Graham, North Carolina
Graham, North Carolina is a great place to explore top outdoor attractions and activities. From scenic trails to must-visit spots, there are plenty of enticing adventures to be had in and near the area. Popular attractions include the Graham Historic District, the Alamance Battleground, the Haw River Trail, the Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Pilot Mountain State Park, and the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Each destination offers its own special experience, from hiking to fishing, and more. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an outdoor explorer, you’ll discover something to enjoy in Graham, North Carolina.
Top Spots in and near Graham
-
Graham, North Carolina
Kayak Swepsonville River Park to Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access
This 5.5-mile stretch of the Haw River, often called "Sweps to Sax", is perfect for beginners or a relaxing paddle. This section of the river sits between two dams and creates waters calm enough for an out-and-back paddle if you want to double the mileage. When you put in at Swepsonville River ...Read more -
Burlington, North Carolina
Fish the Haw River in Great Bend Park
2.00.4 miAfter parking at Great Bend Park, follow the trail about 100 yards to a bridge which provides you access to a 5-acre island that overlooks the dam's waterfall. While the Haw River is easy to wade, the island offers a number of bank fishing spots for those who would prefer to keep their feet on so...Read more -
Burlington, North Carolina
Rock Creek Trail
1.75 mi / 167 ft gainCedarock Park is a 500-acre park named for the abundance of cedar trees and rock outcroppings. The park features a network of hiking and equestrian trails, disc golf and footgolf courses, primitive camping, a fishing pond, canoe and kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters...Read more -
Snow Camp, North Carolina
Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop
2.32 mi / 351 ft gainThe Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is a nature park in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of the park and includes 3.5 miles of trails. All the trails are color-coded and marked with matching blazes every tenth of a mile. The 2.5-mile Northern Approac...Read more -
Graham, North Carolina
Saxapahaw Island Park
1.3 mi / 30 ft gainSaxapahaw Island Park is an urban park along the Haw River. The Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail is a well-maintained 1.3-mile loop. The trail parallels a section of the Haw River Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Many park visitors run laps around the loop while others fish along the river's edge, chil...Read more -
Hillsborough, North CarolinaAllen's Loop
5.01.71 mi / 256.81 ft gainAllen's Loop: Historic Farm Trail in Orange County Allen's Loop is one of four well-maintained hiking trails winding through Blackwood Farm Park's 152 acres of Piedmont hardwood forest and open fields. Named after the Blackwood family who farmed this land for generations, this easy trail connect...Read more -
Hillsborough, North CarolinaWood Duck Way
5.01.23 mi / 92 ft gainWood Duck Way is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hillsborough, North Carolina.Read more -
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Old Field Bluff Trail
3.08 mi / 223 ft gainThe Old Field Bluff Trail is one of the marquee routes at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve — a 296-acre nature preserve owned and managed by the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) along the banks of New Hope Creek between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, NC. The full trail network at Johnston Mill totals ...Read more -
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaCrow Branch Overlook Loop
3.42 mi / 394 ft gainCrow Branch Overlook Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North CarolinaBig Bend Loop
3.03.74 mi / 266 ft gainThe Big Bend Loop is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Korstian Division of Duke Forest, a 2,600-acre research forest owned and managed by Duke University between Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Durham, NC. The 3.74-mile loop follows the sweeping bend in New Hope Creek that gives the trail it...Read more -
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaConcrete and Wooden Bridge Fire Road Loop Trail
4.04.02 mi / 295 ft gainConcrete and Wooden Bridge Fire Road Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Rhododendron Bluff Circuit
2.93 mi / 331 ft gainRhododendron Bluff Circuit is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North CarolinaPiney Mountain Trail
5.0Piney Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Battle Branch Trail
4.02.94 mi / 230 ft gainBattle Branch Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaLower Booker Creek Trail
1.66 mi / 147.64 ft gainOne of the many Greenway trails in Chapel Hill. Dog friendly but no stations with bags or trash cans; so, come prepared with your own if you bring the dogs along! Its mostly shaded with the initial stretch from Eastgate Crossing shopping area being out in the open. The full trail is concrete ke...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Cabe Lands Trail and Eno Quarry Loop
4.82.25 mi / 364 ft gainEscape the NC heat at the quarry at Eno River State Park. Access the Eno Quarry via Cabe Lands Access Point (parking lot off Howe Street). Follow the Cabe Lands Trail (red blazes) from the parking lot. About 80 yards down the path you'll see a trail split off to the left or right. Keep going on ...Read more
