Landsford Canal State Park is home to the world’s largest colony of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies. Paddling through the shoals is an excellent way to view these beautiful flowers that bloom each year along the Catawba River from May through mid-June.
Lansford Canal State Park has two road entrances and two access points to the river. This trip starts from the main entrance road, which is Park Drive. The put in, river access site is at the end of Park Drive.
Take out at the lower (South) park entrance at Canal Road from a river access site at the end of Canal Road.
Enjoy a beautiful 1.5-mile paddle through the largest known colony of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies, all within Landsford Canal State Park. During peak season, which is May through mid-June, the white lilies appear to cover the shoals from one bank to the other. The Rocky Shoals Spider Lily gets its name from the rocky-cobbled shoals in the river where it grows. Because there are many shoals and small rapids that must be navigated throughout this trip, it is more suitable for those with some paddling experience in maneuvering quick turns in narrow channels.
Landsford Canal State Park hosts Lily Fest every year during the blooming season.
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