How do I access Highwy 73?

Highwy 73 is a public boat ramp in North Carolina. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Highwy 73?

Highwy 73 supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Highwy 73?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, concessions, trash receptacles, ada accessible. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Highwy 73?

The best time to paddle at Highwy 73 is during spring and summer and fall. March through November

What are the water conditions at Highwy 73?

Water conditions at Highwy 73 include calm, sheltered.

Is Highwy 73 good for beginners?

Yes, Highwy 73 is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Photo by Jeff Miller on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParkingConcessionsTrash ReceptaclesADA Accessible

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall

Highwy 73

Denver, NC · Boat Ramp · Public

Highwy 73 is a public boat ramp on Catawba River (Mountain Island Lake) near Denver, North Carolina. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, concessions. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Highwy 73 offers lake paddling on Catawba River (Mountain Island Lake) in North Carolina. Located near Denver.

Lake paddlers in North Carolina will appreciate Highwy 73, which offers direct access to Catawba River (Mountain Island Lake) and its surrounding waters.

Kayaking is the most popular activity here, with the water conditions supporting a range of skill levels. Canoeists can enjoy the calmer sections for a relaxed paddle. The Southeast's warm climate and diverse waterways support paddling across most of the year.

Expect calm and sheltered conditions on the water. The best time to visit is March through November. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and concessions and trash receptacles and ada accessible.

Highwy 73 sits about 5 min from Denver, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.

Planning a trip? Read our complete paddler's guide to Denver.

Launch points, tips, and local conditions →

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Highwy 73 ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
•Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
•If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.
•Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Highwy 73?: Highwy 73 is a public boat ramp in North Carolina. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Highwy 73?: Highwy 73 supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Highwy 73?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, concessions, trash receptacles, ada accessible. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Highwy 73?: The best time to paddle at Highwy 73 is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Highwy 73?: Water conditions at Highwy 73 include calm, sheltered.
Is Highwy 73 good for beginners?: Yes, Highwy 73 is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 35.4274, -80.9577