NC Senator Files Bill for Haw River State Trail 

Posted on Posted in Announcement, Conservation, Officer Report

By Bob Brueckner

A bill authorizing the creation of the Haw River State Trail was filed Feb. 15 in the N.C. General Assembly. If Senate Bill 100 becomes law, the trail would be added to the state park system. The measure was filed by Sen. Amy S. Galey (R-Alamance) primary sponsor. Sen. Natalie S. Murdock (D-Chatham, Durham) is a co-sponsor.

 A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Rep. Dennis Riddell (R-Alamance) who is primary sponsor while Rep. Stephen M. Ross (R-Alamance); Rep. Eric Ager (D-Buncombe); and Rep. Howard Penny, Jr. (R-Harnett, Johnston) are co-sponsors.

Read and track the bill: https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/SB100

There are 12 state trails in North Carolina: Dan River, Deep River, East Coast Greenway, Fonts Flora, French Broad River, Hickory Nut, Mountains-To-Sea, Northern Peaks, Overmountain Victory, Roanoke River, Wilderness Gateway and Yadkin River. These are linear parks that provide opportunities for both paddling and hiking, among other recreational activities. Learn more about state trails: https://trails.nc.gov/state-trails

The legislation notes that “local governments, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations are working together to increase public access to the Haw River for outdoor recreation opportunities and to grow the outdoor recreation industry in the region…” The Haw stretches a little over 12 miles through Chatham County where the river is popular with whitewater paddlers in the Triangle because of its close proximity, challenging rapids and tendency to run more often than other rivers in the region.

The bill states that a feasibility study will be conducted as part of a plan to “develop a regional Haw River [State] Trail with over 70 miles of land and paddle trails.”

Editor’s Note: The writer is a member of the Carolina Canoe Club, a member of the Haw River Steering Committee representing the club, and will participate in the Haw River Feasibility Study.

Paddlers try surfing the diagonal wave just downstream of Lunch Stop Rapid on the Lower Haw. Photo by BOB BRUECKNER