Amenities
LAND TRAIL
Whether you are looking for a guided outdoor adventure, a local place to rent equipment, or want to purchase your own gear, the area around the Haw River Trail has multiple outfitters to meet your needs. With retailers abounding between Greensboro to the west and Durham to the east, there’s a lot to choose from. The following companies and local businesses are long-time friends of the Haw River Trail known for their expertise, quality equipment, and guided outdoor experiences for all skill levels.
Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company
Joe Jacobs is a long-time advocate and friend of the HRT. His company offers guided paddle trips, rentals, classes, and summer camps.
Location:
6079 Swepsonville-Saxapahaw Rd.,
Graham, NC 27253
Phone: (336) 260-6465
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Three Rivers Outfitters
Our neighbor and friend to the north, they venture to the uppermost sections of the Haw in Alamance County with guided trips and rentals.
Location:
413 Church St., Eden, NC 27289
Phone: (336) 627-6215 or (276) 340-3983
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Outfitters
Great Outdoor Provision Company
GOPC provides a variety of quality outdoor recreation gear. The Greensboro and Durham locations are long-time supporters of the HRT/MST.
Location:
Eastgate Shopping Center, 1800 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone: (919) 933-6148
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Location: Friendly Shopping Center, 3104 Northline Ave., Greensboro, NC 27408
Phone: (336) 851-1331
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Frog Hollow Outfitters
Frog Hollow offers paddling instruction, guided trips, rentals, camping, and hiking adventures in a variety of locations.
Location:
614 Trent Dr., Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 416-1200
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REI Co-op
A nationally recognized chain, REI provides outdoor gear for both land and water recreation activities, including canoes and kayaks. The Greensboro and Durham locations are constant supporters of the HRT.
Location:
6911 Fayetteville Rd. #109, Durham, NC 27713
Phone: (919) 806-3442
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Location: Friendly Center, 3334 W. Friendly Ave. #140, Greensboro, NC 27408
Phone: (336) 323-3117
Visit Site
One of the best things about traveling to a new place is discovering great local food. Reward a long day hiking or paddling with a delicious meal at one of our many local eateries, or pick up snacks or food to-go for a picnic during your adventure on the Trail. The following outfits are known for their unique local flavor and high quality food and drink. You can also enjoy your meal knowing that many of these local businesses are sponsors and friends of the Trail. Bon appetit!
The Eddy Restaurant & Pub
Located in Saxapahaw. A central gathering place in the community, the Eddy features a locally sourced menu with ever-changing options. They describe their version of Pub food as "ranging from southern comfort to European bistro." Proteins are antibiotic and hormone-free, fish are sustainably raised/caught.
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Saxapahaw General Store
Located in Saxapahaw. "Your local five-star gas station." Yep, you read that right- it's a revitalized gas station and convenience store transformed by local owners into restaurant, grocery stop, and gathering place. Featuring a variety of hot foods, snacks & dry goods, and a wide beverage selection. And, you can still fill up your tank!
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Good Eats
The Root
Located in Elon. If you're looking for a nice sit-down meal, check out The Root Trackside in Elon. The food is fresh and made from scratch with quality ingredients. A variety of menu options from sandwiches and wraps to salmon and steak. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
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Tangent Eat + Bar
Located in Elon. Featuring "Thoughtfully created, flavorful, scratch made food and drink." A variety of unique eats like the Fried Green Tomato Taco and Pork Hot Pockets, accompanied by a bar menu and soft drinks. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
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Burlington Food Hall
Located in downtown Burlington. Repurposed from a small grocery market into a dynamic food and community space, you will find five unique eateries and a bar. With its spacious dining areas, outside patio, and kid’s corner it is a perfect spot to gather with friends and family. Food has the power to connect, come hang out with us!
Visit Site
Blue Ribbon Diner & The Village Grill
Blue Ribbon Diner has locations in Burlington and Mebane. Village Grill is located in Burlington. Blue Ribbon Diner is a local favorite featuring the classic American Diner experience and daily specials. Village Grill offers a tropical atmosphere with a garden room and bar, serving steak and seafood themed menus. Wireless available.
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Reverence Farms
Located in southern Graham. A new cafe owned by long-time HRT friend Suzanne Nelson. The cafe features a fresh, simple, farm-to-table menu with ingredients from her family's local farm. Seasonal and locally-sourced offerings. Vegetarian options available.
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Dickie-Do’s BBQ
Located in Haw River. What NC town would be complete without a local BBQ joint? Enjoy the traditional NC BBQ experience with everything from BBQ pork to smoked chicken or ribs, complete with "down home sides" and homemade desserts. Gluten free options available.
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There’s a lot to do and see on the Haw River Trail and in the surrounding area. If you’re making a longer trip of it, or just looking for a local weekend getaway, you’ll need a place to stay. In addition to traditional lodging chains available in nearby cities, be sure to consider an overnight stay with a more local touch. The following inns and bed & breakfasts offer local flavor and a unique experience, with locations convenient to the Trail and other local points of interest. A comprehensive list of lodging options for the area can be found on the Alamance Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
The Acorn Inn
A locally-owned, 12-suite luxury inn located 2 blocks from Elon University and only 3 miles from I-40. Convenient to the northern HRT Paddle Accesses and Shallow Ford Natural Area. A 2-bedroom VIP suite is available, as are special event packages. The owners make a significant effort to be environmentally conscious. Daily hot breakfast.
Contact:
301 W. Haggard Ave., Elon, NC 27244
Phone: (336) 585-0167
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The Acorn Suites
The Acorn Inn's new sister property in Mebane offers an extended stay option with 30 premium suites. Each suite features living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. Amenities include business and fitness centers and laundry on each floor. Enjoy open and spacious suites and Southern hospitality.
Contact:
914 S. Fifth St., Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: (919) 568-9005
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Lodging & Camping
Small B&B Cafe
A combined B&B and Cafe offering a truly unique experience in Pittsboro. With three "beautiful and unexpected" rooms, two designed by an architecture professor, it is also kid and pet friendly. The owners emphasize sustainability and environmental friendliness, with foods sourced from local farms and suppliers, a solar water heater, and cistern.
Contact:
219 East St., Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 537-1909
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The Yurt at Frog Pond
A rustic yurt set deep in the woods of Saxapahaw. The single-room yurt accommodates up to 4 guests and has a separate bath house a short walk away. Guests have access to over 20 acres. Enjoy the deck with firepit and a hot tub overlooking Frog Pond. Offers a camping-like experience.
Contact:
2800 Austin Quarter Rd., Graham, NC 27253
Phone: Please contact through Airbnb website
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Inn at Bingham School
An award-winning historic B&B set in a beautiful country home dating to the early 1800s. Located between Saxapahaw and Chapel Hill, it offers four guest rooms appointed with luxurious antiques and fine linens. Enjoy a full hot breakfast, complimentary wine & cheese, and 10 acres of park-like grounds.
Contact:
6720 Mebane Oaks Rd., Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: (919) 563-5583
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Local Attractions
The Haw River Trail highlights local culture and history as well as the area’s natural resources. If you’re visiting the Trail, consider stopping in at these great local attractions that will enhance your trip. If you’re local but haven’t visited all of these sites, set aside some time to get to know these great resources in your own backyard. We’ve put together a list of destinations that are easily accessible from the Trail or will complement your experience on the Trail. For a comprehensive listing of attractions and events in Alamance County visit the Alamance Convention & Visitor’s Bureau’s website or give them a call at (336) 570-1444.
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A beautiful and popular music venue instrumental in the emergence of Saxapahaw as a cultural hub in Alamance County. The Haw River Ballroom is housed in the former Dye House of Saxapahaw's Historic Cotton Mill, within walking distance of the HRT. It features three levels, a riverside deck, and a concession bar/coffee shop.
www.hawriverballroom.com -
Alamance Arts is home of the Alamance County Arts Council, committed to making art a tangible presence in the lives of Alamance County citizens. The facility hosts exhibits, events, educational programming, meetings of the Alamance Artisans Guilds, and a gift shop. It also provides information on exhibits in local sister galleries such as the Paramount Theater.
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Operated by the Haw River Historical Association, this local museum is within walking distance from the HRT at Red Slide Park. It celebrates the history of 250-year-old Haw River, a town central in the development of the state's textile industry and railroad, with photographs, artifacts, and exhibits.
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The HRT passes right through the heart of Glencoe Mill Village, which dates from the late 1800s. Interpretive markers dot the streets of the village and provide visitors with information. The museum is located in the former company store and office of the Glencoe Cotton Mill and preserves the rich history of Southern textile heritage.
www.textileheritagemuseum.org -
A North Carolina Historic Site set on the grounds of the Battle of Alamance- a rebellion of backcountry farmers, known as the Regulators, against the troops of royal governor William Tryon in 1771. The site also features the Allen House, a log cabin characteristic of western homesteads in that period, and a yearly reenactment of the Battle of Alamance.
www.historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/alamance-battleground -
Housed in the birthplace of local textile pioneer E.M. Holt, this museum gives visitors a rich experience of the mid-19th century in Alamance County. The house was built in 1790 as part of the old "Oak Grove" grain plantation. The museum features multiple period rooms and a collection of mid-19th century artifacts. Special events throughout the year.
Camping
If you’re looking for a more primitive, outdoor experience, try camping on the Trail itself!
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Three primitive back country campsites. Available by reservation. Located approximately one mile from the parking area or via a dedicated paddle access on the Haw River.
Water and restrooms at parking area only. Camping is $10/night. Reserve online or call (336) 229-2410.
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Primitive, hike-in only campsites on the Haw River Trail. Sites are grouped together along the river about 2 miles from either Copland Mill or US70 Bridge. Sites are level and include a fire ring.
Camping is $10/night. Reserve online or call (336) 229-2410.
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Great Bend campsites include a 12' x 12' tent pad, picnic table, and a fire ring. All sites are shaded by hardwoods and are just a short walk from the Haw River and Glencoe Dam. Parking is approximately 1/5 of a mile from the camping area at 350 Greenwood Dr, Burlington, NC 27217.
Camping is $10/night. Reserve online or call (336) 229-2410.
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Two camping platforms. Operated by the Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company. Only accessible via canoe or kayak on the Haw River. Located approximately one mile south of Swepsonville River Park.
Reserve by visiting Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company or call (336) 260-6465.
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Saxapahaw Campground is a privately owned campground that encompasses 10 acres of beautiful wooded land and is located right on the Haw River just below the Saxapahaw dam. It is an easy 10-minute walk from the campground to the village of Saxapahaw.
Reserve by visiting Saxapahaw Campground or call 919-819-4778.