The concept and drive behind the Haw River Trail are the product of the vision and hard work of local citizens, organizations and governments dating back more than a decade.  In 2006, those efforts resulted in an innovative agreement in which 10 governmental agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to work together for the development of the Haw River Trail and the conservation of its land and waters.

That same year, the cities of Burlington and Graham partnered with Alamance County, Elon University, Preservation North Carolina and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation to fund a full-time position to coordinate conservation and trail efforts on the Upper Haw River.  In 2009, the Haw River Trail Coordinator became a permanent position within Alamance County government, with continuing contributions from Burlington and Graham. This website is an effort to inform the public about the accomplishments and goals of the Haw River Trail Partnership.