Name: Lower Haw River State Natural Area
Rating: 3.8

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This area has a history of hikers wandering onto private land. When making decisions on the occasionally braided trails, always stay closer to the river in order to protect our access to this area.

Description

From the parking lot head downhill and past the foundation of an old building. Jump on the trail heading down stream. After about a mile you hit a stream. Head up stream until you find an easy spot to cross (where will depend on water levels).

After this section much of the trail is not continuously maintained, so there are lots of fallen trees to jump or go around. After another mile the trails splits between an overgrown dirt road and singletrack that goes along the stream. Make your choice and after a mile the trails reunite at another creek crossing. Continue until you go under a double overpass and arrive at the other parking lot option. Turn around and head back on the trail you came.

Flora & Fauna

Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, black vultures, and turkey vultures. Rare species include - Cape Fear Shiner(fish), Brook Floater(mussel), and Septima's Clubtail(dragonfly).