Landsford Canal State Park

I bookmarked this spot for the seasonal spider lillies. After self-paying the admission fee and parking, the walk along the shore was quite pleasant on a mild day. Despite the river views, it took a half hour or so to get to the spider lillies, which are apparently limited to one particular location. It was hard to see them from shore, made harder by rising waters (the festival the previous day was likely thrown off by rain). I got enough of a glimpse of them to understand where the name comes from. The overall aesthetic of the park offered remnants of a historic canal, and boating and picnicking opportunities. It was a pleasant space, but not at the top of ones I'd want to drive out to and pay for.

Finally checked off Landsford Canal Park off my park bucket list! If you wanna see something thats absolutely gorgeous and unique, this is a must see. The Rocky Spider Lily's are only located in certain areas ( SC, GA, and AL). Hoping to see them in another state as well. Its all about timing, make sure you check the websites for a bloom updates. The park is well kept and bathrooms are clean, which is a plus. During the Lily Festival parking is limited, so pack your patience. You will get parking, so no worries. The cost is $6 for each adult, very reasonable considering. They have a store with maps for the walking trails, its approx 1mile roundtrip to see the Lily's. If you want to see them up close and personal you must rent a canoe prior to coming. The park doesnt rent boats, a outside company will take you on a tour. I actually enjoyed the nature trails. They have a nice platform for viewing the lily's. The lily's are absolutely breathtaking, I truly enjoyed my day at this park. The trails are fairly short and well taken care of. There are some food and artisan vendors at the park. Tip: dont touch the lily's if your on a boat, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Please do your own research beforehand. Thankfully most people are viewing from the platform. Fabulous day indeed, fresh air, steps, and peace! @glampedlife

Crossing off those Southeast bucketlist items! Tho I missed the blooms during my first stint here in 2018-2019 and last yr, I was FINALLY able to catch the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily (only found in certain spots in AL, GA, and SC) in peak bloom! (tip: if u visit the state park website they have a lily report on the bloom every year, so you can know when to go)! One of the best places and concentrations of this unique flower is at Landsford Canal State Park in SC. An abandoned Catawba River canal project in 1835 was made into a state park w/lots of hiking trails, kayak put-ins and pull outs (the water looked low so not sure it was the best time or spot for kayaking) and of course, during only a few weeks in May & June, the Spider Lilies viewing. It was a 1.8mi in and back hike from the main park entrance (the lower access still has a trail to the viewing platform, but it's a little farther to expanse of the trail) through well-covered & maintained trails to the viewing platform for the lilies. Went before dusk and though the trail in some spots was dark, there was still enough light to not need a flashlight and I got some killer hues off the river from the sunset! Well worth the drive!

During COVID we have been exploring a lot of the parks around the area. A friend of mine told me about the park and it sounded pretty interesting The hike itself was about 2 miles. There were a number of historical markers and areas. Pretty cool to see the remains and learn a little more history about the location. I think that you might be able to do other things but we didn't look into that.

This is a nice little state park. It's pretty small, but nice nonetheless. We came to see the spider lilies. We tried to book a kayaking trip, but we tried too late so they were sold out. We did the hike along the canal and you can see the spider lilies in the middle of it. It was cool to see them, but they were pretty far away, so I definitely want to kayak to see them better. The hike along the canal was a good hike. Short and easy. It gets pretty crowded as the day gets later and the parking lots overflow. They charge $5 per person to get in on the honor system. This is a nice place to spend a few hours outside not too far from Charlotte.

This is a beautiful state park that I didn't know existed. It's a hidden gem in the Rock Hill area. Since it is a state park, there is a $5 fee you pay at the box at the front. If you visit a lot of state parks, you could buy an annual pass. This park is right on the Catawba River. There's a small gift shop in a log cabin which has views of the river. There's a few trails, one which follows the river. It's quiet and not too crowded. When we went, there was a storm coming so we only got to do part of one trail. I like that the trails are mostly flat and they do keep the paths clear. We saw lots of plants and animals. As we were driving in we saw a deer. On the water, there were plenty of turtles sunning on the rocks and some geese. This park is well worth a visit, especially if you want some peace and quiet.

Such a neat experience. It was my first time so I didnt really know what to expect. I parked and walked up to a sign where there was a "map." Unlike most "hiking" trailer the map flagged entrances to the trails not not then entire path. Dont worry they are short and easy to follow. The canal trail passes by old remnants of the canal and ends at a lock with a bridge. Super neat. Also along the path there is a stop off where you can view water lillies. It was so unexpected to see that many flowers growing in the river. Over all of was a nice interesting strong. Extremely easy but there were a ton of tree routes that could make finding your footing a little hard especially with a 50 pound husky pulling you along.

This is a nice little state park tucked away by the Catawba River. There is a nice parking area, seasonal store, historical markers, trails, restrooms, picnic areas and playground. The area was well kept when we visited. We took our dog with us and he loved walking the trails (dogs must be leashed). To my knowledge, no swimming is allowed, but there is a boat ramp for kayaks. The trails follow the old canal route which is described by various plaques placed along the trail. There is a pair of osprey that return every year, and their nesting area is pointed out. Of special interest are the spider lilies. If you come to view them, be prepared for a long walk out to the viewing area. They are beautiful though. I've been told that kayaking out to them is even better than seeing them from river's edge.

Beautiful place we road the motorcycle there just very relaxing clean running river quiet when we were there Go

We had a great and relaxing experience here. It is clean and a easy trek. The park is kept clean and is family friendly. The history of the canal is fascinating and we will be back again!

If you are here just for hiking, its expensive considering 5$ per person for a 2mile trek!! Lot of signs and historical structures are there but its all stone and mortar which gets uninteresting after a while!

Awesome place for families to come and relax by the water.. plenty of picnic tables and a great walking trail.. lots of shade and this area is great to tub or khaki or just enjoy splashing ... I do a lot of photography here and it's always beautiful no matter what time of year you visit ..

Beautiful day on the river. I enjoyed the sound of the running water. Saw a Bald Eagle fishing like me. He had better luck. I saw him catch two to my one. Park was very clean.

Amazing Park. Beautiful and access to the river. Great fit families. Must see the lilies.

This park is gorgeous!! The trails are perfectly maintained and always clean. The rangers are friendly and very informative. We make a trip from up north every may just to see the spider lillies. Its an experience everyone must have. You will enjoy it!!