By Ward Swann, Yadkin River State Trail Coordinator
Let me introduce you to the newest paddle trail in the neighborhood, The South Yadkin Paddle Trail. What makes this a new paddle trail since the accesses and portage around Cooleemee Dam were already there? NC Wildlife Resource Commission has established the accesses at the beginning of the trail, Cooleemee Junction, and the end of the trail, Hannah Ferry. The Town of Cooleemee has the access at Cooleemee River Park that also provides portaging around the dam. And Cube Hydro has the 601 access. All of these have been opportunities to get on the water and enjoy the South Yadkin River for years now. So, what’s new?
By creating an identity as a paddle trail, we can more easily introduce the paddling opportunities to new people. A significant result of a paddle trail is that more visitors support the local economies of north Rowan and South Davie Counties. Through purchases of gas, snacks, or after paddle dining, paddlers often will make themselves known in the local registers. Part of the promotion of this trail includes a map to make planning easy. This is set up as a brochure that will be distributed to local outlets. Just recently we received our first 1000 of this brochure. That seems like a lot and should last a while,right? The demand for this type of info will likely force a reprint soon. Fortunately the South Yadkin already has excellent representation online as part of the existing Yadkin River State Trail map.
Similar to efforts on the Yadkin River State Trail, we will put up five Mile Markers for the existing 12.1 miles of the trail. Those points of reference can be used to help gauge time left on the water or direct help in the event of emergencies. We are grateful to NC Wildlife Resource Commission, The City of Salisbury, and local landowners for allowing us to put up these Mile Markers. Expect to see them go up in the early Spring of 26.
And as a Paddle Trail we are more able to advocate for the paddling opportunities in the South Yadkin River Watershed. There are so many incredible miles of paddling upstream, not just on the main stem of the South Yadkin, but also on tributaries like Hunting Creek. Having a recognized, and organized trail identity will make it easier to talk to landowners and start to link sections of the river upstream.
So the trail may only be a modest 12.1miles, but it’s some of the most remote 12.1 miles in central NC. The undeveloped riverside is lined with trees, standing and fallen, and thickets hungry for the sunlight that the river’s gap in the canopy allows. It’s a wildness that can take a paddler decades back in time, if not millennia. Putting in at 601 on the South Yadkin and taking out at Hannah Ferry will take you through protected areas of Wildlife lands and Three Rivers Land Trust. Only one “yard” is in that stretch. To see a sped up paddle on that section, watch the video from the 2025 South Yadkin Canoe and Kayak Race here.
Without the help of the Blanche and Julian Robertson Foundation we could not have put together the pieces that are needed to make it a recognizable Paddle Trail. Their support has allowed us to introduce the river and lakes of Rowan County to underserved students, produce the map/brochure, and create the Mile Markers to be printed over the winter. In short, their support allowed the trail to gain an identity. It’s a joy to partner with an organization who understands that the South Yadkin Paddle Trail is truly one of those overlooked rivers that deserves a spot on your paddling calendar next year.