Paddle & Protect: Haw River Clean-Up Adventure in Graham, North Carolina
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels including beginners and families; mostly gentle paddling on calm water.
Overview
Join the 35th Annual Haw River Clean-Up for a rewarding two-hour canoeing adventure. Paddle gently through North Carolina’s scenic Haw River while helping to remove trash, perfect for families and beginners.
Haw River Clean-Up
Paddle free to clean up our river!
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About This Adventure
Join the 35th Annual Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon for a unique two-hour canoeing experience that combines adventure with environmental stewardship. Paddle along the scenic Haw River while collecting trash to help restore its beauty. This beginner-friendly activity is perfect for families and friends looking to make a positive impact together.
“...the care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.” - Wendell Berry
Quick Info
- Trip Flatwater Out & Back
- Duration 2 Hours
- Guides None
- Difficulty Beginner-Friendly
- Ages 8+ Solo, 2+ Tandem
- Meets At Saxapahaw
About
Putting on the Haw River above the dam in Saxapahaw, guests are provided a canoe, trash bags, and gloves for this self-guided, two-hour trip cleaning up our beautiful ecosystem. The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. donates the use of the canoes in exchange for one large bag of trash picked up by each guest.
All paddlers under the age of 18 that will not be accompanied by an adult should have a signed waiver from a parent/guardian before they can go on the trip. To fit into a life vest, all passengers should be over the age of 2 years and at least 30 lbs.
35th Annual Clean-Up-A-Thon
The Haw River Assembly is holding their 35th annual Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon on March 22nd!
Adventure Tips
Pack Reusable Gloves
Bring your own gloves to protect your hands while picking up river trash.
Wear Water-Resistant Footwear
Secure, water-friendly shoes will keep you comfortable while launching and retrieving your canoe.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the paddle by carrying extra water with you.
Apply Eco-Friendly Sunscreen
Protect your skin with reef-safe sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great Blue Heron
- Eastern Box Turtle
History
The Haw River watershed has a rich history in textile manufacturing, once powering local mills before becoming a focus for watershed restoration.
Conservation
The clean-up supports ongoing efforts to improve water quality and habitat connectivity in the Haw River basin, emphasizing community involvement to reduce pollution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Required safety gear for every paddler to ensure buoyancy on the water.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Keeps you dry during unexpected spring showers.
spring specific
Sun Hat
Provides shade and reduces sun exposure during summer outings.
summer specific
Insulating Layers
Keeps you warm during cooler fall paddles when temperatures drop.
fall specific