Things to Do at Riverwalk Rock Hill

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Things to Do at Riverwalk Rock Hill

Riverwalk Rock Hill is a nature-lovers dream, but it is also home to many fine restaurants and shops. Our favorite things to do at the Riverwalk Rock Hill are Paddleboarding, tubing, and going for a jog on the Riverwalk trails. After we finish our outdoor adventures we like to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. Below is everything you need to know about paddleboarding at the Catawba River near the Riverwalk, plus a list of all the other exciting things to do at the Riverwalk.

a dad on a paddle board; kids are tubing down the Catawba river towards the Riverwalk Rock Hill
Paddling and tubing down the Catawba River Towards the Riverwalk

Things To Do at Riverwalk Rock Hill

Paddleboard, Kayak, Tubing

If you are contemplating buying an inflatable paddleboard, read this post for our top isup picks.

Paddleboarding is our favorite thing to do at Riverwalk Rock Hill. Others love to kayak or go tubing down the Catawba River. We often do a paddleboarding/tubing combo. We attach tubes to our paddleboard for our kids to ride.

Paddleboarding down a moving river like the Catawba River near the Riverwalk takes a little planning. We take two cars. We park one at the Riverwalk parking and we take the other with all our paddleboard gear to a water access point by the dam. The Catawba River access at the Fort Mill Dam is 2541 New Gray Rock Rd, Fort Mill, SC.

man carrying a paddleboard in a parking lot
This is the parking lot at the dam. This is a great place to start your paddle or tubing trip.

The Riverwalk parking is located near the Pump House. The best way to find it is to put in the Pump House address- 575 Herrons Ferry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730.

We put in at the dam and let the river carry us to our other car. We always know it’s time to exit the river as soon as we pass the Pump House restaurant just after the overpass.

A Paddleboard floating near the Pump House restaurant at the Riverwalk Rock Hill
When you see the Pump House approaching, you know it is time to exit soon. YA great exit is located just after you pass the Pump House. I like to wave at the Pump House Guest as we paddle by.

Finding an Island Along the Catawba River

There are plenty of little islands to land on the journey down the river. We love finding islands for picnics wherever we go.

two kids eating from a portable table on an island in the Catawba River.
Eating our lunch on an island in the Catawba River. Our paddleboards have lots of storage. We can even take our portable table along.

One island is located just after you enter the river.

an island located on the Catawba river. The Catawba dam is in the background.
Look beyond this small island, and you will see the dam in the background.

This island is near the dam so you have to fight the current to make it to the other side before you pass the island.

a boy skipping rocks in the Catawba River
Sometimes the simplest things are the most fun like skipping rocks after lunch.

If you find that you couldn’t get across before you passed the island, no worries. There are plenty of other fun spots along the way.

A little girls standing on a small island

Thanks to the current, you can drift, if you prefer, or if you want to get to the exit point faster you can paddle along with the current.

one girl on a paddleboard, a little girl in the water, tube floating nearby. Located on the Catawba River at the Riverwalk Rock Hill

The river can be relaxing and low-key or a paddling workout. It’s up to you.

family selfie, parents are on paddleboards and kids are on tubes. Paddling beside the riverwalk rock hill
the little girl is in the water with a lifevest on, dad is on a paddleboard. They are floating down the river near the Riverwalk Rock Hill

Eat and Shop

If you follow this plan, you will exit at the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is home to a multitude of restaurants and shops. You may want to bring a change of clothes if you are planning on dining at one of the nicer restaurants. The rooftop dining at Pump House probably has the best view of the Catawba River. Legal Remedy is located near the Velodrome and has a fabulous outdoor area complete with Adirondack chairs for lounging. You can also find fun unique shops along the Riverwalk as well.

Walk the Trails

The Riverwalk Trail runs 2 1/4 miles along the Catawba River and featured 5 wooden bridges as well as several swings and sitting areas along the route. The is an easy paved route, perfect for strollers.

Mountain Bike Trails

The main Riverwalk trail isn’t the only trail Three mountain bike trails break off from the paved Riverwalk trail. Hikers and bikers can both use these dirt trails.

BMX Track

The BMX Supercross Track is located at the Riverwalk. This world-class track even hosted the BMX World Championship! BMX riders can check the calendar for open track times as well as special events.

Velodrome Track

If track cycling is more your style, then the Velodrome is for you. The Velodrome is an outdoor concrete oval track built to Olympic standards.   

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