Landsford Canal State Park Trips
(May through June 16)
During lily season, Landsford's park entry fees are collected at the gate:
Adults: 5.00
Seniors: 3.25
Children ages 6-13: 3.00
Option 1
Landsford Canal Upriver
Miles: Undetermined - depends on you -up to three hours
Difficulty: SUPER easy
Description: Because paddling through the spider lily shoals is not an appropriate trip for those that have never paddled before, we offer this float that combines a flatwater section of the Catawba River with an easy walk on the trail to see the lilies in full bloom. This is a beautiful float above the shoals, with plenty of natural beauty and wildlife to be seen, but no lilies. You can easily combine this float with a walk down the trail to see the lilies, either before or after your paddle.
We would meet you at the main park at Landsford, get you situated in your boats, and send you on your self-guided paddle. 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. This is perfect for canoes, great for beginners, and is a nice paddling workout for experienced paddlers. Children of all ages are 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
Single kayaks only, no tandems or canoes
Difficulty: * Paddling experience required*
Miles: 2.3
Float time: 1-2 hours, depending on water level
Description: This paddle takes you around a large island and into the largest population of the beautiful, rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily. Because these lilies only grow in swift, shallow water, this trip consists of rapid water and many, many rocks. Lots of rocks. Did I mention the rocks? We require participants to have had some paddling experience and be comfortable with turning their boat quickly, be able to get in and out of the boat often to maneuver over rocks, be happy with being stuck, and follow instructions to find the take out creek. There are a few small rapids.
Still with us? Great, because this float is worth the effort. You'll be floating through a huge field of flowers that few have the opportunity to see. Take your camera in a waterproof bag, you'll have so many perfect shots! There will be lots of opportunity to get out on rocks (they come in handy sometimes) to enjoy the beauty, take photos, and stretch your legs.
We will have guides available to assist you through the lily section, and to make sure you don't miss the tricky take-out creek. You will be mostly self-guided with a map in hand, but we will have trained guides on the water as well to make sure you don't miss that take out.
During Lily Season, Landsford Canal State Park is extremely popular and the parking areas become congested. We can't get through there with our trailers/vans, and therefore are unable to assist with shuttle of cars/people, So....
You have two options for parking:
(2) Drive through main park down to the river parking area (where bathrooms/log cabin/playground located) and meet us at the river's edge. We will get you on the water with gear and instructions/map. After your float you will walk that 1.25 mile easy path back to the main park to your car. Leave the boats at the top of the take-out trail, we'll grab them as soon as possible.
