Catawba Riverkeeper
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, and click here to purchase a season pass.
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 tails from the 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.
Click here to register.
Enjoy a moderate hike in the popular Linville gorge to view Linville Falls. Our hike will start at the Linville Falls Visitor Center. 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 Whippoorwill Farms for an optional social gathering with South Fork Watershed Manager, Ámbar Torres Molinari.
Click here to register.
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.
Click here to register.
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.
Click here to register.
Explore a rarely traveled section of the Catawba while receiving a Level 1 Introduction to River Running and Water Safety Clinic from Mission Support 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.
Click here to register.
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.
Click here to register.
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.
Click here to register.
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.
Click here to register.
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.
Click here to register.
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.
Click here to register.
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.
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.
More information soon!
More information soon!
More information soon!
More information soon!
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.
Join us for our Full Moon Paddles where we will paddle under the full moon’s glow and have fun with these fantastical topics. These programs are hosted in Cramerton or Gastonia, North Carolina. You can rent a kayak and accompanying gear or bring your own! If you bring your own, we allow kayaks, canoes and *standup paddleboards.
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
Get out on the water
Interested in getting into kayaking but not sure where to start? We've got you covered. Learn the basics of kayaking on a slowly flowing river. This class is hosted in McAdenville or Cramerton in North Carolina along the South Fork River and will cover all the basics for you to feel more confident on the water.
This 2-hour class will include the basics of kayaking and water safety along with a guided paddle around the area on the South Fork River hosted by a Catawba Riverkeeper Kayak Instructor. We'll meet at one of the Riverkeeper's locations - Confluence in Cramerton or The Boathouse in McAdenville. While on land, we'll go over anatomy of a kayak, proper life vest fitting and paddle management. You’ll be assisted into the water where we’ll continue instruction of kayaking techniques, water safety and self-rescue in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace. You’ll try out your new skills paddling around the area with the kayak guide for the remainder of the class. This kayaking lesson is a great paddling experience for first time paddlers or families with children at least 8 years of age.
More information coming soon!
Class Includes:
Learn basic river navigation and become a more confident paddler!
Lessons are offered in various locations. You can learn to kayak or advance your skills!
Kayak lessons are hosted by our professional kayak instructors. We offer private 1-1 and group instruction to improve your paddling technique, water navigation and overall comfort to enjoy different types of water environments in your boat. You can provide your own kayak and equipment or use ours.
Intermediate Flatwater – Refine your paddling skills for more comfortable and enjoyable kayaking experiences on lakes and slow flowing rivers. Approximately 2 hours.
Intro to River Running – You’ll learn basic river navigation and become a more confident paddler. Approximately 3 hours.
Dates and Times:
Flexible based on instructor availability.
Locations:
Various locations around the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
Cost:
Private lessons are $75 per guest
Group lessons are $60 per guest (2-5 guests)
10% discount for Catawba Riverkeeper members
Learn More:
Contact Engagement Manager Greg Nance
greg@catawabariverkeeper.org or call 704-679-9494 ext. 108 to learn about your options and coordinate your lesson.
Be a River Adventurer
Paddle around the slowly flowing South Fork River through Cramerton, a historic mill town near Charlotte, at your leisure for 90 minutes with views of protected forests, small town charm and budding outdoor recreation opportunities. This beautiful section of river is perfect for beginners and intermediates alike.
Rent a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard for a 90-minute paddling experience on the South Fork River. You will launch from The Boathouse and easily paddle upstream for 1 mile until you reach the rocky shoals and then float back.
We hope to see you at our Point 2 Point Kayak Race on Sunday, Sept. 1. More details to come closer to the race!
Be a River Adventurer
There’s no better way to connect with the river than to be on the river! Let us help you get out on the water while you help support our mission. On your own or with new friends, you can get out and catch that vibe that only comes from a good float.
Support Our Foundation
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is working towards clean, plentiful water now and for generations to come.
Join Us Today
Explore
Contact Information
102 Main Street, Suite 100, McAdenville, NC 28101
EIN#: 56-2034780
All Rights Reserved | Catawba Riverkeeper