Boat ramps on Catawba River
We count 5 places to get onto Catawba River, North Carolina, from Glen Alpine to Rutherford College. 4 are boat ramps for trailers with 7 lanes in total, 1 is a fishing pier or access site.
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Bridgewater Public Fishing Area
Glen Alpine -
Canal Bridge Boat Ramp
Glen Alpine · 3 lanes -
Watermill Boat Ramp
Glen Alpine -
Geitner Park Boat Ramp
Hickory -
Valdese Lakeside Park Boat Ramp
Rutherford College
Before you head to Catawba River
| Launches | 5 |
|---|---|
| Boat ramps | 4 |
| Fishing piers and access | 1 |
| Marked free | 2 |
| Towns | Glen Alpine, Hickory, Rutherford College |
Helpful: launching a boat, ramp etiquette, launch fees.
Small things for ramp day
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Illustration Bestseller Attwood 7524A7 snap-handle drain plug The forgotten drain plug is the classic ramp mistake. A spare in the glove box saves the day. View on Amazon -
Illustration Top pick Bungee dock lines with quick connect, shock absorbing Clip on in seconds while your partner parks the trailer. The bungee keeps the boat off the dock in wakes. View on Amazon -
Illustration Master Lock trailer coupler lock (fits 1-7/8", 2", 2-5/16") Your trailer sits alone in the ramp lot all day. A coupler lock keeps it where you left it. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
Other waters in North Carolina
Catawba River: questions and answers
How many boat ramps are on Catawba River?
We list 5 public launches on Catawba River around Glen Alpine, Hickory and Rutherford College: Bridgewater Public Fishing Area, Canal Bridge Boat Ramp, Watermill Boat Ramp, Geitner Park Boat Ramp and Valdese Lakeside Park Boat Ramp.
Does it cost money to launch on Catawba River?
Watermill Boat Ramp and Geitner Park Boat Ramp are marked free in the map data. For the rest we have no fee information, so check the signs.
Can you kayak on Catawba River?
Usually yes. None of the 5 launches on Catawba River is tagged as a dedicated kayak launch, but paddlers can put in at the side of most ramps when the lane is clear.
Is there a fishing pier on Catawba River?
Yes: Bridgewater Public Fishing Area. In North Carolina, piers with a blanket license cover your coastal fishing license.
More: all boat ramps in North Carolina · all lakes and rivers