When it’s summertime and you’re looking to beat the heat, there’s no better day than a day on the river. Located just below the Lake Wylie Dam is a rocky but calm stretch of the Catawba River. For almost 30 miles, the Catawba River can flow in its natural state, uninterrupted by dams. You’ll experience what most of the Catawba would have looked like before the chain of lakes on the North Carolina side. This makes for a special paddling trip through the true lens of the Catawba. If you would rather walk this stretch, check out Masons Bend and Founders Trail here!
You Floating Neighbors
When you make it to the river during any warm, summer weekend, you’ll find a plethora of inner tubes floating down with the slow current. This is a popular and relaxing way to enjoy the Catawba River below Lake Wylie. However, as the popularity grows increasingly every year, competition at the Catawba River Access below the Lake Wylie Dam gets fierce. By the time noon rolls around, the parking lot and every adjacent grassy area are full of cars. So, get here early or bring a 4×4.
Getting There and Paddling
The Catawba River Access below the Lake Wylie Dam is your best place to set up. It lies near I-77 by Baxter village. Your GPS should get you there just fine. Like I said earlier, get there in the morning if you plan to go on a weekend. Preferably by 9 am. However, you can also attempt an evening paddle. Getting into the water is fairly easy. There is a mini boat ramp leading into the water. Few boats ever use it due to the rocky conditions of the Catawba River here. You can pull your car down to the beginning of the ramp and bring your kayaks down.
Once you’re in, the main area around the dam should be a great place to start paddling. The current can sometimes be rough here, but never too crazy unless you go right after a rainstorm. There will be a handful of rocks, turtles, and some other wildlife. The dam itself will tower nearby. Never get too close to the dam as there can be danger of sudden water turbulence. However, there should not be too much to worry about.
The Inside Scoop of the Paddle Itself
When paddling here, you have two options on how you want to explore. You can simply paddle down and around the river then come back. Or, if you have a way to get back, you can paddle down to the Riverwalk area by the Pump House. The latter can make the trip most relaxing as you do not need to go back upstream. Paddle with a friend and have their vehicle parked at the Riverwalk. Regardless, you can’t go wrong.
When you hit the water and venture past the main area, there are immediately two options that present themselves. You can stay to the left of Fewell in the main channel or venture right of Fewell down a fast-flowing stream. I almost always go right. It’s fun and intimate with the wildlife. Plus, there is a rock bar at the head which makes a great place to relax or do some bass fishing.
Once you’re past Fewell Island, you’ll enter back into the wide opening of the Catawba River. To the left is Masons Bend Community and the trail. If you came left of Fewell, you should have passed the massive rock formations that form Masons Bend. Just past that, you should see remains of an old crossing along the river. Per this article, it used to be a ferry crossing before becoming a bridge at the turn of the 20th century before being swept away in a flood. Once you are past here, enjoy the peacefulness and flow of the river.
The power lines are usually my turnaround spot if I’m reading back to the Catawba River Access. Heading back, the paddle can be a bit more of a workout. I stay close to the shore as the current isn’t as fast there and it’s easier to stop and take breaks. I’ll stick to the new right of Fewell Island, heading up the main channel. It could take you double the time to get back as it took for you to head out. So, keep that in mind.
If you continue south, there are a few more sights. Just past the power lines on the left side of the river is a section of rapids. While nothing crazy, this is a lovely section just past the river. Full of monstrous rocks and a cliffside. Beyond here, you will encounter the I-77 bridge and then the US 21 bridge. Finally, you will arrive at Riverwalk by the Pump House.
All in all, the Catawba River in this section is one of my favorite places to paddle. The beauty and natural scenery of the Catawba River are stunning down here. It’s truly worth the time to come down here and set up. I hope you get the chance to!
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