There’s a Jekyll-and-Hyde nature to the 30-mile stretch of the Catawba River below the Lake Wylie dam just over the South Carolina line. At nominal water flow, the stretch is friendly flatwater river paddling, a few rocks here and there, a Class I rapid but no more. The river can be paddled at a release flow as low as 80 cubic feet per second. But when the volume gets cranked up — to around the 11,800 cfs level — those Class I rapids become big Class III water, requiring a whole ‘nother paddling skillset. Thus, it’s a good idea to check the water flow and release schedules for this Duke Energy dam before heading out.
This stretch of the Catawba is broken down into papa, mama and baby bear stretches. The papa is the midsection, an 18-mile run from River Park to Landsford Canal State Park. The mama, the last 7.4 miles, is from Landsford Canal to the takeout at SC 9. The baby, which is the closes to Charlotte and a good beginner paddle, the 6 miles beginning at the Fort Mill Access just below the dam and taking out at River Park. The “baby bear” stretch of the Catawba has a remote feel. Miles of dense forest snuggle up to the river’s banks and as a result, the opportunities for wildlife sightings are enhanced. It’s also an area rich in history: Some of the first Americans to this part of the country settled in the Catawba River Valley some 12,000 years ago. Because the area is so vast, you get to choose your own adventure when paddling here! Or who knows? Maybe you'll do the whole 30 miles!
More information on the paddling near Lake Wylie Dam and on the water conditions: here and here!
Basic Information:
Location: Lake Wylie Dam, Rock Hill, S.C. 29715
Rating: Moderate
Length: ~30 miles, length of specific trip depends on your exact plans.
Put-in + GPS Coordinates: 2541 New Gray Rock Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29708. 35.022060,-81.001257.
Take-out + GPS Coordinates: On the intersection of Catawba River and Chester Highway. 34.709149,-80.866046.
Time to complete: Depends on the length of your trip!
Gauge: Closest gauge is Catawba River BL Lake Wylie Dam Fewell Island
Minimum flow: 80 cfs.