Haw River State Park
A 1,425-acre park offering camping, hiking, and environmental education amidst the natural beauty of North Carolina's Piedmont region.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Haw River State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1,425-acre park offering camping, hiking, and environmental education amidst the natural beauty of North Carolina's Piedmont region.
"This state park is geared towards environmental education with easy trails and a boardwalk through swampy areas."
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails are generally easy, with a mix of gravel, grass, and clay. Good for all skill levels!
🐿️ Spot local wildlife
Keep an eye out for squirrels, amphibians, and abundant bird life. Nature therapy at its finest!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wetlands Boardwalk Trail
Near the main office
Meander through swampy areas on a boardwalk, leading to a pier on the Haw River. A unique perspective on the park's ecosystem.
Lake Loop Trail
Around the lake
An easy, .6-mile gravel path offering scenic views of the park's peaceful pond. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Piedmont Loop Trail
Connects to Wetlands Boardwalk
A 1.4-mile well-maintained trail with varied terrain, leading to the Wetlands Boardwalk and the Haw River.
Iron Ore Belt Access
Northern Piedmont region
Offers nearly 4 miles of trails through hardwood forests and wetlands, showcasing diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Trails
Embrace the Education Center
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails are generally easy, with a mix of gravel, grass, and clay. Good for all skill levels! +1
🐿️ Spot local wildlife
Keep an eye out for squirrels, amphibians, and abundant bird life. Nature therapy at its finest! +1
🛶 Canoe or fish the lake
The park offers canoeing on the lake and fishing opportunities for a relaxing day outdoors.
📚 Engage with education
The environmental education center offers programs and activities, especially great for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails are generally easy, with a mix of gravel, grass, and clay. Good for all skill levels! +1
🐿️ Spot local wildlife
Keep an eye out for squirrels, amphibians, and abundant bird life. Nature therapy at its finest! +1
🛶 Canoe or fish the lake
The park offers canoeing on the lake and fishing opportunities for a relaxing day outdoors.
📚 Engage with education
The environmental education center offers programs and activities, especially great for families.
⚠️ Check park hours
Some facilities have limited hours, especially outside peak season. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Haw River State Park for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained, easy trails, making it ideal for families and nature lovers. The environmental education programs are a highlight, offering enriching experiences. However, some guests have noted issues with cabin cleanliness and occasionally unfriendly staff, and the park's limited operating hours are a point of contention for some.
"Beautiful campgrounds, scenery, and lake for fishing and canoeing. Lots of trails for hiking and disc golf.
Beautiful trees, lots if squirrels, andamphibian and burd life abundant."
Warrior Knight of Christ
"Awesome camping trip with the school…I’m excited to go again with my younger child in a few years. The guides and activities were fun. The cabins were adequate and comfortable. They hadn’t been cleaned well. We found food wrappers, socks, and other items when we arrived and had to sweep the floor before settling in.
The food was better than I expected, pretty good meals! There is coffee!
The staff is warm and friendly.
The evening/night hikes were so interesting. I do recommend staying overnight. Looking forward to the next time!"
Marianne Norman
"Such a pretty place to go exploreing/ hiking the trails were easily marked and the parking lot was simple and easy to find. The trails were kept in good shape and the trail markers were easy to spot so you don’t get lost. Overall if your looking for a good place to hike for the whole family then this is the place to go"
Cody Eagle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haw River State Park is located in Browns Summit, North Carolina. It's accessible by car, with clear signage from major roadways. The park has a main office and several access points, including the Iron Ore Belt Access.+1
Yes, there are parking lots available at the main office and other access points. The parking lot is described as simple and easy to find.+1
While the park offers access to the Haw River, tubing is typically done on specific stretches. Redditors suggest accessing the river at Bynum Dam and taking out at Highway 64, ideally when the flow rate is around 2000 cfs.
Trails generally start to the left of the office building. They are described as easily marked and kept in good shape, with clear trail markers to prevent getting lost.
Yes, the park features a conference center and welcome building focused on environmental education. They offer programs and activities, making it a great spot for learning about local ecology.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees is not explicitly detailed in the provided content. However, many state parks in North Carolina are free to enter, with potential fees for specific activities or camping.
Some visitors note that the park has 8 AM to 5 PM hours, which they find restrictive during warmer months. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most current operating hours.
Yes, the park offers camping facilities. Reviews mention beautiful campgrounds and positive overnight experiences, including evening hikes.
One TikTok video mentions the 'NC State Parks Passport' and 'NC 100 Miles' programs, suggesting these might be relevant for frequent visitors or those looking to explore multiple parks.
The park has several picnic spots available. While reservations aren't explicitly mentioned, arriving early during peak times is generally recommended for popular picnic areas in state parks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the easy Lake Loop Trail (.6 miles, gravel), the Piedmont Loop Trail (1.4 miles, varied terrain), and the Wetlands Boardwalk Trail. The Iron Ore Belt Access offers nearly 4 miles of trails through forests and wetlands.+2
Absolutely! Families with children will appreciate the easy, well-marked trails, the environmental education center, and opportunities for activities like canoeing and fishing.
Besides hiking, you can enjoy canoeing on the lake, fishing, picnicking, disc golf, and exploring the Wetlands Boardwalk. Overnight stays in cabins or campgrounds are also popular.
The trails are described as generally easy, even, and with few hills, making them accessible for most visitors. The Lake Loop Trail is mostly gravel, and the Piedmont Loop Trail has a mix of surfaces.
The park is home to abundant squirrels, amphibians, and bird life. The diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and forests, support a variety of creatures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options within the park itself are limited. One review mentions a place called 'Snack and Soda' that looks like a gas station, but the food quality is uncertain. It's best to pack your own food or plan to eat in nearby towns.
If you're staying overnight or attending an event, the food at the conference center is described as better than expected, with pretty good meals and coffee available.
Yes, there are several picnic spots available throughout the park, making it a great option for a scenic lunch amidst nature.
Brown Summit, North Carolina, has limited dining options. Visitors might need to travel to nearby towns for a wider selection of restaurants.
Given the limited dining options directly within the park, it's highly recommended to bring your own snacks and meals, especially if you plan on spending a full day exploring the trails or enjoying a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wetlands Boardwalk Trail offers unique perspectives of swampy areas and the river. The Lake Loop Trail provides scenic water views, and the Iron Ore Belt Access showcases forests and wildlife. Fall foliage is also a popular subject.
With abundant bird life, squirrels, and amphibians, there are many opportunities for wildlife photography. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating a golden hour effect. These times also tend to be less crowded.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check park regulations if you have specific needs.
Absolutely! Many visitors share stunning photos and videos taken with their smartphones, capturing the park's natural beauty.+1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options within the park are limited.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Pack water and snacks, as amenities are spread out. The park's focus on environmental education can also be a rewarding aspect for solo visitors looking to deepen their understanding of the Piedmont region's ecology. The evening hikes are particularly recommended for a different, more tranquil experience.
🎣 Anglers & Paddlers
For those interested in river access, Redditors suggest specific points for tubing the Haw River, though this is separate from the park's direct lake access. If you plan to paddle, ensure you have the appropriate equipment and are aware of any water conditions or park rules regarding watercraft.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Haw River State Park
The Wetlands Boardwalk Trail is a standout feature, allowing visitors to walk through swampy areas on an elevated boardwalk, culminating in a pier that meets the Haw River. This provides an intimate look at the park's wetland ecosystem and the river itself. For those seeking more extensive hiking, the Iron Ore Belt Access in the northern Piedmont region offers nearly 4 miles of trails winding through hardwood forests and wetlands, showcasing diverse flora and fauna.
While the trails are generally easy, some visitors have noted that they are quite flat with very few hills, which might be a consideration for those seeking a more strenuous workout. However, this characteristic makes the park an excellent choice for families with children or individuals who prefer a less demanding hiking experience.
Family Adventures and Environmental Education
Beyond the educational aspects, families can enjoy a range of recreational activities. Canoeing on the lake offers a peaceful way to experience the park from the water, and fishing is another popular pastime. The presence of abundant wildlife, including squirrels, amphibians, and various bird species, provides constant opportunities for discovery and excitement for younger visitors.
While the park's facilities are generally well-regarded, one review mentioned that cabins hadn't been cleaned thoroughly upon arrival, with found wrappers and other items. However, the staff is generally described as warm and friendly, and the food at the conference center is noted as being surprisingly good.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit