Do I need to register for the Thru‑Paddle before renting a boat?

Yes. You must register for the Haw River State Trail Thru‑Paddle with Alamance County Parks & Recreation before reserving a boat for the event.

Are shuttles included with rental?

Yes. Complimentary shuttles for participants and their boats are provided whether you rent from the outfitter or bring your own boat.

What types of boats are available?

Single-seat sit‑on‑top kayaks (limited cargo) and 15–17 foot canoes that seat two are available for 1, 2 or all 3 days.

How much do rentals cost?

Kayaks are $30 (1 day), $45 (2 consecutive days), $60 (all 3). Canoes are $50, $75 and $100 respectively for 1, 2 or 3 days.

What skill level is required?

The river is largely flatwater with occasional shallow riffles; basic paddling skills and the ability to read current and avoid obstacles are sufficient.

Can I reserve just one day or multiple days?

Yes. Rentals are offered for 1 day, 2 consecutive days, or all 3 days of the Thru‑Paddle event.

Haw River Thru-Paddle: Multi-Day Kayak & Canoe Rentals for the Haw River State Trail | Kayak | Canoe

Haw River Thru-Paddle runs along the Haw River State Trail through Graham, North Carolina, offering an accessible paddle through Piedmont river country. For paddlers joining the Haw River State Trail's 20th Anniversary Thru‑Paddle, this rental service supplies boats, shuttles, and local know‑how that let you float light or commit to a multi‑day push downstream.

The Haw River here is classic Carolina Piedmont — broad, slow stretches interrupted by gentle riffles, sandbars and oxbow bends carved into red clay banks and occasional exposed bedrock. Reaching across hardwood bottomlands and freshwater marsh edges, the corridor offers shoreline bluffs, tight forest-lined turns and quiet eddies that are perfect for short breaks, birdwatching or a picnic on the bank. On a clear morning you can expect great blue herons standing sentinel by shallows and turtles sunning on logs; keep an eye aloft for osprey and the occasional bald eagle.

Rentals are straightforward and flexible: single-seat sit‑on‑top kayaks with modest cargo space and 15–17 foot canoes that seat two. Rates are published for the event: kayaks $30 for one day, $45 for two consecutive days, $60 for all three; canoes $50, $75 and $100 respectively. Complimentary shuttles are provided for participants and their boats whether you rent from the outfitter or bring your own — note that you must register for the Thru‑Paddle with Alamance County Parks & Recreation before reserving a boat.

What makes this offering stand out is its event-centered convenience. The rental setup is tuned to a thru‑paddle: short reservation windows, multi‑day pricing, and shuttle logistics that remove the usual headache of vehicle drops. That simplicity turns sections of the Haw River State Trail into an approachable expedition for families, mixed-ability groups and day paddlers who want to string together river miles without carrying gear overland.

Practical considerations: options for 1, 2 or 3 day rentals match event scheduling; sit‑on‑tops are stable but have limited cargo capacity, while canoes give more room for a partner and supplies. The river is largely flatwater with occasional shallow riffles—skills required are basic paddling and river reading for currents and obstacles.

Launch points during the event are spread along the trail to accommodate skill levels and trip lengths; organizers recommend checking river levels the morning you paddle and packing a dry bag for keys, phone and snacks. For a quieter stretch, aim for early weekday miles outside the event window. Reservations are limited during anniversary weekend—reserve through the rental booking link and confirm shuttle.

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.