Water Trail

Catawba River Canoe

(Chester County)

TrailMap

Description: Before you begin this trail you should be aware of the rate of flow. If the water is low, you may not be able to navigate the river and if the water is high, the normally Class I rapids can approach Class II or III. Starting from Lansford Canal State Park, you will not be in the main current of the river.  An island diverts the river, and the main current passes on the eastern side of the island. When you reach the south end of the island, cross to the left side of the channel to get the best flow through the shoals.

In season you can pass through the beautiful spider lilies that populate the river.

Length: 7.4 miles.

Access Points:
Mileage and GPS coordinates are approximate and for reference only.

Mile 0 (GPS N 34.7924 W 80.8812) ­ Landsford Canal State Park ­ From Exit 65 on I 77 near Chester, drive east on SC 9 for 1.2 miles and turn left onto SC 223. When SC 223 ends at US 21 turn left then right onto Chester County S-12­330. Drive 2.2 miles and turn left onto S-12­327. Drive 1.3 miles and turn right into the park. The put­in is at the bottom of the hill at the picnic area.

Mile 1.7 (GPS N 34.7713 W 80.8769) - Park Entrance #2 - Leave the park, turn left, and then left again at the next left.

Mile 7.4 (GPS N 34.7083 W 80.8669) ­ SC 9 Landing ­ From Landsford Canal State Park, turn left onto S-12­327. Drive 1.3 miles and turn right onto S-12­330. Drive 2.2 miles and turn left onto US 21. Drive 5.5 miles and turn left onto SC 9. Drive 1.7 miles, cross over the bridge and the landing is on the left.

Camping: There is no camping at Landsford Canal State Park.

Park Information: Landsford Canal State Park, 2051 Park Dr., Catawba, SC, 29704 Telephone: 803-789-5800.