Paddling Trips on the River

National Whitewater Center web site).  If you are comfortable paddling on your own, but lack experience, we suggest starting on one of the lakes, or the 31-mile long "free flowing" section of the Catawba between Lake Wylie and Great Falls, South Carolina.  This section includes the world's largest grove of spider lilies, which bloom between mid-May and early June.  A map showing put-in and take-out locations on this section of the river is available on the Duke website at http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/catawba-river-canoe-trail-map.asp?sec=content.

Some sections of the South Fork River and the Upper Catawba River Canoe and Kayak trail are also a great choice for beginning paddlers.  Even the most advanced paddler will find a challenge in the Wilson Creek Gorge, or during periodic recreational releases on the Great Falls of the Catawba.  Links to information about most of the places to paddle on the Catawba are included below.  PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT EVEN THE EASIEST SECTIONS OF THE RIVER CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS DURING PERIODS OF HIGH WATER FLOW. 

It is strongly recommended that you check the release schedule for the dam above the section that you are paddling before starting the trip because water levels can increase quickly on the Catawba.  For example, if the release from Lake Wylie is 600 cubic feet per second (cfs) or less, the water may be too low for this section to be enjoyable, and if the release from Lake Wylie approaches 10,000 cfs, Class I rapids become transformed into Class III rapids suitable for experienced paddlers only. Information about scheduled releases and the impact on downstream flow is available at the following websites: 

• Dam release information and scheduled release information is available on the Duke Energy website or by calling 800-829-5253.  
• Real time river flow data for the section below Lake Wylie Dam is available at the USGS website:
• Catawba River Water Levels 5 miles above Landsford Canal (Hwy. 5 bridge) - http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?02147020
• Catawba River Water Levels above River Park  and Riverwalk (Hwy. 21 bridge) near Rock Hill, SC - http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?site_no=02146000
• A website that is specifically devoted to the release schedule from the Bridgewater Dam (Lake James) is at http://www.boatingbeta.com/releases/bridgewater.

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation generally hosts guided paddling events open to the general public at least three times each year:  our Spider Lily Eco-Tour in late May or early June, a Fall Leaf Eco-Tour on Lake James, and early spring eco-tour.  Please watch our website for additional information about paddle trips.  Information about the Spider Lily Eco-Tour is at Spider Lily Eco-Tour.   Information about the Fall Leaf Tour is at Fall Leaf Tour.   Information about the Youth Kayak River Expedition program is available by clicking here. 

Information about Access Points and Trails

(organized from the lower part of the basin to the upper part of the basin):

• Wateree River - Information about the Wateree River Blue Trail is at http://www.americanrivers.org/initiatives/blue-trails/projects/wateree.html.  There are large segments of this section of the River that have no public access and should not be undertaken without plenty of drinking water and supplies.  This section of the River generally is very flat.
• Lake Wateree (flat water) - Lake Wateree is a popular lake for power boats and it can be very busy on the weekends.  Most paddlers prefer to paddle the upper section of the lake (where you can see glimpses of the old canal system from the early 1800s) or the numerous coves which often have stumps that make it difficult for power boats to access.  http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lake-wateree.asp
• Great Falls and Rock Creek Reservoirs (flat water) - These are small reservoirs that are excellent for fishing and flat water paddling during normal conditions.  However, after a large rain, these reservoirs can become a raging river.  The Stumpy Pond area of the Rocky Creek Reservoir is a particularly popular and scenic area for paddling, which is accessed from the Stumpy Pond Access area off of Hwy 97.  http://www.duke-energy.com/pdfs/greatfallsrockycreek.pdf.
• Great Falls of the Catawba  (white water) - The Great Falls of the Catawba were considered a natural wonder by the early explorers of the Catawba basin, but were largely forgotten after this section was dewatered by the construction of dams.  As part of the relicensing agreement worked out in 2008, Duke agreed to put water through the Great Falls section of the River.  The recreational flow schedule is published by Duke Energy each year on its website. Paddling this section is extremely hazardous due to the amount of vegetation that has grown up in the river channel and the steep drop. 
• Fishing Creek Reservoir (flat water) - This is one of the smaller, narrower lakes on the Catawba River and is generally very pleasant for flat water paddling, particularly the upper section between Hwy 9 and the Cane Creek Access Area - http://www.dukeenergy.com/pdfs/fishingcreek.pdf.
• Lower Catawba River (Lake Wylie to Fishing Creek Reservoir) (partial whitewater - class II or easier under normal conditions)  - This section has been designated as a scenic river and it is one of the best sections of the River for novice paddlers under normal conditions.  The access area below the Lake Wylie Dam is only about 15 minutes from Charlotte.

Note - If the release from Lake Wylie is 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) or less, the water may be too low for this section to be enjoyable.  If the release from Lake Wylie approaches 11,000 cfs, Class I rapids become transformed into Class III rapids suitable for experienced paddlers only.  3,000 cfs to 4,000 cfs is about right for most paddlers.  However, you need to be the judge of what looks safe for you.  Real time river flow data for the section below Lake Wylie Dam is available at the USGS website:

• Catawba River Water Levels 5 miles above Landsford Canal (Hwy. 5 bridge) - http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?02147020
• Catawba River Water Levels above River Park  and Riverwalk (Hwy. 21 bridge) near Rock Hill, SC - http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?site_no=02146000

• Catawba River Trail from Lake Wylie to Landsford Canal - The preceding link will take you to a description of access points and points of interest on the 31-mile long "free-flowing" section of the Catawba below Lake Wylie.  
• The first section from the Lake Wylie dam to River Park in Rock Hill is about 6 miles long.  You can make this slightly shorter by getting out at the new access area at Riverwalk in Rock Hill.  This is a very nice paddle after work on a summer evening. 
• The next section from River Park to Landsford Canal State Park is about 18 miles long.  This is a great section to paddle, but allow plenty of time.  It takes you through the Catawba Indian Reservation.  There is a public access point on the reservation, but the access is difficult and not well marked.
• The short section between access points in Landsford Canal State Park is about 1 mile long.  This section in takes about 2 hours to paddle (if you take time to enjoy the scenery) and takes you through the rare Catawba River Spider Lilies (which bloom during May and early June) and some sections of the historic Landsford Canal.   Pay attention to the orange tape marking the side channel that leads to the take-out or you will find yourself with a long, unanticipated paddle to the Hwy 9 bridge.
• The final section, from Landsford Canal State Park to the Hwy. 9 bridge access is about 7.4 miles long. 
• Another fun paddle is to go downstream from the Hwy 9 bridge and then up Cane Creek or continue downstream to the access area in Fishing Creek Reservoir (approximately 10 miles).

• Landsford Canal Park map - map showing the location of the put-in and take-out as well as the major shoals in the River.  The trip through the spider lilies typically takes 1-3 hours.  There is a put-in and take-out in the park.
• Lower Catawba-Wateree River Basin Map - including locations of access points.
• Lake Wylie (flat water) - The upper section of Lake Wylie (above I-85) is a popular place for flat water paddling and can be accessed at the National Whitewater Center (on the east side of the River), Tailrace Marina (on the west side of the River), or a small private access area near the Hwy 27 bridge in Mt. Holly - http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lake-wylie.asp.
• Mountain Island Lake (flat water) - The upper section of Mountain Island Lake is also good for paddling and it is mostly undeveloped due to the presence of a large number of parks and natural areas purchased to help protect the drinking water for Charlotte and other neighboring towns.  The best access for paddling is the Neck Access Area near Latta Plantation Park - http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/mountain-island.asp
• Lake Norman (flat water) - Lake Norman is a large lake with lots of wind and boat traffic so paddling on the main channel is often unpleasant. However many people enjoy paddling on the many coves or the upper riverine section of the lake (above Buffalo Shoals) - http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lake-norman.asp
• Lake Lookout Shoals  (flat water) - This lake is just large enough and has just enough boat traffic that paddling the lower end of the lake is generally not a lot of fun.  However, the upper end of the lake near Riverbend Park is very scenic and enjoyable.
• Map of Lake Lookout Shoals - http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lookout-shoals.asp
• Map of Riverbend Park in Catawba County (Lookout Shoals Lake)
• The Upper Catawba River (above Lake Lookout Shoals) 
• Upper Catawba River Basin Map - including locations of access points
• Upper Catawba River Trail brochure - page 1 (large PDF file)
• Upper Catawba River Trail brochure - page 2 (large PDF file)
• Lake Hickory  (flat water) - This lake is narrow and densely populated. It frequently has a lot of boat traffic so paddling the main channel can be unpleasant, but paddling up the creeks and coves is very enjoyable - http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lake-hickory.asp
• Lake Rhodhiss  (flat water) - Lake Rhodhiss is one of the least developed lakes so it can be very pleasant to paddle with a wonderful view of the mountains.   http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lake-rhodiss.asp
• Catawba River between Lake James and Morganton (partial whitewater) -This section is beautiful and under some conditions it is appropriate for intermediate paddlers, but it is not appropriate for novice paddlers.
• More information at  http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1046/#main (use tabs to get more information).
• Information on river flow at http://www.boatingbeta.com/releases/bridgewater.
• Lake James (flat water) - Lake James is a beautiful lake that has been used as the backdrop for numerous movies including "The Last of the Mohicans."  As with the other large lakes, wind and boat traffic can making paddling on the main channels of the lake unpleasant, but paddling up the coves is almost always enjoyable.  http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lake-james.asp.
• Catawba River between Old Fort and Lake James (partial whitewater) - The Catawba River starts in the mountains above Old Fort, NC, but generally is not navigable until below Old Fort.  If you paddle into Lake James below Pleasant Gardens you may have a long flat water paddle against the wind to get to a public access area.
• Old Fort to Pleasant Gardens - http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1046/ (use tabs for more information)
• Catawba River Tributaries - Catawba Basin Whitewater Information compiled from American Whitewater site - This information includes information about tributaries of the Catawba including the Johns River, Linville River, and Wilson Creek.  Most of the sections described in this summary are serious whitewater for skilled paddlers only.
• South Fork River (from Lincolnton to Lake Wylie) - There are various sections of the South Fork of the Catawba that can be paddled, but the easiest section to paddle is a section between the Spencer Mountain access point and I-85.  This section is about 5.5 miles long.
• South Fork River access points 
• South Fork between McAdenville and Lake Wylie - http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/4134/
• South Fork between Spencer Mountain and McAdenville - This section is generally recommended for competent paddlers, but can be very dangerous during high water conditions.  There are good access areas at each end of this section maintained by the Catawba Lands Conservancy.
• South Fork near High Shoals  - http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/4133/.
• Henry Fork of the Catawba River (near Hickory) - Paddling this section can be strenuous due to the need to portage over or around trees, driveways and other obstacles.  Information available at http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/4042/.
• Wilson Creek (near Lenoir) - Wilson Creek Gorge is spectacular, but only appropriate for the most experienced paddlers (unless you just want to look at the scenery and watch the paddlers).
• Johns River - The Johns River begins in the Globe Valley near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and joins the Catawba River near Morganton, North Carolina.  This is a great fishing river and some sections are appropriate for novice paddlers under the right conditions.  Beware of strainers (trees and other obstacles that block the surface of the river and may trap the unwary paddler).
• Johns River at Arney's Store (Playmore Beach Road to Corpening Bridge Road) - At about 200 cfs, this section can be handled by novice paddlers if care is taken to avoid strainers.  It is about 6.5 miles long - http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1089/
• Route 1337 to Route 1328 (NC 90 to Playmore Beach Road) - http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1088/.
• Globe Valley (Johns River Camp Bridge to 2nd bridge below NC 90) -  http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1087/
• Linville River - The Linville River passes over Linville Falls and through the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area on its way to joining the Catawba River in Lake James.  This is one of the most beautiful rivers in the United States and the paddling is extraordinary if you are a highly skilled paddler.  However, there are at least four difficulties: (1) the National Park Service prohibits paddling on the Linville River within Park Service boundaries, which extend to roughly 1/3 of a mile below Linville Falls (violating this rule can result in a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail); (2) access to the Linville River is difficult and may require long hikes on steep trails; (3) the rapids are difficult and some are nearly impossible to scout; and (4) there is no easy way out if you get into trouble or realize that you are in "over your head."   To paddle this entire section may require camping overnight.  More information at  http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1093/.
• North Fork of the Catawba River 
• Lower North Fork (Route 1559 to Route 1552) - This section contains some class III rapids, undercut walls, difficult to scout rapids and low hanging vegetation.  It is not appropriate for novice paddlers.  More information at http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1048/.
• Upper North Fork near Linville - This is essentially a very steep creek that can only be run after rain events.  It is extremely dangerous with Class IV and Class V rapids.  More information at:
• http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1149/

• AFWS Current Rainfall Data for Caldwell County.

• AFWS Current Rainfall Data for Burke County.
• Other paddling information
• To get additional information about access points on the various lakes, click here. 
• For information about paddling other rivers in South Carolina, click here.

Video of Paddling Trips

Are you wondering what the water is like on the Catawba?   To check out video of paddling trips to see if it looks like it fits your abilities, CLICK HERE.

 Wilson Creek (appropriate for expert paddlers only)