Haw River Sp Iron Ore
This trail feels like a hug from a forest! The Great Blue Heron Trail winds through wetlands, old farm fields, and mixed hardwood forests. The Iron Ore Pit Trail, within the Great Blue Heron Trail, passes by the historic Iron Ore deposits and remnants of an old iron ore mining pit. Starting from the trailhead, you must enter through the connector trail, then take the Great Blue Heron Trail Loop. There is an optional section within the loop to check out the Iron Ore Pit Trail. Note: This trailhead is a 10-minute drive away from the Haw River State Park Summit Access.
The trail system includes 3 trails from this trailhead:
- Great Blue Heron Loop Trail 3.2 miles
- Connector Trail 0.35 miles
- Iron Ore Pit Trail 0.35 miles
Accessibility Overview: Natural surface footpath, low elevation change.
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Find this place on Google Maps and get turn-by-turn directions before you go.
Google Reviews
MattFormer collegiate runner. The best trail in the area. I wish they had more like this.
May 11, 2026 · Google Review
Jonathan PhillipsGood trail to walk the dog
Dec 24, 2025 · Google Review
Kevin RumseyFantastic trail
Dec 4, 2025 · Google Review
Rick NThe 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.
Aug 2, 2025 · Google ReviewSign up to our newsletter
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