Exploring Alamance county with nolan carter
Nolan Carter
Trails and Open Space Coordinator
Alamance Parks
Tucked between the bustling metros of the Triad and the Triangle, North Carolina’s Alamance County invites you to slow down and move at nature’s pace. Here, you can walk in step with the Haw River as it winds through open meadows and hardwood forests. Or, fully immerse yourself in the river’s rhythm by paddling it.
Whether you’re exploring by kayak, foot, or bike, you’re moving through landscapes shaped by both natural and cultural heritage. In the 1800s, textile mills sprang up along the Haw and its tributaries, and vestiges of that past still stand. Some, like Glencoe Mill Village, are beautifully preserved. Others, from trailside mill ruins to old bridge footings and stonework, are being gradually rewilded, creating a visible link between Alamance County’s industrial past and its native ecosystems.
As Trails and Open Space Coordinator for Alamance Parks, Nolan Carter is deeply familiar with the stories these landscapes tell — and the acts of stewardship that help keep them thriving. We asked Nolan to share what makes Alamance County’s trails, waterways, and wild corners special and how guests can explore them with care. Below, you’ll find his go-to spots for hiking and paddling, plus simple ways to stay mindful as you explore.
exploring alamance county, north carolina
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do in alamance county?
As the Trails and Open Space Coordinator for Alamance Parks, I work for the county, but I’m also an advocate for the Haw River State Trail for the cities of Graham and Burlington. I serve as chair for the Friends of Haw River State Trail and am working to acquire new permissions to expand the trail along the river. I manage all of our county-wide land and park development projects and grants, and I seek new opportunities to add more parks and connections to trails.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I love my job. The parks and recreational areas that I help acquire and develop today benefit the generations to come.
What makes the outdoor experiences you love in Alamance County unique?
The Haw River Trail carries a rich history, from its textile mill past to the way the river transforms across each of the five counties it flows through. Additionally, Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area contains the tallest peak between Greensboro and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s over 1,000 acres of natural beauty, hiking trails and an 80-foot observation tower that offers unobstructed 360-degree views at the top.
If you had a day to spend outdoors in Alamance County, what must-see landmarks or attractions would you visit?
I would visit both the Haw River Trail and Cane Creek Mountains. If I was with a group that preferred more of a recreational park with features that go beyond trails, I would suggest Cedarock Park, which offers trails, three disc golf courses, foot golf, an accessible playground, a fishing pond, camping, picnic shelters and an iconic mill dam known by locals as “the waterfall.”
Thinking about those must-see spots, how would you create the ideal day spent outdoors in Alamance County?
Currently, Saxapahaw is our poster child for a trail town. There are trails, a paddle outfitter, restaurants, a coffee shop, a brewery and more, all within walking distance of each other.
Are there any lesser-known trails, parks or outdoor activities that you would recommend?
I would love to see paddle camping become more popular in Alamance County and along the entire Haw River corridor. Alamance County has multiple locations that allow for paddlers to take out and camp for the night with ease. We also host an annual Camp & Clean event that allows the community to give this a try.
Paddling on the Haw River.
Do you have any local food or dining recommendations that complement a day of outdoor adventure?
The Eddy Pub and the General Store in Saxapahaw!
What tips do you have for guests to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure here?
Whenever you hike, it’s always a good idea to hide any valuables before locking your car in the parking lot. Take plenty of water with you, and stop and take breaks to take in the beauty of the space you’re exploring.
People who are passionate about the outdoors like yourself are typically equally passionate about stewardship. Can you share an interesting fact about stewardship in Alamance County that many might not know?
We have a number of stewardship-based volunteer opportunities in Alamance County. For the Haw River Trail, we have the 5280 Club, which allows someone to donate $100 to sponsor a mile of land or paddle trail for a year. They essentially adopt that section and help monitor and sometimes maintain it. In return, they receive a plaque on the kiosk during their time.
Can you give us some background on how you approach stewardship and responsible recreation?
For every new park or trail-building project, I assess how we can best use the space with sustainability in mind. In addition to considering the environment where construction is taking place, this helps us with ongoing maintenance as well.
How do you see Alamance Parks contributing to stewardship of the outdoors?
We are continually promoting our parks to encourage our communities to get outdoors. We believe that once people experience our parks, the parks sell themselves and inspire care. The Haw River Trail slogan is “Conservation through Recreation.”
Are there recent examples of local projects or initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty and resources of Alamance County?
Our volunteer group has now built over seven miles of trail at Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area. This property is double-protected to limit its use to hiking trails only. We try to utilize existing materials onsite, such as rocks and cedar trees, to maintain a natural aesthetic for hikers. There are some exceptions, like our larger bridges, but we keep these to a minimum.
How can guests contribute to these stewardship efforts during their stay or after they have visited?
Guests can support our efforts through sharing positive reviews, word-of-mouth referrals and advocating to government officials for continued support. They can also purchase Haw River Trail merchandise or contribute donations.
How does the local culture and community influence the outdoor experiences in Alamance County?
We are constantly engaging with the public and seeking feedback on our offerings. We have QR codes on all of our trailhead kiosks where guests can provide feedback (positive or negative). This helps us identify issues we may have otherwise not seen and also assures us of things we are doing well that we can carry over into other parks.
Can you share any local festivals or events that highlight the connection between the community, stewardship and the outdoors?
There’s the Haw River Camp & Clean, Haw River Triathlon, Run at the Rock, Family Campout, and various other festivals we table at.
What final advice or message would you like to share with guests coming to explore Alamance County?
We have around 40 miles of the Haw River in Alamance County alone. Visit at least one of the river parks and take a hike, or just sit by the river and relax. Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is over 1,000 acres of preserved wilderness with trails, camping and an 80-foot observation tower. Pack a lunch and spend the day outside adventuring.
How can people stay in the loop about seasonal outdoor experiences, upcoming events or stewardship initiatives in Alamance County?
We keep our website and social media up-to-date with events and notices. Visit parks.alamancecountync.gov or hawrivertrail.org for maps, information, and links to our social media pages.
*Published July 2025
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