About
Haw River, North Carolina — 1740s Saxapahaw, Catawba Indians. From Altamahaw to Jordan Lake, the Haw River cuts 110 miles through Alamance and Chatham counties at an average 780 CFS, with optimal paddling between 300–1500 CFS on gauge 02096500. The upper section from Altamahaw to Saxapahaw runs Class I through rural farmland, while the middle stretch from Saxapahaw to Bynum picks up Class I–II intermediate whitewater. Below Bynum, the lower Haw maintains Class I–II difficulty as it carves between forested bluffs on its approach to Jordan Lake. The Haw River Assembly established the Paddle Trail in 2010, linking access points across all three sections. Haw River State Park protects key corridor segments, and the river holds candidate status for North Carolina Scenic River designation. Haw River Canoe and Kayak Company provides outfitting services along the route.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.