Saxapahaw Island Trail - Saxapahaw, NC
“Happy people focus on what they have. Unhappy people focus on what’s missing.” - Buddha
"I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world." - Dolly Parton
“Those are definitely not city squirrels!” - Chris Shields
The Preface -
What do you do on a gorgeous, sunny, unseasonably warm seventy-degree December afternoon when you want to spend time outside but also need to get some holiday shopping accomplished? You go to the charming town of Saxapahaw and do both of course! (For those who thought of surfing Amazon on your phone while sitting on your patio - Bahhh Humbug 😂)
The Story -
So on Saturday, Ginger and I made the thirty-minute drive from Greensboro to the quaint town of Saxapahaw in southeast Alamance County where we opted to first hike The Saxapahaw Island Trail and then cross the river to shop at the community’s annual Rivermill Holiday Market. After a beautiful and leisurely two-mile hike on an island in the heart of Saxapahaw, we crossed over the river to the sound of very lively holiday music and festivities to peruse the unique local handmade gifts available at the market.
The Flower of the Carolinas -
Saxapahaw is an eclectic former mill-town that has recently reinvented itself into a regional center for culture, music, food, and outdoor adventure. One of the main reasons for the revitalization of the town can be seen in the amazing redevelopment of a former grist and cotton mill into beautiful lofts, apartments, condominiums, shops, and restaurants. Similar to the Revolution Mill in Greensboro and the Erwin Mill in Durham restorations, it is truly remarkable.
Islands In The Stream -
Another reason for the resurgence can be attributed to the 2018 opening of the Saxapahaw Island Park. Truly an island, surrounded on all sides by the Haw River, the island park offers over 30 acres of family fun and exploration, with hiking trails, a natural playground paradise, and convenient access to the Haw River for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The park’s playground also features an enormous six-ton whalefish that is very unique and unlike anything I have ever seen.
Just A Swingin’ -
Ginger and I fondly reminisced about our kiddos when they were little and what a wonderful place it would have been to visit with them. They would have loved it! And channeling the inner child in each of us, Ginger took a go on the swing and I tried my luck on the balance beam.
Spill the Tea -
The Saxapahaw Island Trail is a wonderful loop trail in a thick forest that offers gorgeous views of the rocky Haw River on most of the trail. The normal river water level is about four feet, and it did seem somewhat lower than normal, perhaps due to the lack of rain in the area lately. Note however that the park has flooded three times since it opened in 2018, with the water level rising over twenty feet causing the park to close for several weeks each time.
Add Some Cream and Sugar -
We passed several areas choked with giant rocks bringing the water to an almost standstill and other areas where the water rolled over the rocks swiftly forming large rapids. A fascinating feature exposed by the current low water level is a venerable fishing weir used by the Sissipahaw Tribe to trap and harvest fish. We also encountered numerous brazen squirrels, all plump and ready for winter and obviously very familiar with and unafraid of humans, with several seemingly even posing for pictures. We also witnessed dozens of large turtles basking on rocks in the river, a large variety of birds, and signs of beavers in the area.
Wrap It Up -
The Saxapahaw Island Trail was a fun, unique, and delightful hike that I would gladly revisit. While not necessarily a hike for someone seeking a strenuous physical challenge, it does have something for everyone, especially families, those looking to take that first hike or anyone seeking a serene environment. And with plenty of water, optional rock scrambling, many items of special interest, and the moderate Haw River trail nearby it will also appeal to experienced hikers. I would highly recommend spending a whole day in Saxapahaw, perhaps hiking the island trail first, and then visiting the Rivermill area across the bridge for a drink, a late lunch or early dinner, and shopping. And if you visit during the summer months, bring a blanket and a picnic, there is an excellent chance you could find yourself relaxing on the grass in the town square listening to a local bluegrass band or folk group.
