This unexpected region in South Carolina is a paradise for kayaking and canoeing

South Carolina’s Olde English District isn’t only famous for its early English settlers and Revolutionary War history — it’s also a destination for outdoors enthusiasts. With nine state parks and historic sites, including a place where you can see the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily, the rarest type of spider lily, the area is a paradise for paddling.

The Olde English District is only an hour or two (depending on which park you visit) from Charlotte, North Carolina, which was recently named one of the top cities in the US for outdoor lovers.

Cheraw State Park

My husband and I road-tripped from Charlotte, North Carolina, an hour and 45 minutes south into South Carolina. At our first stop, Cheraw State Park, we stayed in one of nine restored rustic cabins initially built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression.

Robert Mahoney, the Park Manager, helped us launch our rented kayaks for an early morning paddle on Lake Juniper. We explained that this was our first time visiting South Carolina. With a big smile, Mahoney shared that this part of South Carolina is a “Great place for families to relax, reflect, and enjoy Southern hospitality.”

When my husband and I got out on the lake for our paddle, the water was like glass. I could relate to Mahoney’s description of the area — the lake was quiet, peaceful, incredibly lush, and green. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the workweek for a weekend adventure outdoors.

After kayaking, we hiked the Boardwalk Trail to the campground overlooking the lake. Then, we drove into Cheraw to eat lunch, indulge in sweet tea at the River’s Edge, and get praline pecan ice cream at the Caffeinated Cow. While in town, we learned that the famous jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie was from Cheraw, so we drove to see the Homesite Park tribute.

Landsford Canal State Park

At nearby Landsford Canal State Park, people come from all over to see the lilies blooming in the Catawba River — it’s a bucket list activity for many in the spring, who paddle a mile-and-a-half trail to see the spectacular Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies.

The park has the largest crop of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the world. The best time of year to see the plants blooming is from May to mid-June — they bloom right out of the water. In the spring, keep a lookout for nesting eagle fledglings as well.

If you’re in the mood for fried seafood after paddling, head to the Catawba Fish Camp, roughly 15 minutes from the park. The restaurant offers bottomless meals, hushpuppies, and coleslaw. The best part is the candy bar for dessert — it’s like a salad bar, except it’s a blue wooden boat full of chocolates and colorful gummies.

Before planning a trip to Landsford Canal State Park, check in with the park office. According to their website, a recent storm damaged the area, including the kayak and canoe access points. Hopefully, they’ll be cleaned up in time for spring paddling.

Goodale State Park

Finally, wrap up a trip to this region at Goodale State Park near Camden.

During a phone interview, Jenny Parrish, Executive Director of the Olde English District Tourism Commission, told me, “Paddling at Goodale State Park is one of South Carolina’s well-kept secrets.”

Paddlers can cruise a three-mile canoe trail through the Cyprus trees and a crystal clear spring-fed lake. Parrish says, “While paddling the canoe and kayak trail here, you can see down eight feet when you look — the water is crystal clear.”