With dozens of lakes, rivers, and man-made canals, our area is likely one of the greatest areas within the south to drift on the water.
Whether or not you’re a kayaker, paddleboarder, or canoer, these are the highest 10 spots round Charlotte to go paddling (in no explicit order):
#1 Riverwalk – Rock Hill
The calm waters of the Catawba River supply an ideal journey for paddlers of all ability ranges.
Start your journey on the Fort Mill Dam and float right down to Riverwalk alongside 3.5 miles of slow-moving water with two small Class I rapids.
For a change of tempo, paddles also can put in at Riverwalk and embark on a 2.75-mile journey that will get jumpstarted with the Class I/II fast slightly below the launch. The journey continues to a second Class I fast simply earlier than taking out at River Park.
The touchdown is open to the general public yr spherical. Go to the Metropolis of Rock Hill for extra data.
#2 Mountain Island Lake – Latta Plantation Nature Protect
Latta Plantation Nature Heart serves because the gateway to the 1,460 acres of Latta Plantation Nature Protect and is the supply for instructional packages and data on the protect’s pure communities, flora, and fauna. The protect, Mecklenburg County’s largest, varieties a inexperienced peninsula extending into Mountain Island Lake and protects a pure heritage web site and a number of other endangered vegetation.
They’ve a devoted kayak dock and launch a a quaint cove of Mountain Island Lake.
#3 U.S. Nationwide Whitewater Heart
There is no such thing as a different place within the Southeast fairly just like the U.S. Nationwide Whitewater Heart. Positioned simply throughout the Catawba, Gaston County serves as a handy dwelling base when exploring this ever increasing outside journey park.
Whether or not you favor the consolation of a kayak or the core exercise that comes from paddleboarding, the USNWC gives a fast technique to get outfitted and hit the river. Be careful for his or her frequent dinner cruises which pair a paddle, dinner, and both a craft beer or wine tasting.
#4 Kevin B Lofton Park – Belmont, NC
The newly constructed riverfront park in Belmont not solely holds one of many coolest playgrounds within the space, it is usually dwelling to certainly one of greatest boat launches. Having a conveyable kayak will make the kayak launch course of smoother as effectively, contemplating most would require the usage of a trailer.
You’ll be capable of spot loads of cliff swallows and ospreys looking for meals, nesting, and feeding their younger.
#5 Anne Springs Shut Greenway – Fort Mill
Kayaking and canoeing are standard actions on the Anne Springs Shut Greenway.
Convey your personal kayaks and canoes to unload by use of boat ramps at Lakes Crandall and Frances and Stumpy Pond. Boats could be walked right down to Lake Haigler on the Nature Heart Entrance.
Kayak and canoe leases can be found at Lake Haigler starting the primary weekend in Could. Leases can be found on weekends from 9:00am – 5:00pm from Could by means of September on a first-come, first-served foundation. Paddles and life jackets are supplied.
Single Kayak Rental
1 Hour: Non-member $10** per particular person | Member $5 per particular person
October Leases: Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 1-5pm
Price: $5/half hour
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Rental
1 Hour: Non-member $10** per particular person | Member $5 per particular person
October Leases: Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 1-5pm
Price: $5/half hour
#6 Rankin Lake Park – Gastonia
For a extra relaxed day on the water, the tree-lined, 80-acre lake at Rankin Lake Park is a staple of the Gastonia outside group. The park workplace rents kayaks and jon boats so that you don’t have to fret about bringing your personal. Simply after daybreak and earlier than sundown, bass pop up all around the lake, seeking to snag an unlucky insect on the floor. Walkers and joggers incessantly use the mile-and-a-half path which surrounds the lake. And tables and shelters supply the right place for a post-paddle picnic.
#7 Goat Island – Cramerton
The comfort of renting a kayak or canoe proper on the South Fork River is fairly particular. However when that kayak rental is adjoining to nice espresso and snacks, effectively, that’s the makings of an ideal day. Positioned in downtown Cramerton, Floating Goat boat leases is owned and operated by the identical nice people who proudly pour nice java at Floyd and Blackie’s Coffeehouse and Ice Cream Store.
Paddlers renting from the Floating Goat can take their boat to the put-in at Spender Mountain and full the complete Thread Path Blue-way or just launch out again of the espresso store. From right here, boaters can discover Goat Island or paddle the calm waters of the South Fork up and downstream of Cramerton. In fact, Floyd and Blackie’s can provide a pre-paddle espresso and a post-trip sandwich or pastry. Be sure to name forward to make rental reservations so the pleasant employees can have your gear prepared for you.
#8 Ramsey Creek Park – Lake Norman
For years Ramsey Creek Park has had probably the most accessible public boat and kayak launches, and simply final yr they added Mecklenburg County’s first public seaside.
Benefit from the waters of Lake Norman and a few of the most stunning properties within the area as you paddle across the Peninsula (and round Donald Trump’s golf course – Trump Worldwide).
#9 Colonel Francis Beatty Park – Matthews
#10 Crowders Mountain State Park – King’s Mountain
Crowders Mountain State Park is the place to put again on canoe and float alongside the tall grasses of the park’s small lake. Surrounded by trails, mountain peaks, and forests, there are fewer locales extra enjoyable. The park’s rental canoes and huge and durable, making this an excellent place for youngsters to expertise their first exploration on the water.
Did we miss any good spots?
What’s your favourite place to go kayaking within the Charlotte area?
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