Lower Haw River State Natural Area

4551 US Hwy 15-501 N, Pittsboro - Bynum, NC, 27312

DESCRIPTION

Lower Haw River State Natural Area is approximately 1,000 acres, ranging along both sides of the river from just south of the old Bynum Bridge to just beyond the US 64 bridge to just north of Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. This section of the river has long been popular with hikers and canoeists, remarkable for its steep slopes and rock outcrops. Formerly, it was referenced as the Haw River Division of Duke Forest.

Since the New Parks for a New Century initiative was launched in early 2003, several significant sites have been added to the state parks system as State Natural Areas. In this way, the state parks system is working to fulfill its mission to protect representative samples of North Carolina’s archaeological, geological, biological, scenic, and recreational resources. Identified in the 1992 Chatham County Natural Heritage Inventory as an area of statewide importance, the property boasts multiple significant features, including providing habitat for rare species and more than four miles of river and stream buffer to protect the water quality buffer of Jordan Lake, which serves as drinking water source for many Triangle-region communities. Preservation of the natural area aids in protecting the water quality of the Haw, a major tributary of the Cape Fear River. The Haw is home to at least two endangered species: the Cape Fear shiner and Septima’s clubtail dragonfly. Other critters include Bald Eagles, Osprey, Grey Blue Herons, Beavers, Mink, River Otters, Eastern Painted Turtle, and many more!

US 15-501 ACCESS
4551 US Hwy 15-501 N, Pittsboro – Bynum, NC, 27312
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This parking lot off US 15-501 is an NCDOT easement managed by Chatham County Parks & Recreation. Visitors may access the Haw River and the State Natural Area from here.

BYNUM BRIDGE AND SOUTH BYNUM RIVER ACCESS
413 Bynum Road, Pittsboro – Bynum, NC 27312
https://w3w.co/nicer.enormous.soiling.
This canoe access is owned by Chatham County Parks & Recreation. Visitors may access the Haw River, but no land connection to the State Natural Area exists. Parking is limited to 2-3 spaces, but more parking is available across the river on the other side of the pedestrian Bynum bridge.

US 64 ACCESS
348 River Access Road and 4551 US Hwy 64 East, Pittsboro, NC 27312
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There are two parking lots on either side of US 64. The larger one on 348 River Access Road is owned by Chatham County Parks and Recreation. The smaller one on the east side of the river is an NCDOT easement.

ROBESON CREEK ACCESS POINT
2505 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312
https://w3w.co/canal.rids.sounds.
The Robeson Creek Boat Ramp and Canoe Access on the Haw River is part of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area next to the Lower Haw River State Natural Area. North Carolina State Parks maintains the canoe and kayak launch.

FEATURES

No campfires, camping, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, or horses allowed. Damage to or removal of any plant, animal, rock, or artifact is strictly prohibited. Swimming and boating are at your own risk.

FISHING

Fishing spots along the Haw River include Robeson Creek Canoe Access, US 15-501 Access, and US 64 Access for catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, and white bass.

Where allowed, boating and fishing in state parks are regulated by all applicable North Carolina laws and regulations, including those regarding fresh and coastal recreational fishing licenses, boat registration, and safety requirements. Laws and regulations may be enforced by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and other regulatory agencies, including—but not limited to—the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and/or the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. Please contact the relevant park office before your visit to learn about boating and/or fishing opportunities.

PETS

Pets are permitted as long as 1) they are on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet, 2) they are under the constant control of the owner, and 3) they are on official pedestrian trails only. Pet owners who do not keep their pets on a leash will receive a fine. They may also be asked to remove dangerous or noisy pets from the state park. Pets are not allowed in the bathhouses or swimming areas.

Pet owners must pick up after their pets. Pet waste is not fertilizer and should not be left on the ground. It is toxic and harmful to plants and other animals in the state park. Pet waste can also transmit disease and put other state park visitors at risk. Properly dispose of pet waste in garbage bins. Do not throw waste bags in the woods or leave them on the ground.

Pets are not permitted off-trail. Many rare plants live on thin soils and wet rocks and are vulnerable to climbing, trampling, and scraping. When possible, visitors with pets should yield to all other trail users, including bicyclists and equestrians.

ALCOHOL/TOBACCO & FIREARMS POLICY

All property owned by Chatham County is tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in all park facilities. Alcohol, firearms, hunting, and trapping are strictly prohibited. Language behaviors, actions, or excessive noise generation that is deemed to be inappropriate or otherwise detrimental to the operation of the facility, the well-being of other patrons, or is contrary to any federal, state, and/or local laws, ordinances, rules, policies, and regulations are prohibited.