Kayaking - Landsford Canal (Spider Lilies)

Landsford Canal State Park & Spider Lilies

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind paddle at Landsford Canal State Park, where a 1.5-mile stretch of the Catawba River winds past well-preserved 1820s canal ruins and the world's largest stand of rocky shoals spider lilies. From mid-May through mid-June, thousands of fragrant white blooms erupt from the shoals, a botanical spectacle best seen up close from the water. We make it easy, your rental includes a kayak, paddle, life vest, and round-trip transportation. Just show up at the launch site, drift through the shoals at your own pace, and we'll meet you at the take-out point to handle the gear. Whether you're chasing the lily bloom, the history, or just a quiet afternoon on the river, this self-guided trip is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

$100/Person

What's Included

• Up to 10 Kayaks
• Paddles
• Life Vests
• 1 Waterproof Hard Case
• 1 Waterproof Bag
• Kayak Transportation
• Pickup At The Final Point
• Transportation Back To The Launch Point

Kayak Information & Availability

You can rent up to 10 kayaks per excursion or group. If more are needed, please contact us at 704.614.8998.

To ensure comfort, maximum stability, and kayak durability we only use 9.5 ft Perception Sit-In Kayaks (Currently Perception Swifty). These are durable and known for thier reliability and stability.

Each kayak group comes with transportation to and from, paddles, life vests, and a waterproof box or bag.

Location Information

Launch Site: Park Drive, Fort Lawn, SC 29714

Finish Site: Canal Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720

Water Levels & Safety Information

This kayaking excurstion at Landsford Canal State Park will have small rapids in a shallow rocky environment. While beginners are welcome, this outing is best suited for intermediate paddlers. You may get wet on this excursion, so please wear appropriate clothing. Most areas on the river are waist height, however there may be some deeper spots where swimming may be needed if you tip over.

Water levels in this section of the Catawba River are influenced by scheduled releases from the Lake Wylie Dam. Recreational releases typically occur Friday through Sunday from April to September. You can view the release schedule here. Upon arrival we will inspect the water level to make sure it is safe to kayak and provide any information pertaining to the route conditions.

Safety always comes first—never risk your well-being trying to retrieve a kayak or paddle. A lost kayak may incur a fee if unrecoverable, and lost paddles or gear will be charged based on replacement cost. We’ll always do our best to help you recover items safely, but please prioritize yourself over the gear. We understand accidents happen and will never be upset for you choosing your life over a lost kayak.

Transportation Information

We will make sure to meet you and your group at the Landsford Canal Drop-In or launch point at your scheduled time. Parking may be busy depending on the time of day and weather.

For the river kayaking in groups of 12 or more, we will need to make 2 trips with our passenger van to drop everyone back off at the Catawba Dam. We have limited seating, and are unable to carry all kayakers (more than 11 people) at once. We will transport all the kayaks and gear on our vehicle to the launch point and at the final point.