TRIPS
Since every paddler and group is unique, please see our trips below. Consider the length of the float and description. Water levels are important to know and can be checked at the "Water Levels" link. We don't always offer each trip, but these descriptions are given here for those of you with your own boats that want to try something different. Check Schedule Page to determine what trips we are doing with shuttle service.
Lake Wylie Dam to River Park
Difficulty: *Moderately Easy, suitable for adventuresome beginners*
Miles: 6.50
Float time: 2 to 3 hours
This float begins at the Lake Wylie Dam and passes under the US 21 bridge and I-77 bridges. 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. Typically, water is released from 10 am through 2 pm, but it's not "written in stone." We usually wait to get on the water at 10:10 or so, after the rocks are covered with water. Otherwise you'll be rock-hopping!
Float time: 2 to 3 hours
This float begins at the Lake Wylie Dam and passes under the US 21 bridge and I-77 bridges. 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. Typically, water is released from 10 am through 2 pm, but it's not "written in stone." We usually wait to get on the water at 10:10 or so, after the rocks are covered with water. Otherwise you'll be rock-hopping!
Meet us 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
Because of the longer shuttle commute, we add a $20.00 charge to this trip. Or come get boats and do on your own.
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, 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 come back parched and sunburned.
Landsford Canal Upriver
Miles: Undetermined - depends on you!
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 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.
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.
Landsford Canal Upper to Landsford Canal Lower
Difficulty: *Most difficult - Paddling experience required*
Miles: 2.3
Float time: 1-2 hours, depending on water level
Experience needed: If the water level is up, this is a challenging, quick float with some rapids. If the levels are down, prepare to pull your boat over many rocks. In the spring, catch the Spider Lilly Festival! Only experienced paddlers accepted on this section - it's very difficult when the water is low, and fast when it's higher. But oh, so worth the effort! Really... only experienced paddlers, and no small children!
Detailed Description:
Drive through main park down to the river parking area (where bathrooms/log cabin/playground located) and deposit your gear and extra passengers. They can wait for you at the water's edge with our boats and crew while one driver from each car drives to the lower gate of the park. To get to lower gate, drive back out of the main park and take a left at the traffic islands. Go 2 miles to end of road, take a left at the stop sign onto Canal Road, drive through gate to lower parking area. We will meet you at that lower parking area at the agreed-upon time to shuttle you back to the main park to rejoin your group and get you on the river.
At the launch, we will provide you with a map and the following instructions:
We suggest that you paddle upriver through the calm, flat water so that you can go around the huge island indicated on the map. There are some small shoals on the other side of the island, and it makes your journey to the lilies longer and more enjoyable. If you just go straight down to the lilies you'll be done in 45 minutes, so go around the big island to stretch out your trip!
When you come to the southern end of the island, you'll see another island ahead of you downriver on river left. The lilies will be on the right side of the island. You will need to find your way through the "rock garden" to get there. If you are an experienced paddler, there is a fun rapid on the left side of that island (Staircase Rapid). This is NOT for beginners. There is an orange arrow after this island to remind you to head right, towards the lilies. Don't go past this arrow or you won't be able to make it to the take out.
Make your way to the middle and right side of the river to enter the lily section, making sure you note where the overlook is on river right. There will be folks there looking at lilies and hoping you make a fool of yourself. I usually do.
The overlook indicates the middle of the lily plot, and is a reminder that you should pull over on some rocks, carefully secure your boats so they won't leave you, and take lots of pictures! (But take no flowers.) Seeing the overlook is also a reminder that you should be in the middle or river right so that you can start finding the take-out arrows.
As you make your way downriver after your time in the lilies, make your way to the right side of the river. You'll note an orange arrow on an island, which is there to point toward the other arrows that will indicate the take out creek. Seeing this first arrow will alert you to look right to see the creek, which is marked by one or two arrows and streamers. GO IN THIS CREEK! It's the only way to get to the take-out point without having to drag your boat upriver to your car.
The creek water moves pretty quickly and requires some maneuvering around obstacles. You'll see another arrow hanging in a tree pointing to the right, and this is where your trip ends. Please pull your boats up out of the water and onto shore, making sure you leave room for those that come behind you. If we aren't there when you come in, please secure your paddles and life jackets with the boats , pull the boats to side out of others' way, and we will be there shortly to retrieve them. Go up the trail to the parking lot where your car will be waiting for you.
