DIY TRIPS
The following descriptions are offered as suggestions if you have your own boat and need ideas.
Our staff-supported/shuttled trips each have their own page for descriptions, either
Lake Wylie Dam to River Walk
**Note that River Walk and River Park are two separate loactions on the Catawba River...River Walk is downstream from the Dam, and River Park is further downstream from River Walk**
The river is dam-controlled, and the water levels are varied. We cannot guarantee what water levels may be.
Difficulty: Easy!
Miles: 3.62
Float time: 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your paddle/play style
Trip: This float begins at the Lake Wylie Dam in Fort Mill SC and passes under the I-77 bridge, ending at River Walk just past the 21 bridge in Rock Hill SC. This is a beautiful stretch of river - we've seen eagles, deer, otters, geese, osprey, heron and lots of fish. Most beginners do well on this section, but be aware there is moving water and rocks to manuever around. Depending on water level, you may get a few fun riffles or rapids, but mostly this is a pretty calm, flat stretch of water with lots of big rocks. After your float, you may want to enjoy the beautiful Riverwalk park for a picnic or walk the trails along the river.
Where to meet:
- If you are a small group (less than 3) we meet you at River Walk to shuttle you to the Dam.
- If you have a larger group, we will ask you to please drive to the parking area of the Wylie Dam directionsand drop off your people/coolers/etc (unless, of course, all your people are children).
- Your people-in-waiting can enjoy the shade and dip their toes in the water while we shuttle drivers back to the dam. We will meet your one driver at Riverwalk, you'll leave your vehicle there and ride our shuttle up to the dam. Your vehicle will be there waiting for you when you're done paddling.
Lake Wylie Dam to River Park
Difficulty: *Moderately Easy, suitable for adventuresome beginners...Our Most Popular Trip!
Miles: 6.50
Float time: 2 to 3 hours
Trip: This float begins at the Lake Wylie Dam in Fort Mill SC and passes under the I-77 and US 21 bridges (past Riverwalk), and ends at River Park in Rock Hill SC. This is a beautiful stretch of river - we've seen eagles, deer, otters, geese, osprey, heron and lots of fish. Most beginners do well on this section, but be aware there is moving water and rocks to manuever around. Depending on water level, you may get a few fun riffles or rapids, but mostly this is a pretty calm, flat stretch of water with lots of big rocks. The river is dam-controlled, and the water levels are varied. We cannot guarantee what water levels may be.
Where to meet:
- If you are a small group (less than 4) we meet you at River Park to shuttle you to the Dam.
- If you have a larger group, we will ask you to please drive to the parking area of the Wylie Dam (Click here for directions) and drop off your people/coolers/etc (unless, of course, all your people are children).
- Your people-in-waiting can enjoy the shade and dip their toes in the water while we shuttle drivers back to the dam. We will meet your one driver at River Park, you'll leave your vehicle there and ride our shuttle up to the dam. Your vehicle will be there waiting for you when you're done paddling.
River Park to Landsford Canal State Park
Miles: 18.21
Float time: 6-10 hours depending on water level
Difficulty: Moderate, mostly because of length of float
Description: This is a beautiful and long float, beginning at River Park in Rock Hill and ending at Landsford Canal State Park in Chester. Trip goes past Catawba Indian Nation, Sun City, Hwy. 5 and Bowater. Need to launch early to make it to Landsford before closing time, make sure you take more water and sunscreen than you expect to need, several people have come back parched and sunburned and hungry.
Landsford Canal State Park Trips
(Mid-May through mid-June)
(2 options)
Option 1: Landsford Canal Upriver
Miles: Undetermined - depends on you -up to three hours
Difficulty: SUPER easy
Description: A beautiful float, we always see eagles! Put in at the main parking area of Landsford Canal State Park. Paddle upstream as far as you want, then paddle back down to the park. There is very little current and lots of water, so the upstream paddle is very, very easy. Hwy 5 bridge is 5 miles upstream. Perfect for canoes, great for beginners, a nice paddling workout for experienced paddlers. Children of all ages welcome on this float with their parents - any experience level is perfect. This trip is essentially a "round trip" with no need for a shuttle.
Option 2: "Spider Lily Section"
Difficulty: *Very difficult - Paddling experience required*
Miles: 2.3
Float time: 1-2 hours, depending on water level
If you are doing this trip with your own boats, here are some suggestions:
Two Suggestions for DIY paddlers:
(1) Bring two vehicles...leave your boats at the launch location in the main park, then drive a car down to the the take out parking area (Canal Road) and then drive your other car to the main park.
(2) Drive through main park down to the river parking area (where bathrooms/log cabin/playground located) and hit the water. After your float you can walk the 1.25 mile easy path back to the main park to your car, then drive back down to the take out to grab your boats.
Highway 9 to Cane Creek
Miles: Undetermined - depends on you!
Difficulty: Super easy
Description: Put in at public boat landing at Hwy. 9 bridge. Paddle upstream for awhile (3 miles) and then back down, or head down 1 mile to Cane Creek on river left. You can paddle Cane Creek for a few miles, a wide, gorgeous creek that becomes almost tropical in feel. You'll see many birds and other wildlife. ANY age, ANY experience level. You don't need us for this float, it's a "round trip."
