GetHiking! Beginner Hike at Haw River State Park's Iron Ore Belt Access

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/9/4/8/600_448334664.jpeg

I was trying to make sense of the trail network at Haw River State Park (http://www.ncparks.gov/haw-river-state-park) when the helpful office attendant asked, "Have you visited our new Iron Ore Belt Access? It has a 3.2-mil trail. It opened in January. Intrigued, I made the short drive to the IOB's separate entrance, stepped onto the Great Blue Heron loop trail and was instantly smitten. I'd found my new favorite trail. And I'll be sharing it with you on Sunday. The trail circles a sizeable wetland, passes through grassy meadows and spends much of its time in mature woods (including some surprisingly big red cedars). And while the area is somewhat hilly, the trail sticks to the same contour around the wetland, offering surprisingly little climbing.

Our hikes are lead from the rear, so you needn't worry about being left behind. And faster hikers won't be held back: at the beginning of our hikes, we go over the route so that faster, more experienced hikers feel comfortable forging ahead. This is an especially good trail for this approach: it's well marked and it's the only trail here.