Chatham County: Rivers, Forests and History

The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area includes seven access areas in Chatham County and offers opportunities for camping, boating and swimming. This makes the area a notable destination for trips with water-based activities. River landscapes, forest trails and historic sites also provide their own focal points for time in the county.

Rivers, Forests and Trails

The Lower Haw River State Natural Area extends from above US 15-501 near Bynum to below US 64, where it borders the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. There are several launch sites for canoes and kayaks along the lower stretches of the Haw River. This makes it possible to take in the river landscape from a paddler’s perspective.

White Pines Nature Preserve lies on a peninsula at the confluence of the Deep River and Rocky River. Nearly six miles of trails make it possible to hike along river bluffs and through lower-lying floodplains near the water. The preserve is home to eastern white pines, mountain plants and wildflowers, including Catawba rhododendron. The Gilbert Yager Trail runs through the southern part of the preserve and crosses several types of forest.

In the northeastern part of the county, the American Tobacco Trail includes 4.6 miles of trail. The Jordan Lake Educational State Forest offers a different nature focus, showcasing the diversity of pines and hardwoods in a wetland ecosystem. Ranger-led programs are available for groups of ten or more.

Tours and History

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to protecting and rescuing wild cats in captivity and in the wild. The animals can only be viewed as part of a guided tour. Options include public tours, Twilight Tours and Tiger Tales Tours. Tickets for all tours must be purchased in advance; booking requirements may change, so check them before your visit.

The grounds of Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park feature antique farm equipment and historic farm buildings, including a tobacco barn. The site also includes working steam and diesel engines and a homestead from the American Civil War era. Visitors can explore farm equipment and picnic there year-round. Visiting conditions may change; check them before you go.

The Chatham Historical Museum is located in the historic Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro. Its timeline spans from the time before European settlement to modern changes. Stories about schools, churches, village stores and places past and present convey the county’s social fabric.

The Deep River Camelback Truss Bridge was dismantled in 1932 and rebuilt at its present location over the Deep River. It is one of only four surviving Camelback truss bridges in North Carolina. Deep River Park and Camelback Truss Bridge offers scenic views, picnic areas and easy access to canoeing and kayaking. A paddle on the Deep River from the Highway 421 launch site to Deep River Park takes about 1.5 hours and passes beneath two old railroad bridges. Check river conditions before paddling.

Bynum Bridge has been a pedestrian bridge since 1999. The Devil’s Tramping Ground Road Scenic Byway also offers a way to take in rural scenery: it leads from Pittsboro through the countryside toward Bear Creek. The Devil’s Tramping Ground site is on private property; keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Local Produce and Visiting Hours

The Fearrington Farmers’ Market is a producer-only market with a 50-mile sourcing radius and a focus on local vendors. It takes place on Tuesday afternoons year-round; the schedule may change, so check the date before your trip.

Southern Supreme Fruitcake and More began in 1984 with a recipe for fruitcake with nuts. Tastings and tours are offered there year-round; holiday exceptions may apply. Check visiting options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Siler City, Pittsboro, Bear Creek, Johnston, Robeson County, Macon County, Cherokee County, Stokes County.

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