Best Hiking Trails in Landsford Canal State Park
Seasonal Popularity
Overview
Landsford Canal State Park stretches along the Catawba River on the South Carolina fall line. It is home to the well-preserved remains of the canal system that made the river commercially navigable from 1820 to 1835.
The Catawba River is home to the largest known stand of the rocky shoals spider lily, a flower species found predominantly in the Southeast. Peak bloom season for the rocky shoals spider lily is during May and June. This large plant has adapted to live in a very harsh environment and puts on one of the greatest natural “shows” on the east coast. During their peak bloom from about mid-May to mid-June, these plants cover the river in a blanket of white.
Favorite activities in this Piedmont park include picnicking, nature watching and studying the canal structures. Fishing is permitted along the Catawba River, and a paddling trail runs through the park for canoes and kayaks.
Another significant feature are the rapids of the Catawba River. Exposed bedrock and an elevation change created a set of rapids or shoals on the Catawba. This created the need for the Lands Ford canal. This part of the river is fun for canoeing or kayaking but difficult to cross. These rapids are usually class I or II, but can become class III with the right amount of water flow.
Wildlife: A resident nesting pair of bald eagles can be viewed from the park trails from late Feb. to early June.
Getting Started
I-77 Southbound: Take exit 77 to Highway 5 & 21. Turn left (south), travel 16 mi. to the Landsford Canal State Park sign and turn left. The park entrance is on the left.
I-77 Northbound: Take exit 65 to Highway 9. Turn rt. and travel 2 mi. to Hwy 223. Turn left on Hwy. 223 and travel 9 mi. to Hwy. 21. At Hwy. 21 turn left and travel 2 mi. to the State Park sign. Turn right and the park entrance will be on the left.
HOURS
Daylight until dark, daily.
OFFICE
11 a.m. - noon, daily
ADMISSION
$6/adult 16 years and older; $3.75/S.C. senior; $3.50/child ages 6-15; ages 5 & under free.
THINGS TO DO
Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing in the Catawba River for several species of bass, crappie, bream, catfish, carp and gar. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required.
Freshwater Fishing: Yes
Boating and Boat Access: Canoe access to the Catawba River is available at a drop off area near the park.
Paddling: Yes
Playground Equipment: Yes
Picnic Shelters: Yes
Playground: Playground equipment is located in the main picnic area of the park.
Bird Watching: Bird watching is a popular activity on the park. The park has a resident pair of nesting bald eagles that can be viewed from the trail. It is also a neo-tropical migration corridor.
Geocaching: Geocaching is permitted. Several geocaches are located on the park. For more information visit the official geocaching website.
Birding: Yes
Interpretive Trails: The Canal Trail includes interpretive signs and carries hikers for 1½-miles (one-way) along the historic tow path of the canal which includes the foundations of an early 1800 mill site. This trail connects to a half-mile nature trail.
Eagle Point Trail is about 1/4 mile long and goes down the hill behind the museum.
Hiking: Yes
When to Go
Lilyfest 2019 is scheduled for Sunday, May 19 from noon until 5 p.m. During lily season from May through June, please check the Lily Watch Update for blooming conditions.
Dog Info
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.