Friends of Lower Haw is offering another outing in its “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” hiking series in the Lower Haw River State Natural Area. We are fortunate to still have some wildness with this amazing natural resource running through a growing urbanized area. Join Outdoor NC Guide & Haw River native Ben Clarke and his trusty dog Rocco for a spectacular 1.5 mile round-trip evening hike down the west bank of the Haw from Highway 64. We'll pass some of the most famous rapids on the river and lots of native mountain laurel, which should be at the peak of their flowering season! Our hike will take us to Gabriel's Bend, a Class III rapid where the Haw has cut a mighty cliff out of the riverbank. The trail climbs this cliff to a unique overlook surveying more than a mile of the river! Please be aware that this hike involves plenty of rock scrabbling, uneven ground on informal trails, and the risk of poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos. Sturdy shoes, bug spray, and water recommended! Friendly dogs on leash are welcome but may struggle with the terrain. Anyone up for a somewhat challenging but highly rewarding hike are welcome - no pre-registration required! Contact lowerhawevents@gmail.com for questions or to let us know you’re coming.