Guided Tours: Paddles & Hikes

Catawba Riverkeeper offers guided paddles and hikes through the Eco-Tour program, Spider Lily Eco-Tours, and Full Moon Paddles.

Eco-Tours

Our 2024 Eco-Tour series will take you from the Catawba River’s headwaters high in the mountains of North Carolina all the way to the low country of South Carolina where the Catawba Wateree River Basin turns into the Congaree River Basin. Join us in 2024 as we journey from north to south in the basin by foot, bike, and boat. Experience the river, wildlife, and impacts in new and unique ways! 


Also, new this year – the option to buy a season Eco-Tour Pass and a special gift for anyone who attend all the 2024 Eco-Tours!


Click here to register for a 2024 Eco-Tour.    Buy a season pass here.

  • RESCHEDULED for Feb. 17: Journey To The Source!

    Our newest experience! Join us on a unique experience as we embark on a challenging hike to the source spring of the Catawba River, where it all begins. Property owners Richard and Melinda Halford have taken us on many adventures to the spring in the past and we are happy to offer this unique experience to a select few guests. Our journey starts a couple of miles upstream of the popular Catawba Falls where the mighty Catawba is but a trickle. We follow the route of an 1800s wagon trail towards the continental divide along hungry gap passing the ruins of past homesteads, rugged landscape, and hearing tales from centuries past. We will finish our trip with appetizers and dinner by the fire trading stories and cooking smores.  


    PLEASE NOTE: This is an advanced hike with unmaintained trails, steep and rugged terrain, and challenging descent down to the spring. Hiking boots, hiking poles, and experienced outdoor enthusiasts recommended. The hike is roughly 3-4 miles.


    Rain date: February 18th


    Click here to register.

  • February 24: Linville Falls Hike - The Grand Canyon of the Southeast

    Enjoy a moderate hike in the popular Linville gorge to view Linville Falls. Our hike will start at the Linville Falls Trail and Waterfall Parking Area. We will then journey on an out and back hike along the river for a spectacular view of the falls and the gorge. We will then commute to Hillman Beer in Morganton for an optional social gathering with South Fork Watershed Manager, Ámbar Torres Molinari. 


    Click here to register.

  • March 30: Holding Down the Headwaters - Fonta Flora State Trail at Greenlee Park to Burnetts Landing

    Get the paddling season started off right! Join us on the water starting from the most northern blueway access point and ending in the mouth of the beautiful Lake James, The first of the 11 Lakes in our basin. Along the way we will experience class 1 shoals and gently flowing water, a secret non-native cypress swamp, and enjoy a BYO lunch by the river with Northern Basin Watershed Manager, Grant Buckner. 


    On-the-water time: 3.5-4.5 hours


    Click here to register.

  • April 27: Muddy Waters - Muddy Creek Access to Watermill Bridge Access

    Experience a new amenity of our basin mixed with a classic. Join us at the newly constructed Muddy Creek Access for a lengthy paddle down a section of Muddy Creek passing the Old Catawba down to the Confluence with the more popular Bridgewater section of the Catawba. This is an intermediate to advanced paddle considering the class 2 rapids and 9.5-mile length of the trip. Enjoy BYO lunch riverside with Northern Basin Watershed Manager, Grant Buckner.


    On-the-water time: 5-6 hours 


    Click here to register.

  • May 11: PPE Paddling Preparedness Education - Watermill Rd. To Greenlee Ford

    Explore a rarely traveled section of the Catawba while receiving a Level 1 Introduction to River Running and Water Safety Clinic from Mission Experience Manager and American Canoe Association Instructor Greg Nance. Learn the ins and outs of paddling, what to bring, and the planning and preparation that goes in to safely exploring rivers. Each guest will receive an L1 ACA Skills Completion Certificate. 


    On-the-water time: 2-3 hours


    Click here to register.

  • June 29: Overlooked Lookout - Riverbend Park to Lake Lookout Campground

    Lookout Shoals is rarely explored due to the length of the stretch that must be paddled to utilize public access points. Lucky for you we have connections! Enjoy a gently flowing stretch of water into the mouth of Lake Lookout where some days the water runs crystal clear and bald eagles are seen commonly. 


    On-the-water time: 2.5-3.5 hours


    Click here to register.

  • July 27: The Crying Dutchman - Firehawk Brewpub to Tailrace Marina

    Paddle a section of Dutchman’s creek and out of the mouth of lake Wylie to Tailrace Marina, one of our longtime Riversweep sites. Discuss the impacts Dutchman’s Creek has on Lake Wylie and the History of Mount Holly and Tailrace Marina. Enjoy Food and beverages afterwards at Firehawk brewpub with Riverkeeper, Brandon Jones. 


    On-the-water time: 2.5-3.5 hours


    Click here to register.

  • August 24: Free Flow Float - Fort Mill Dam to River Park

    Enjoy a nice paddle down the first part of the longest free flowing section of the Catawba River in the Basin. Gently Flowing to class 1 shoals down the most popular tubing section of the Catawba. 


    On-the-water time: 3-4 hours


    Click here to register.

  • September 28: Catawba Nation Culture and Conservation - Sugar Creek to Catawba Nation

    Journey down the Catawba with members of Catawba Nation to speak about culture and Ryan to speak about the initiatives of Sugar Creek and Environmental Justice. Lunch on Goat Island. 


    On-the-water time: 4-5 hours


    Click here to register.

  • October 26: Watered Down on the Wateree - Lugoff Landing to Veterans Memorial Park

    Paddle the first 7 miles of the 75-mile free flowing Wateree River with Southern Basin Watershed Manager, Rachael Rosenstien, and discuss initiatives around the Lake Wateree draw down. 


    On-the-water time: 3.5-4.5 hours


    Click here to register.

  • November 23: Biking the Palmetto Trail over the Wateree River

    Join us for a 7.5-mile bike ride down the Palmetto Trail crossing the Wateree River, and discuss the history of this area and the Wateree River. 


    Click here to register.

  • December 7: Hiking in the Congaree National Park; Basins and Riverkeepers Explained

    Join Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones and the Congaree Riverkeeper for a three-mile hike and a discussion about the basins and how riverkeepers around the country work together to protect our Rivers. 


    Click here to register.

Register Now!

Spider Lily Tours

Paddle through the largest stand of rocky shoals spider lilies in the world and then hike through 19th century canal ruins!


Location:

We’ll start our adventure at Landsford Canal State Park in Catawba, SC. This park is home to well-preserved remains of the canal system that made the river commercially navigable in the 1800s. The paddling route is roughly 2 miles. We’ll take out just downstream from the spider lily overlook where your boat and gear will be shuttled back to the park while we hike 1.5 miles on the Landsford Canal Trail through the historic canal ruins with views of the river through Landsford Canal State Park.  


Dates:

  • Saturday, May 25
  • Sunday, May 26
  • Saturday, June 8
  • Sunday, June 9 


Cost:

$57.50 to rent a kayak from Catawba Riverkeeper, $28.75 if you bring your own boat
Your Landsford Canal State Park Entrance fee of $6/person is included in the registration cost.


Difficulty & Experience Level:

This paddle will have small rapids in a shallow rocky environment. While beginners are welcome, this outing is best suited for intermediate paddlers and durable kayaks (carbon/Kevlar or other fragile vessels are not recommended).


Other Event Information:

You are welcome to keep lunch in your car to enjoy at the park when we get back to our starting location. You may choose to bring your own kayak and equipment or rent a single sit-on-top kayak and accompanying gear from us.


FREE Recover Brand Catawba Riverkeeper graphic shirt for those who attend!  

Full Moon Paddles

Paddle under the full moon’s glow and have fun with animals of the night, full moon rituals, folklore, and spooky stories! 


Full moons have always played a role in shaping our culture from the ocean tides to werewolves to seasonal harvesting. The moon has always held a sense of mysticism for humankind.


You can rent a kayak and accompanying gear or bring your own! If you bring your own, we allow kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards*.


*Standup paddleboards are not allowed at Rankin Lake Park per park rules.

  • Tuesday, April 23: Pink Moon

    Apart from its intriguing name, the Pink Moon is one of the most beautiful and easy-to-observe sky events.  The nights are getting warmer, so take your time paddling under the full moon.  The Pink Moon name was given to the April Moon by Native Americans to represent the color of the wild ground phlox.  The phlox is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in April.  Not matter the color, paddling under the Pink Moon and stopping to smell the new flowers is a wonderful spring experience. 


    Participants can enjoy this beautiful moon and paddle on the calm waters of Rankin Lake Park – a perfect place to turn your gaze to the sky on a calm body of water! 


    Register now!

  • Friday, June 21: Strawberry Moon

    Strawberry Moon is one of the traditional names for the June Moon used by Native Americans.  The name is based not on the moon’s features but on the peculiarities of the month.  For Native American tribes, June was the strawberry harvesting season.  Enjoy the Strawberry moon on our slow flow route from McAdenville to Cramerton.  


    Participants will meet at Confluence Southfork and can enjoy a free concert then hop on the shuttle at 9 PM to head towards McAdenville to hop on the water. 


    Register now!

  • Sunday, July 21: Deer Moon

    According to the Farmers' Almanac, the popular Native American name for the July full moon if the Deer Moon or Buck Moon.  Young male deer are sprouting new antlers this time of year.  By the end of the month, most bucks’ antlers are fully formed, and the hardening process begins.  


    Participants will experience the water from Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, the largest single undeveloped piece of land on Lake Wylie and a deer haven!  Registered participants can come early and enjoy the Summer Lights Garden exhibit for free, then hop on the water and paddle under the Deer Moon! 


    Register now!

  • Monday, August 19: Super Sturgeon Moon (Seasonal Blue Moon)

    For many Native American Tribes living around the Great Lakes, August was traditionally the time to fish for sturgeon, hence the name Super Sturgeon Moon.  August 2024 will also be the first supermoon of the year and the Blue Moon – so it’s a triple whammy!  


    Participants can enjoy this trifecta moon on beautiful Lake James with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop during this paddle.


    Register now! 

  • Tuesday, September 17: Harvest Moon

    The Harvest Moon is not associated with any month, rather it is connected to the Autumnal Equinox – the moon that is nearest to it, takes the name Harvest Moon.  As the moon hangs low on the horizon, it takes on a golden hue.  


    Participants can enjoy this beautiful fall scene in our Southern Basin at Lake Wateree State Park. A park ranger will be joining the paddle to share about Wateree State Park.


    Register now!


    Want to extend the fun? Book a campsite at Lake Wateree State Park and enjoy sleeping under the Harvest Moon!  


    Click here to book your campsite!

Cost:

$57.50 to rent kayak and gear

$28.75 to bring your own boat


Dates & Locations:

  • April 23 - Rankin Lake Park (Gastonia, NC)
  • June 21 - Confluence (Cramerton, NC)
  • July 21 - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont, NC)
  • August 19 - Lake James
  • September 17 - Southern Basin


Register now!