The Lower Haw River State Natural Area at Bynum NC, has a scenic 1.5 mile stretch of single/double track adjacent to the Haw river. The trail itself is very flat, the only hill is from the parking area to the trail-head (gravel road). The trail surface is exceptionally smooth dirt with only a few sections of exposed rock. This trial is primarily used by hikers, dog walkers from Bynum and fishermen. In high water times sections of this trail may be underwater, but it does provide access for great photos of raging rapids.
For mountain bikes the Haw River Trail is ideal for first-time-off-roaders. It is flat, wide and smooth with very few technical sections. The few logs across the trail are un-rideable by most experienced riders too, so beginners should not be discouraged by having to dismount. The length is just right to make a first-timer feel like they have been someplace. The breath taking views of the Haw River and calming sound of gentle rapids provide an overdose of nature experience sure to convince anyone that "hey this mountain bike thing is cool!"
The downstream end of the trail ends at a large creek. In drought/mid summer low water conditions you can ride/splash/wade the fording area about 200 meters upstream. The trail on the other side of this creek is very faint and nearly unfollowable when the vegetation is thick. The state park lands continue downstream several miles to the Highway 64 haw river bridge - most of this area is best covered on foot or in a canoe.
Bottom Line: Experienced riders don't bother unless you are bringing a first time off roader here.
From Chapel Hill NC take 15-501 south approximately 10 miles. Turn left at Bynum Rd/NC 1713 (just south of Allen and Sons BBQ on the south-east side of 15/501). Follow Bynum Rd for 0.9 miles. Turn left on Bynum Church Rd. Follow Bynum CH Rd approximately 0.2 miles (Church on the right - quaint mill houses on the left) until you see the purple turtle sign (pictured). Trail head is down the gravel road to the right of the sign. Parking is in the paved lot down the hill from the gravel road/sign intersection.
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