Paddlers

Part of the beauty of the Haw River is that it offers multiple types of paddling in close proximity. The shallow rocky sections create excellent rapids for paddling when the water is at normal level. However, these same features make some sections of the Haw difficult to paddle during low water periods.

Due to the historic dams left from the river’s manufacturing past, several sections of the river are backed up to create a lake-like “flat water” paddling experience. These areas are excellent places for beginners to try their first river paddle and are a good choice for dry summer days when the water is low. For flat-water paddling, check out the following sections:

  • Altamahaw Paddle Access-upstream
  • Indian Valley to Great Bend Park- either access
  • Great Alamance Creek Paddle Access
  • Swepsonville Paddle Access- from the lower access go downstream to Saxapahaw or up Great Alamance Creek
  • Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access