Alamance Parks Acquires Historic Alston Quarter to Expand Haw River State Trail

Alamance Parks acquired approximately 800 acres in southern Alamance County, securing the majority of the historic "Alston Quarter" tract and setting the stage for expansion of the Haw River State Trail and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The property sits south of Saxapahaw at the confluence of the Haw River and Cane Creek, a location that county officials say will strengthen regional river access and conservation efforts.

The acquisition, announced January 22, 2026, will enable construction of roughly 3 miles of additional trail corridor that links into the longer Mountains-to-Sea Trail network. Funding for the purchase came from multiple public and private sources, including the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, the Complete the Trails Grant Program, Alamance County Landfill Enterprise Funds and a donation from the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Planning, design and future public access improvements will be evaluated in coordination with state and regional partners.

For local residents, the move means expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation, conservation and stewardship along a stretch of the Haw River that has both ecological and community value. Saxapahaw is already known for its riverside gathering places and small-business draw; the added trail mileage and protected acreage aim to broaden access for hikers, birdwatchers and river users while preserving sensitive land at the Haw River and Cane Creek confluence.

Conservation implications extend beyond recreation. Protecting the Alston Quarter tract secures contiguous green space that supports water quality, wildlife habitat and long-term stewardship of the Haw River corridor. The county’s use of multiple funding streams, including landfill enterprise funds, underscores a strategic approach to land acquisition that blends environmental priorities with local fiscal tools.

Alamance Parks will work with state park planners and regional trail organizations on design choices, connection points and access features such as parking and trailheads. Timelines and specific improvement plans have not been released; officials said project planning will proceed with input from partner agencies and stakeholders.

Residents interested in project updates, public meetings and future access information can consult county parks materials for further details. The acquisition represents a tangible expansion of Alamance’s outdoor infrastructure and a commitment to preserving riverfront land for community use. As design and access plans move forward, the new Alston Quarter holdings will shape how Saxapahaw and surrounding neighborhoods connect to the Haw River and the statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail network.