What is the minimum age to join?

Minimum listed age is 5; paddlers under 18 who go unaccompanied must have a signed parent/guardian waiver.

When are pawpaws in season?

Pawpaws typically ripen in late summer into early fall; guides often schedule trips during this window for the best chance of ripe fruit.

Do I need prior paddling experience?

No expert skills required—basic paddling competency and willingness to enter and exit a kayak or canoe are sufficient; guides provide instruction.

Are boats and paddles provided?

Yes, kayaks, canoes, paddles, and usually PFDs are provided by the outfitter; check the booking page for specifics.

Where do trips launch and end?

Trips begin and end at Swepsonville River Park on the Haw River State Trail; exact meeting logistics are provided at booking.

Can I eat pawpaws I pick on the trip?

Yes—guides will show you how to identify ripe fruit; harvest responsibly and eat or store fruit promptly to avoid spoilage.

Pawpaw Paddle: Foraging Kayak Tour on the Haw River State Trail

On the Haw River, just east of Graham, North Carolina, the Pawpaw Paddle offers a short, sensory-rich loop that pairs gentle paddling with hands-on foraging. The outing begins at Swepsonville River Park on the Haw River State Trail, where guides lead a half-mile walk through floodplain forest to identify pawpaw trees and explain how to harvest fruit responsibly. From there participants load into kayaks and canoes for another half-mile paddle toward the historic Puryear dam. A scenic portage trail below the dam, only publicly accessible by boat, opens into a pocket of dense pawpaw thickets that reliably bear fruit when conditions are right.

Pawpaws are a regional rarity at market: the oblong, green-skinned fruit tastes like a soft blend of mango and banana and is best eaten ripe and chilled. That flavor, combined with the river setting, is the trip's draw. Guides point out the trees' large, tropical-looking leaves, show how to identify ripe fruit, and talk about local ecology, including floodplain hardwoods, river-tolerant understory, and the insects and birds that rely on pawpaw patches. The combination of land and water access makes this experience unique for the Haw River corridor, since many pawpaw stands sit on private property or out of reach for casual hikers, but paddlers can reach these islands of fruit.

The outing is accessible to families—the listed minimum age is five—but bring a signed parental waiver for unaccompanied minors. Expect about three hours on the water and trail combined; the pace is relaxed but includes short stretches of portage and shoreline scrambling. Guides emphasize sustainable harvesting: take only what you will eat, leave a seed-bearing crop for wildlife, and avoid trampling understory vegetation.

Practical details: trips typically cover two half-mile segments by foot and water, so stable day kayaks or a canoe are used. Wear quick-drying layers, bring a small harvest bag, and protect your shoes for muddy banks. The Haw River State Trail and Swepsonville River Park provide a low-impact setting, so pack out any trash and follow leave-no-trace foraging etiquette.

Why book this trip? Foragers and paddlers get an intimate window into an overlooked river ecosystem, a chance to taste a native fruit rarely found in stores, and to paddle into a stretch of river edge few visitors ever see. The Pawpaw Paddle is less about distance and more about sensory payoff: the smell of river moss, the sticky sweetness of sun-warmed pawpaws, and the ease of floating home with pockets full of seasonal treasure. For a short outing near Graham, it's a memorable mix of education, edible rewards, and quiet river travel. Book in late summer to early fall when fruit peaks; guides will often time trips to coincide with ripening and favorable river levels for easy paddling and safety.

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.