Catawba River Kayak Excursion – Start your morning with a guided flatwater kayaking tour led by Chattooga Whitewater Shop. Launching from the Nitrolee Access Area (529 Catawba River Road, Great Falls, SC 29055), this peaceful paddle is perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. The access area features a convenient boat ramp, parking, and easy out-and-back paddling on the calm waters of the Great Falls Reservoir.

As you explore the reservoir, take in the quiet beauty of the Catawba River, surrounded by forested shorelines and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, osprey, turtles, and other native species while enjoying the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. Since the reservoir is not dependent on scheduled water releases, it provides excellent flatwater kayaking opportunities throughout the year.

The Great Falls Rail Trail – On a guided interpretive walk, participants will explore the rail trail, learning about the landscape and wildlife from Clemson Extension Forestry and Wildlife Agent Robert Carter, and the development of nature-based tourism opportunities and projects underway for the area from Great Falls Home Town Association Director, Glinda Coleman.

The Great Falls Rail Trail is  an exciting outdoor recreation project that transforms a historic railroad corridor into a scenic, accessible trail for residents and visitors alike. Planned to span approximately four miles, the trail follows an abandoned rail bed that once served the town’s thriving textile industry, preserving a piece of Great Falls’ rich history while creating new opportunities for walking, running, and cycling. Featuring a crushed gravel surface and free admission, the trail is designed to provide a welcoming experience for users of all ages and abilities while becoming part of the larger Carolina Thread Trail network. The Rail Trail is also designed to connect visitors with some of Great Falls’ most beautiful natural attractions. It will link directly to the natural-surface Rocky Creek Trail, known for its rocky shoals and picturesque waterfall, as well as the paved Springs Park Trail, creating an interconnected outdoor recreation system. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the trail welcomes leashed pets and prohibits motorized vehicles to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. Convenient parking is available from Republic Street and Chester Avenue, making it easy for visitors to explore the trail and experience the area’s unique blend of history, nature, and recreation.

Robert Carter is an Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent with Clemson Cooperative Extension, serving six South Carolina counties and the Catawba Indian Nation. A forester and naturalist, he has decades of experience in natural resource management, education, and outreach. Before joining Extension, he taught forestry at Mississippi State University and biology at Jacksonville State University. Dr. Carter is the author of Catawba Nation Ethnobotany, holds a Ph.D. in Forestry from Auburn University, an M.S. and B.S. in Forest Management from Clemson University, and an M.S. in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sports Management from North Carolina State University, and is passionate about connecting people with the natural world through education and conservation.

Glinda Price Coleman has served as Executive Director of the Great Falls Home Town Association for nearly 25 years, leading the nonprofit’s efforts to revitalize Great Falls through economic and community development initiatives centered on nature-based tourism. A graduate of Winthrop University, she previously worked as a community newspaper reporter and editor and also directed another nonprofit dedicated to community development.

Behind the Scenes Tour of Dearborn Island State Park – Join S.C. State Parks Region Manager Jon Greider for an exclusive preview of one of South Carolina’s newest state parks, Dearborn Island State Park. Before its anticipated 2027 opening, conference participants will visit the Welcome Center and take a guided tour while enjoying scenic views of the Catawba River.

Once completed, the park will feature hiking trails, whitewater overlooks, primitive camping, yurts, kayak access, and the preserved ruins of the 1803 Mount Dearborn Armory and Arsenal. Be among the first to experience this exciting new destination as Great Falls continues its transformation into a premier outdoor recreation hub. 

Participants will drive to the Welcome Center to begin tour.

Jon Greider is the Lakes Regional Chief for South Carolina State Parks, where he manages field operations for state parks along South Carolina’s lakes and throughout the state’s heartland. With more than 20 years of service to South Carolina State Parks, Jon brings extensive experience in park operations, conservation, and visitor services. An Illinois native, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Outdoor Recreation Resource Management from Southern Illinois University before moving to South Carolina for an internship with the South Carolina State Park Service. After completing his internship, he began his career as an Assistant Ranger at Edisto Beach State Park and has since dedicated his career to preserving and sharing South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources.

Reminder: For all outdoor excursions we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes and bring a water bottle and appropriate gear for the weather (e.g., sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, jacket/rain jacket, umbrella). 

 A special THANK YOU to Great Falls Home Town Association and Olde English District for hosting this year’s event, Visit Chester County SC for breakfast sponsorship, and Olde English District and the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions for their lunch sponsorship!