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Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources is excited to announce that after months of planning, with input from multiple stakeholders and Chatham County residents, the consultants have completed their recommendations for further development and improvement of the Haw River State Trail. The report covers the current conditions of the Haw River land and paddle trail in Chatham County, makes numerous recommendations for improving and further developing the trails, identifies key partnerships and strategies for carrying out these recommendations, and provides resources to ensure the project is a success. 

View the Haw River Trail Feasibility Study Report below:

Link to Print a High Resolution Version of the Report in 11" x 17" Format: Haw River Trail Study Report

With the study complete, we are beginning to plan for implementing the recommendations laid out in the report. The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is interested in hearing from landowners along the river who may be open to discussion regarding locating the trail on their property. Please reach out to our Trails and Open Space Planner, Ben Rippe at ben.rippe@chathamcountync.gov to discuss this possibility, or with any questions you may have regarding the Haw River Trail in Chatham County.

Additional Resources - For more information about the Haw River Trail, including existing sections of hiking and paddle trails, and trails in North Carolina:

     • Haw River Trail in Alamance County https://thehaw.org/
     • Friends of Lower Haw River State Natural Area https://www.lowerhaw.org/
     • Haw River Assembly https://hawriver.org/about-the-river/recreation/
     • 2023: North Carolina’s “Year of the Trail” https://greattrailsnc.com/