Kayak through a maze of the largest concentration of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the world on the Catawba River in South Carolina. No experience needed. Blooming only happens once a year from mid-May to mid-June! LIMITED AVAILABILITY, TRIPS WILL SELL OUT IN ADVANCE!!! Advanced booking is highly recommended!!!!
The Rocky Shoal Spider Lily has adapted to live in a very harsh environment and puts on one of the greatest natural “shows” on the east coast. Peak blooming is mid-May to mid-June. Guests join our river guides on a paddle through a river covered in beautiful white flowers as far as the eye can see!
Landsford Canal State Park is home to a variety of wildlife including eagles, osprey, turtles, red winged black birds and deer. This huge variety of wildlife gives guests the opportunity to see many of these amazing critters during their kayak tour.
Trip cost includes guides, gear, and one-way shuttle back to the parking lot. If you prefer not to take the shuttle you can enjoy a short hike through the Canal trail featuring historic ruins of old canal systems along the Catawba River, just outside of Rock Hill SC. The trail is a flat 1.2-mile walk back to the parking lot.
Who:
We welcome ages 5+ on this adventure trip. It is a beginner friendly paddle with, NO WHITE WATER.
We recommend that guests be confident in their ability to get in and out of the river via a few large steps, with assistance, up a small riverbank.
Youths under 70 pounds must be in a boat with a parent/guardian. Youths 70+ pounds must book a youth kayak, but parents must be confident in the ability of the child to paddle the duration of the trip.
Total weight limit for kayaks is 325lbs.
When & Where:
Trips meet at Landsford Canal State Park. Trips last 2-2.5 hours and are dependent on water levels.
Tours run, weekends only from May 13th to June 11th . 3 trips run daily at 8:30 AM, 12 PM and 3:30 PM
Cost:
$75 per person. To add a child under 70 lbs to your boat the cost is $50.
Private groups of 15 or more should reach out to us to schedule a private tour.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
Due to the nature of this trip, we highly encourage getting trip insurance or being 100% confident in your ability to re-book. The lilies have a 1-month blooming period. The river is also dam controlled and while Duke Power guarantees recreational flow for the lilies on weekends; they cannot control flooding events. If we cancel due to weather/flooding, you will be able to re-book your trip ONCE free of charge. Canceled trips must be re-booked within the same calendar year of your booking and can be moved to any of our 21 trip options.
FAQ for the Lily Paddle Trips:
Why can’t we offer this during the week?
Trips run on weekends only because Duke Power guarantees recreational flow releases on Saturday and Sunday. What this means is that water levels during the week are most likely too shallow for paddling while on weekends Duke supports recreation by supplying water.
How fit do I need to be for this trip?
The river has no true rapids, but guests must be confident in their ability to paddle for at least two hours (we do take several breaks). The lilies grow on shoals, shallow rocky areas. What this means is that guests should be confident in their ability to navigate their boats around lots of shallow rocks, which can be tiring for some. The put-in for the boats is very easy; the takeout includes getting out via an embankment in moving knee deep water. Our guides are there to help you throughout the entire trip of course.
Can I bring my own boat?
No sorry. When we started running lily paddle trips many moons ago, we did allow it. We have found that it creates too many problems. Our guide’s focus is on our guest experience and that experience includes providing boats, gear, guides, and shuttle service. We hope you understand!
