Discover Alamance
13 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Haw River Festival
Haw River Festival is a community riverside event offering live music, artisan vendors, performances and scenic riverbanks — great for candid festival portraits, environmental storytelling, vendor detail shots and waterscape reflections. Visit late afternoon into golden hour for warm light and sunset over the river; evenings bring stage lighting for dramatic low-light shots. Weekend crowds are typical—arrive early for parking near the park access or use event shuttle if provided. Bring weather-‑
Haw River Farmhouse Ales
Small, rustic farmhouse brewery in a converted riverside building with textured old walls, intimate taproom and a sprawling outdoor patio overlooking the Haw River. Great for capturing craft-beer details, warm wood interiors, candid social scenes and sunset river views. Best at golden hour and blue hour on the patio; weekdays are quieter, weekends busy with vendors. Limited parking during events—check hours and arrivals; entry is generally walk-in ordering at the bar. Respect patrons and staff;拍
Saxapahaw Campground
Small, well-kept campground on the Haw River with riverside campsites, glamping pods, cabins and tree duplexes. Photographers can capture river reflections, intimate camp scenes, wooded trails and clean modern amenities. Best at golden hour for river and campsite light; late spring–fall for foliage and kayaking. Site is gated with parking; book ahead on weekends. One-mile walk to Saxapahaw town (live music Saturdays) adds village/food scene options.
Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access
Small, easy-access launch on Saxapahaw Lake offering calm water reflections, a wooden dock, shoreline vegetation and frequent wildlife (egrets, herons, beavers). Short trail to a kayak shop, playground and picnic areas add context shots. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and mist; weekday mornings have the fewest people. Launch is boat-in/boat-out only; parking is limited at 6096 Jordan Dr—pack light and use waterproof protection for gear.
Saxapahaw Island Park
Small island park on the Haw River with a flat loop trail, riverside access and lush vegetation—ideal for intimate river landscapes, rapids, shoreline details and candid family/Playground shots. Accessible stroller-friendly trails, parking and a port-a-potty; visit weekdays or early morning to avoid locals. Best light: golden hour along the riverbanks; watch for seasonal mushrooms, beaver activity and spring green-up.
Haw River Trail
A gentle riverside trail weaving through woods, farmland and picnic overlooks—excellent for intimate river scenes, dam shots, farm vistas and wildlife (geese, turtles, frogs, butterflies). Park at the island lot and cross the bridge to reach Sax Village trails; no restrooms, limited accessibility, dog-friendly. Best light: golden hours for warm river reflections and long shadows; mid-morning for active wildlife. Trails are level but not wheelchair-accessible.
Saxapahaw Mill Race Paddle Access
Small easy-access paddle launch on the Haw River with a wide river channel, mill-race textures, riverside trail and benches — great for reflections, small-boat portraits, and intimate landscape shots. Parking is at the lot off Swepsonville‑Saxapahaw Rd; follow paved sidewalk and metal steps to the trailhead. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and glassy water; weekdays/early mornings are least crowded. No permits for casual photography; bring insect repellent in summer.
Graham Regional Park
Small riverside park on the Haw River offering tree-lined trails, riverbank views and open green spaces. Ideal for intimate landscape and waterscape shots — golden hour brings warm light on the river and autumn color. Easy parking at the lot, free entry; trails are accessible and relatively flat. Visit sunrise or late afternoon for softer light and fewer visitors; expect mosquitoes in summer and muddy banks after rain.
Guilford County Farm Trailhead
Small trailhead leading into Guilford County farmland and mixed woodlands — open fields, fences, occasional barns and winding trails offer classic rural compositions. Best at golden hour and during spring wildflowers or autumn color. Easy roadside parking at 3220 Amick Rd; trails are mostly flat and accessible but wear boots after rain. No entry fee; respectful use of private farmland expected.
Long Meadow Trailhead
Long Meadow Trailhead launches into Piedmont meadows and mixed hardwood forest — ideal for meadow, stream and seasonal wildflower shots. Visit spring for blooms and fall for warm foliage; sunrise/late afternoon provide soft light. Small parking area at trailhead, no fee; trails are moderate and family-friendly. Expect local hikers; bring insect protection in warm months.
Great Alamance Paddle Access
Small river launch on Great Alamance Creek offering tranquil waters, riparian trees and paddlers—good for reflective waterscapes, intimate nature shots and action images of kayaks. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and glassy reflections; weekdays bring fewer people. Easy roadside parking and a short carry to the launch; no special permits for casual photography. Expect seasonal changes—spring green, autumn color, and migratory waterfowl.
Simple Times RV Park and Campground
A low-key rural RV park set among fields and mature trees offering classic campsite compositions: RV lines, campfires, tent silhouettes, and wide-open skies for sunsets and Milky Way work. Best light is golden hour and blue hour; clear nights yield good star photos. Easily reached from Hwy 49 with on-site parking—photographers should book or get permission before shooting guests and heed quiet/campsite rules. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect seasonal foliage changes and warm summer evenings.
Wishing Well RV Park
Small, private RV park with campground scenes, RV lines, shady trees and open sky — useful for lifestyle and travel documentary shots, golden-hour sunsets and night-sky exposures. Easy vehicle access and onsite parking; likely private so request permission from management for extended shoots or drone use. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm light and fewer people; clear nights offer star photos if light pollution is low.