Blue Heron Adventures
980-251-7898
Blue Heron Adventures
115 Willow Dr.
VISIT TODAY
Kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard, raft, hike, and more with Blue Heron Adventures! We offer self-guided kayak rentals, guided tours, and lessons. Headquartered in McAdenville, NC near Charlotte.
Our mission is to provide engaging outdoor experiences within the Catawba River Basin that inspire our guests to protect our waterways.
Proceeds from Blue Heron Adventures go directly to Catawba Riverkeeper's mission to preserve, protect, and restore our lakes and streams. When you rent a kayak or book a tour, know that you are supporting education programs for kids and adults, water quality monitoring, science-based advocacy, and cleanups.
RENTALS
Slow Flow Kayaking on the South Fork
Kayak the slowly flowing South Fork River at your leisure with this scenic experience in McAdenville or Cramerton, NC near Charlotte. LEARN MORE
The Boathouse Rentals
Rent a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard for a 90-minute paddling experience on the South Fork River at The Boathouse in McAdenville, NC near Charlotte. LEARN MORE
Flatwater Kayaking on Lake Wylie
Great for beginners, enjoy paddling on upper Lake Wylie from Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park in Belmont, NC next to Charlotte. 1 and 2 person kayaks available. LEARN MORE
GUIDED TOURS
South Fork Rapids
Enjoy an authentic river experience with professional guides through Class I and Class II rapids. LEARN MORE
Eco-Tours
Explore the Catawba-Wateree River basin on guided kayak trips throughout the year. LEARN MORE
Thursday Evening Paddles
Paddle different lake and river segments each week on guided kayak tours. Series runs April - July. Locations vary. Many located near Charlotte. LEARN MORE
Paddle, Bike, Run Series
Meet at The Boathouse in McAdenville on the 1st Thursday evening of each month for rotating outdoor sports. LEARN MORE
Full Moon Paddles
Paddle under the full moon’s glow and have fun with spooky stories, folklore, full moon rituals, and animals of the night! LEARN MORE
Swimming Hole Hikes
Coming this summer! Explore trails along the best swimming holes in the Catawba River Basin. LEARN MORE
LESSONS
Intro to Kayaking
Learn to kayak! Each Saturday at 1pm, we offer a 30-minute Intro to Kayaking Clinic in McAdenville, NC that will cover all the basics for you to feel more confident on the water. LEARN MORE
SUP Basics
Learn proper equipment use, paddle boarding techniques, self-rescue, and basic knowledge about paddleboarding in this region. Kayaking lessons offered near Charlotte. LEARN MORE
Intermediate Flatwater
Refine your paddling skills for more comfortable and enjoyable kayaking experiences on lakes and slow flowing rivers. Kayaking lessons offered near Charlotte. LEARN MORE
Intro to River Running
Learn basic river navigation and become a more confident paddler. Kayaking lessons offered near Charlotte. LEARN MORE

South Fork Trail
Adjacent to the South Fork River. The trail goes under the I-85 bridge and through woods along the river. The trail is marked at the 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mile points, ending near the cul-de-sac of a residential neighborhood. While no parking is available at this end of the trail, there is pedestrian access for neighborhood residents. The land surrounding this trail is on the Pharr Yarns Preserve. This is a historic trail twas originally used by the Native Americans and then utilized by settlers for textile mills. There were two mills in the woods along the trail.