Paddle Plan It

Two words-Spider Lilies! Landsford Canal State Park is home to one of the largest populations of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the world. There is nothing like paddleboarding among these beautiful flowers from mid-May to mid-June.

Things to Do at Landsford Canal State Park

Landsford Canal State Park is a great place to paddleboard, kayak, hike, and learn about history. The surrounding nature is stunning, especially when the Spider Lilies are blooming.

Hiking Trail and Museum

The remains of an old canal system from 1820 to 1835 are located along a hiking trail. These old remnants of the canal are fascinating to see. An old lock house is now a museum you can explore.

During the eagle nesting season, you can often see eagles while you hike or paddle. While we were visiting, my daughter picked up a Landsford Canal bird guide. She loved looking for the birds on the list while we hiked.

Using the Landsford Canal Bird Sighting Guide to look for birds at the Lilies viewing area.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking the Catawba River at Landsford Canal State Park

We also paddle boarded in the Catawba River while visiting the park. This state park has a river access point for paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. This area of the Catawba River has some shallow areas and mild rapids, which can make it difficult to cross on a paddleboard. The rapids are usually class I or class II, but under certain conditions, they can become class III. The first time we paddle boarded, the rapids were calm; however, in order to get from the boat access point to the lilies, you would have to travel through shallow water and rocks. So, on our first trip, we just paddle around near the boat access, then walked a short trail to the Lillie viewing area.

man paddleboarding at Landsford Canal State Park — My husband, Chad, paddleboarding at Landsford Canal State Park

woman standing on a paddleboard and boy sitting on a paddleboard at Landsford State Parkon — Paddleboarding at Landsford Canal State Park

My children enjoyed parking our paddleboards on land across the river. They spent a good bit of time wading in the water and exploring the edge of the land.

little girl exploring nature at Landsford Canal State Park — We parked our paddleboards on land at Landsford Canal and absorbed the nature around us.

boy sitting on a tree at Landsford Canal State Park — The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful l at Landsford Canal

a boy and a girl standing on land near a paddleboard at Landsford Canal State Park — Here is where we parked our isups and enjoyed time on nearby land.

girl and boy in shallow water at Landsford Canal State Park — We also spent some time wading in the shallow water.

girl in the shallow water at Landsford Canal State Park — Neeshie enjoyed dipping her feet in the water.

girl with feet in the water at Landsford Canal State Park — There is something beautiful and inspiring about being near the water at Landsford Canal State Park

On our second trip, we decided to try to make it through the rocks. It was difficult and we got stuck on the rocks several times. However, since the water was shallow, we were able to get off our boards and free ourselves from the rocks. The route we took was a little much for our 9 year old though, but we made it to the Lillies! We are careful not to disturb the lilies while we paddled around them.

The Best Paddle Route

We now know that the best route to take is around the island across from the boat access point. To get around the island, you will need to go upstream for a short distance. The stream’s flow isn’t strong at this point, so going upstream isn’t too hard at this point. Then, you go around the island and start heading downstream. You will stay towards the left until you get past the Lillies viewing area.

Just past the Lillies, you will need to go right of another island. You will see a red diamond sign on the island. When you see that sign, take a right at the “fork” around the island. Once you pass the fork, you will see another sign for the boat exit point. To do this full trip, you will need two cars. Park one at the boat exit, then take your gear and another car to the main entrance/parking area. Don’t forget to take your keys with you when you paddle so that you can drive your car that is parked at the second exit. If this seems confusing, don’t worry, they have free maps at the Landsford Canal State Park.

The address for the first parking area is:

2051 PARK DR

Catawba, SC 29704

To get to the second parking lot (the boat exit point) from the main entrance, you would turn left out of the main entrance. Then keep going straight until you can’t go straight anymore. At this point, turn left and you are there.

The Spider Lillies

The Spider Lillies, alone, are reason enough to visit. You can see them from a viewing area or, of course, up close and personal while paddleboarding.

woman looking at the spider lilies at Landsford Canal State Park — The Spider Lily Viewing Area

Landford Canal State Park Photo Gallery

woman in front of the spider lilies at Landsford Canal State Park — The Spider Lilies are breathtaking!

Paddleboarding at Landsford Canal State Park

Cooling off my feet in the Catawba River

Just before we embarked on our Landsford Canal Paddleboarding Adventure.

Season Pass to South Carolina State Parks

We love paddleboarding, hiking, and grounding ourselves in South Carolina nature. The South Carolina State Parks Annual pass is a must for us! With this pass, we get to visit all 47 SC state parks any time we want all year! I highly recommend this pass!

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