator Position in Alamance County. The award is given by the NCACC to "recognize and share information with other counties about programs that involve a uniquely innovative process, solution or idea to address a county or multi-jurisdictional issue."

The Haw River Trail Coordinator position was created in May 2006, when Alamance County was one of 10 local governments to sign a Memorandum of Understanding pledging to work jointly towards recreation and conservation goals on the Haw River. The position is hosted by the Elon University Center for Environmental Studies and is jointly funded by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Alamance County, the City of Burlington and the City of Graham.

 

 

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