Catawba Riverkeeper Makes it Easy to Paddle
Catawba Riverkeeper offers kayaking experiences at 2 locations.
By paddling with the Catawba Riverkeeper, you can experience the water firsthand and support our work to preserve and protect our waters for generations to come. The following options for kayak rentals are available:
The Boathouse
115 Willow Drive, McAdenville, NC
Welcome to The Boathouse, your gateway to an unforgettable paddling experience on the South Fork River. Operated by Catawba Riverkeeper, we offer an array of rental options perfect for beginners and intermediates eager to explore the serene waters of the South Fork River. Embark on a 90-minute journey, paddling upstream for one mile until you reach the captivating rocky shoals, then leisurely float back. Whether you prefer a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard, we have the perfect vessel to suit your adventure style. The scenic launch point sets the stage for a picturesque excursion along the South Fork River.
The paddling season at the Boathouse starts early in May and runs into September. Walk-up rentals are available. Check their website for detailed information. Pre-booking is an option for groups of 5 or more.
Confluence
117 Center Street, Cramerton, NC
Confluence is your haven for community, culture, and recreation, nestled along the South Fork River's banks, the Catawba River's largest tributary, in charming Cramerton, NC. Operated by Catawba Riverkeeper, a local nonprofit committed to safeguarding our waterways, Confluence serves as a vibrant hub where music, art, and outdoor adventure converge.
Embark on an out-and-back self-guided kayaking adventure along the gently flowing South Fork River, weaving through the historic mill town of Cramerton. Immerse yourself in nature's tranquility as you paddle at your own pace for 90 minutes, soaking in breathtaking views of protected forests, quaint small-town charm, and burgeoning outdoor recreation opportunities.
Paddle Routes:
Choose your paddling odyssey starting from Centennial Launch in Cramerton:
Upstream to McAdenville and Back: Journey upstream towards McAdenville and marvel at the scenic beauty along a 1.5-mile route before returning to your starting point.
Around Goat Island Park and Back: Explore the picturesque Goat Island Park as you circumnavigate its shores on a 1.3-mile paddle before returning to Centennial Launch.
Downstream to Riverside Park and Back: Drift downstream to Riverside Park on a 2-mile voyage, reveling in the riverside serenity before retracing your path to Centennial Launch.
Catawba Riverkeeper Makes it Easy to Paddle!
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (CRF) is a local, community-based group of members and volunteers located throughout the 26-county river basin that dedicates time, talent, and treasure to ensuring the protection of the Catawba-Wateree River. Their goal is to sustain plentiful, clean water for generations to come and, Catawba Riverkeeper makes it easy to paddle!
