Update 2: Talked with park ranger at Canal Saturday. River at dangerous level so no paddle. It is 14,000 cfs and he said don't do over 4000 cfs. Trails are fine and lilies are above water so hike and picnic still on. Remember to meet at upper parking lot per instructions at web site and that there may be a $2 fee to enter park. Bring your lunch but I am bringing extra drinks, cups, ice, snacks and deserts.

Update: There is a good chance the paddle portion of this trip will cancel due to high water and unsafe conditions. River level is almost 5 times higher than normal. This river is dam controlled so levels can change rapidly too. The hike and picnic are still taking place at the scheduled time. The weather should be 90 degrees, clear, and sunny. I am uncertain as to the view of the lilies due to the water level. I will try to scout on Saturday and send update. You may wish to e-mail your cell phone number or home number and I will try to keep you advised of trip status. If the paddle cancels, we will reschedule as soon as water permits and lilies are blooming.

Date has been changed from May 23

DUE TO VARYING WATER LEVELS, THIS TRIP IS PLANNED AS A PICNIC AND SCENIC 2+ MILE HIKE TO VIEW WATER LILIES. AFTER HIKE A DECISION WILL BE MADE TO PADDLE OR NOT DEPENDING ON WATER LEVEL AND INTEREST OF PADDLERS.

SKILL LEVEL: All paddlers beginner to expert. Due to numerous rocks, shorter boats or good turning skills are helpful.

BOATS: All boats but fiberglass not recommended due to rocks.

DESCRIPTION: Beautiful flat water trip with rare Rocky Shoals spider lilies in full bloom from mid-May to mid-June. This is largest crop in the world. We will meet in parking lot and do hike (2-3 miles) about 90 minutes along river and canal to view water lilies. bring cameras. Return to park near parking area and have picnic about 11:30 or 12 noon. Bring your own meals. We will supply some drinks, cups and ice. Optional paddle: Note if water level too low then paddle too rocky for enjoyment. If level too high, then possible class III rapids. Decision will be made at picnic. Paddle starts from north end of park to south end; about 1+ hour. If we paddle, some mild whitewater (class I) ledges, multiple rocks. Bring cameras for awesome views.

RECOMMENDED GEAR: Hats, sun protection, water, rain gear. Cameras (in waterproof containers if paddling). Good walking shoes. Bring a lunch.

OPTIONAL: Bring your boats if you wish to join paddle after picnic and hike.

Meet 10 am: From Columbia it is about 1 hr 15 minutes to park. Be at Lansford Canal State Park at North Parking lot at 10 am. Take I 77 north from Columbia to Exit 65, Hwy 9 or Lancaster/ Chester exit. Turn right and follow brown signs "Lansford Canal Park". Go 1.1 miles on Hwy 9 toward Lancaster then turn Left on Road 223 / Wylies road and go 6.7 miles to you hit Catawba River Rd (Hyw 21) and turn left. Go 1.6 miles and turn Right at brown sign onto Landsford Rd. Go 1.6 miles to park entrance on left. $2 fee per person (bring $1 bills, no person at gate), take paper tag for mirror. Continue 1.3 miles to North parking lot. River is 100 yards away.

To take-out:

Leave parking lot, go back to park entrance and turn left on Lansford Rd. Go 1.1 miles to dead end at Canal Rd turn left to dead end South parking lot.

Going home: Best route is back track on Hwy 9 to I-77 but you can follow signs on Hwy 9 to Columbia on Hwy 21 South.