Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail
-
Address
-
Categories
As part off the North Carolina Trail System, the Upper Catawba River Trail extends over 82 miles from Greenlee Park to Lookout Access on Lake Lookout Shoals. With 22 access points, one future site and portages around dams, the trail covers 18 free-flowing miles and 64 reservoir miles.
The McDowell County section of the Catawba River Paddle Trail (section 1) starts at Greenlee Park off of Hwy 70 between Old Fort and Marion. Kayaks and canoes, floating the Upper Catawba River should be sure to park a shuttle at Phillips Landing on Hwy 221 in Marion for take out, or Black Bear Boat Ramp on Lake James Road in Lake James for a longer trip. To get to Black Bear boat ramp, follow signs to Lake James from US Highway 221/226 By-Pass in Marion. Turn onto Hankins Road driving to the intersection of Lake James Road, turn left onto Lake James Road. This boat ramp access area is on the right before you arrive at Black Bear Marina. Parking is free.
How to get to Greenlee Park
Old Greenlee Road. Turn left after crossing the Catawba River Bridge on Resistoflex Road near Camping World. Go 1 mile and park is on the left. 1202 Old Greenlee Road.
Below, you'll find copies of the Upper Catawba River Trail Map.
Find More Kayak & Watersports Attractions
Catawba River Park and Canoe Launch
Catawba River Park and Canoe/Kayak Launch is located within one quarter mile of the intersection of Highway 70 West and…
Spacious Skies - Hidden Creek Campground
Escape to Spacious Skies Hidden Creek for the ultimate family adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Located in Marion, North…
Catawba River Outdoors
Everything you need for an excursion on the Catawba River! Catawba River Outdoors offers tube rentals and river shuttle service to various locations.
Fishing Lake James
All Wildlife Resources commission regulations apply. A fishing license is required. Cool, deep waters and warm surface waters provide a…
Lake James Black Bear Boat Access Ramp
Universally accessible, you'll find Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Walleye and White Bass. Public boat access ramp.…
Greenlee Park
Greenlee Park is the perfect spot to spend the day, with accesses to Lake James for water sports, covered picnic areas, and a 1.1 mile nature trail loop!
Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway
The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is located just outside downtown Marion, NC. This paved trail follows the flow of the…
Lake James State Park - Visitor Center
"Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Two park…