Landsford Canal State Park offers hand-carry boat access to the Catawba River with two separate access points (upstream and downstream) that enable a scenic 1. 5-mile paddling trip through the park's famous rocky shoals spider lily habitat.

The park provides parking, picnic areas, and walking trails along historic canal structures, with day-use admission fees ($6 adults).

Water levels can vary significantly due to dam releases upstream, creating Class II-III rapids at certain shoals that require paddling experience to navigate safely.