We know the South Fork River needs help. Catawba Riverkeeper released their State of the River report in 2025 with the South Fork sub-basin scoring a 2.7 out of 5 (5 being excellent).

The South Fork saw significantly less flooding in 2025 than it did in 2024. Towns heavily affected by floods in the watershed, such as Cramerton, did not experience flooded roads or infrastructure in 2025 as they did in 2024.

Recreation opportunities and ease increased in the South Fork watershed. A river access on the Henry Fork has become more passable as a river barrier was removed, eliminating the need for portage. The South Fork has also been recognized by the state as the South Fork Passage State Trail, increasing recreation opportunity

Together, with local municipalities, other non-profits, and for-profit users of the river, our goal is to improve the water quality, flood resiliency, and recreational access of the South Fork River and its tributaries.

We aren’t going to make a joke about being “ready to dive-in to life” on the river, because it’s way too cheesy, and because you probably shouldn’t actually be diving into the South Fork River. However, there is something to be said about being in a community where in less than 10 minutes you can be on the water’s edge and ready to launch your kayak/canoe/SUP, or cast your reel, or do yoga surrounded by nature.

We want to help you take advantage of life on the river, whether that’s leading you in the right direction towards kayak launches, our cleanup efforts, or by just helping you enjoy a beverage made with water from the Catawba River all while you kick back and enjoy the muddy river views.