Catawba River, North of Rt.27 Bridge

Catawba River
Originally uploaded by wdbrady

I paddled from the dollar launch, by the Rt. 27 Bridge, down to the Mountain Island Dam. The total trip was approximately 5.5 miles round trip and took 90 minutes to complete. The weather was incredible at a balmy 65 degrees and sunny, and winds about 10 mph. Most of the shore is lined with residential homes along the Mecklenburg County shore, and the Gaston County side was wooded with a few homes along the way. There was plenty of wildlife to view especially down toward the Mount Holly park trails which run adjacent to the river.

Catawba River, South of Rt. 27 Bridge

IM000203
Originally uploaded by wdbrady

I launched from the Dollar Launch next to the Rt. 27 Bridge toward Interstate 85. Most of the trip along the Gaston County side was populated with factories and residential homes. The Mecklenburg County shore was mostly wooded with a few hints of industrial property concealed by trees. As I approached Interstate 85, the river was divided by an island which is inhabited by many wild birds. As I looped around and came back along US National Whitewater Center property, I was greeted by a large group departing from the center for a paddle trip. Just past the USNWC, I noticed a tributary which I decided to explore. Upon further investigation, I found an area with slalom gates used by the US Olympic Team for training. Overall, the trip was very relaxing and there was little current to work against in either direction.