Private Group Outings

Kayak from one of our launch locations in Belmont, McAdenville or Cramerton, NC when you want to from Sunday through Saturday! You can choose your paddle to be self-guided or guided with one of our kayak guides. The minimum number of boats is 4 with the option to rent or provide your own kayak equipment.

A group reservation guarantees that there will be equipment at your desired rental location! Groups of 4 boats or more are invited to make a reservation. You can also choose an on-water kayak guide to join you to provide kayaking skills instruction and information about the area and the Riverkeeper! 

If you are interested in making a group reservation outside of one of our available self-guided or guided tours and walk-up rental options, please contact Blue Heron Adventures' Program Director at vanessa.c@catawbariverkeeper.org or call 704-679-9494 ext. 111

Days and Times:

Sunday through Saturday. Timing is flexible and open to availability. 

Locations and Kayak Experiences:

South Fork River Kayaking from The Boathouse

• The Boathouse and Launch Address: 115 Willow Road, McAdenville, NC 28101
• Come to the Catawba Riverkeeper's Boathouse to launch onto the South Fork River. You can easily paddle upstream for 1 mile until you reach the rocky shoals and then float back down. You have 90-minutes to take your time and explore this historic mill section of the river.
• Your reservation can include single or tandem kayaks, paddles and PFDs along with safety instruction and basic paddling instruction on-land.
• You have the option to add a Kayak Guide to join you on the water.
• Capacity: 10 single kayaks and 3 tandem kayaks.
• Age minimum: 4 years of age in a tandem with an adult. 8 years of age in a kayak alone accompanied by an adult in another kayak.
• You must be 18 years of age to purchase tickets.
• Regular Price: $30 per rental plus optional $25 for a kayak guide. 10% discount for Catawba Riverkeeper members.

Flatwater Kayaking on Lake Wylie

• Kevin Loftin Park and Launch Address: East, 1400 Catawba St, Belmont, NC 28012
• Come to Kevin Loftin Park to launch onto the Catawba River. You can paddle between the two bridges for 90-minutes. Kevin Loftin Park offers a playground, fishing pier, picnic shelters and bathrooms.
• Your reservation can include single or tandem kayaks, paddles and PFDs along with safety instruction and basic paddling instruction on-land.
• You have the option to add a Kayak Guide to join you on the water.
• Capacity: 10 single kayaks and 3 tandem kayaks.
• Age minimum: 4 years of age in a tandem with an adult. 8 years of age in a kayak alone accompanied by an adult in another kayak.
• Your must be 18 years of age to purchase tickets.
• Regular Price: $30 per rental plus optional $25 for a kayak guide.

Slow Flow Kayaking on the South Fork River (2 Different Locations)

• Two launch locations:
  • McAdenville Launch: 501 Lakeside Drive, McAdenville, NC 28101
  • Centennial Launch: 141 8th Ave, Cramerton, NC 28032
• Meet at either location to launch onto the South Fork River. You can easily paddle downstream or upstream between the launches, around Goat Island, and even to Riverside Park in Cramerton and back.
• Time choices: 90-minutes or 2 hours to take your time and explore this historic mill section of the river. Both McAdenville and Cramerton offers restaurants for lunch and dinner along with other shops through their quaint small town.
• Your reservation can include single or tandem kayaks, paddles and PFDs along with safety instruction and basic paddling instruction on-land.
• Your reservation also includes a shuttle from either location to bring you back to your car at either launch site if necessary.
• You have the option to add a Kayak Guide to join you on the water.
• Capacity: 10 single kayaks and 3 tandem kayaks
• Age minimum: 4 years of age in a tandem with an adult. 8 years of age in a kayak alone accompanied by an adult in another kayak.
• Your must be 18 years of age to purchase tickets.
• Cost: $40 per rental plus optional $25 for a kayak guide. 10% discount for Catawba Riverkeeper members.

South Fork Rapids Guided Tour 

• The Boathouse and Launch Address: 115 Willow Drive, McAdenville, NC 28101
• Come to The Boathouse to start your guided tour. Enjoy an authentic river experience with professional guides! A 10-minute shuttle ride will take you to Spencer Mountain where you’ll launch with 2 experienced guides who will help you navigate this beautiful 5.5-mile stretch of the South Fork of the Catawba River. This kayaking experience is great for those who are comfortable in the water but might not be experts. It is accessible to many skills levels, and may include Class I and Class II rapids in several sections with easy moving, gentle water in between. Each trip will last approximately 3 hours and will conclude back at your car at The Boathouse.
• Your reservation includes single kayaks, paddles and PFDs along with safety and skills instruction on the water from professional kayak guides along with information about this scenic section of river which is largely undeveloped and protected. This is a great eco-tour experience only 20-minutes from Charlotte!.
• Capacity: 12 single kayaks
• Age minimum: 12 years of age accompanied by an adult in another kayak.
• Your must be 18 years of age to purchase tickets.
• Regular Price: $50 per guest. 10% discount for Catawba Riverkeeper members.

Deadline to Purchase Tickets:

You must purchase tickets 7 days before your desired date. Please contact Blue Heron Adventures' Program Director Vanessa Covington at vanessa.c@catawbariverkeeper.org or call 704-679-9494 x111 to explore your trip options and to check availability.

Weather Policy:

Our policy is to host group reservations rain or shine EXCEPT in the case of severe rain, thunderstorms, or lightning in the area as well as dangerous water level. If we must cancel an event due to weather, we will provide a refund to all ticketed guests. We will do our best to notify guests of cancellations at least 2 hours in advance.

Refund Policy:

You may cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your scheduled date. If we must cancel due to weather or water level, your ticket will be fully refunded within 48 hours after your scheduled date and time.