How long is the paddle?

The organized clean-up is designed as a two-hour out-and-back paddle; participants control pace and can adjust based on fitness and trash collected.

Do you provide kayaks and canoes?

Yes—Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. donates the use of boats in exchange for a small donation to the Haw Helpers fund and any trash returned.

Is prior paddling experience required?

No—basic paddling skills are sufficient, but confidence in sit-in or sit-on-top craft and a willingness to learn are helpful.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least eight years old; minors not accompanied by an adult require a parent-signed waiver.

Participation is based on a small donation to the Haw Helpers fund rather than a fixed fee; donations help ongoing restoration work.

Pets can be unpredictable on water; confirm current policies with Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. and ensure any dog is trained for boats and kept under control.

Haw River Great Bend Clean-Up: Paddle and Protect the Glencoe Reach | Eco Tour | Self-Guided Tour

Begin at the historic Glencoe dam on the Haw River near Burlington, North Carolina, where the current slows and river bends create broad, shallow shoals. The Great Bend Clean-Up is a two-hour, self-guided paddle offered by Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. that pairs a simple kayak or canoe outing with on-the-water conservation: guests borrow craft in exchange for a small donation to the Haw Helpers fund and—importantly—any trash they bring back.

Paddlers set off from the put-in above Glencoe dam and work downstream, scanning banks and eddies for litter trapped in root tangles, undercut banks, and riffles. The scene is classic Piedmont river: narrow floodplain, mixed hardwoods, sandstone outcrops exposed at low water, and riffles that feed clearer pools. Expect to see snapping turtles basking on logs, great blue herons hunting shallow margins, and occasional mink or deer along quieter reaches. The combination of accessible water and abundant shoreline habitat makes this stretch ideal for a volunteer sweep that also delivers easy wildlife viewing.

This outing is deliberately straightforward: no guide leads the float, but kayaks, canoes, trash bags, and gloves are provided. Families with children eight and older can participate (minors need a parent-signed waiver if unaccompanied), and the pace is what you make it—part gentle paddle, part community service. Wear a PFD, bring a water bottle and sun protection, and plan to lift full trash bags back to the launch. Expect light carrying and the occasional scramble over rocks when loading boats.

The local context matters here. The Glencoe reach carries both natural and cultural memory—the industrial-era dam anchors a landscape once shaped by mills and river transport. The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. has turned that history into stewardship through regular clean-ups and donations to the Haw Helpers fund, a practical local program that supports ongoing restoration.

Why book this? It’s a chance to experience the Haw River as a participant rather than a spectator: you’ll learn rivercraft basics, see the corridor’s riparian ecology up close, and leave a measurable impact in two hours. For Burlington visitors looking for an active, low-cost way to connect with local conservation, this clean-up is a hands-on, family-friendly entry point. It’s especially good for first-time paddlers who want a short, purposeful outing with a clear payoff—the sight of a cleaner bank at the end of your float.

Launch logistics are simple: park at the Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. lot, carry boats a short distance to the water, and follow river flow back toward the take-out near the historic Glencoe mill area. Timing your paddle for late morning gives comfortable temperatures and better visibility in riffles. Bring sturdy shoes—rocks and wet wood are common when reloading craft safely.

About The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.

The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. is a Graham, North Carolina outfitter specializing in paddling experiences on the Haw River, Saxapahaw Lake, and coastal expeditions.

The company offers a diverse roster of trips and classes including shuttle services, self-guided paddles, guided lake tours, day-long canoe journeys, whitewater assessments, roll instruction, river safety and rescue courses, and multi-day sea kayaking weekends. Guided experiences range from family-friendly sunset and moonlight paddles to an eight-hour Black River swamp canoe trip with a gourmet lunch. Instructional offerings include a 1.5-hour kayak roll session and an eight-hour River Safety & Rescue class taught by experienced instructors.

The business runs seasonal and event-based programs such as stand up paddleboard yoga evenings and lecture series like the Alaska nature presentations. Rentals, shuttle logistics, and expert-led instruction support paddlers of varying skill levels, from beginners to modestly experienced athletes. Safety, local river knowledge, and structured training are central to the operation’s approach, with practical on-water drills paired with on-land instruction where appropriate. The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. partners with local guides and operators for coastal trips, and emphasizes conservation of waterways and responsible paddling practices. Booking, calendar events, and waitlist options are available for popular tours. For residents and visitors in central North Carolina seeking guided paddling, classes, or shuttles, the company provides experienced leadership, accessible locations, and a range of trip styles to match goals and skill levels. Customer safety briefings and clear equipment standards regularly make outings welcoming to paddlers of all levels.