Haw River State Park, Iron Ore Belt Acces

Beth Barton

Beautiful park, easy hike. I went with a group and we passed quite a few others out walking their dogs or just enjoying the (really) brisk morning. We were near peak on leaf color and it was really pretty. Interesting things to see …

LM Carlson

A fantastic park to see wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, and birds. Trails are well maintained for ease of navigation.

Rick Nobers

The Iron Ore Belt access is a separate entrance to Haw River State Park. Summit entrance and this aren't connected. This entrance has the Great Blue Heron Loop Trail. Upon entering the park, there is a small parking lot with a set of bathrooms and trash/recycling containers. The Great Blue Heron Loop Trail requires a short, easy .35 mile walk from the parking lot to get to. It is the only trail in this access. The trail loop itself is a 3.2 mile walk, labeled as moderate (I thought it was easy) through forest type scenery. The trail is well made. It is flat laterally but does have some up and down. This is nothing strenuous however. The trail has lots of trees uprooted from rain, a lot of controlled burn, and looks to be in constant maintenance with sawing. There are a few downed trees crossing the trail and it's muddy at spots. The favorite part to me is the smell of pine, timber, and forest type aroma. A great, easy walk through nature.

Steven Buckner

very well maintained trail. lovely scenery.