Catch the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in Full Bloom

The Rocky Shoals Spider Lily blooms annually at Landsford Canal State Park on the shoals along the Catawba River.

There’s no better place to see this rare perennial than at the South Carolina state park — home to the world’s largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies.

A 1.5-mile roundtrip hike down the park’s Canal Trail will take you to an overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the botanical white wonder. The park also offers access to the river for canoes and kayaks if you want to get an even closer look.

If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one from Catawba River Expeditions. But you need to be an experienced paddler to kayak the spider lily section of the river as there are Class I and borderline Class II rapids through the length of the park. For more information or to make a reservation with Catawba River Expeditions, call (803) 327-9335.

The park offers “Lily Watch,” a weekly online update on the current bloomage conditions. Click here to check it out.

To accommodate the increased number of visitors who come out to view the lilies, the park usually extends its hours. Want to learn more about the festival or the park? Call (803) 789-5800 or click here.