MCADENVILLE, N.C. — The town of McAdenville invested close to $1 million for the town’s first boat launch.

It’s an attempt to bring more visitors to the area and expand recreational opportunities.

The boat launch is located right outside of downtown, an area that’s usually known for the town’s annual Christmas lights display. 

The launch will allow easier access to the part of the Catawba River that was once only accessible by other ramps in neighboring towns. 

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, a nonprofit focused on keeping the area’s waterways clean and educating the public on the river’s recreational uses, leads kayak tours on the river. 

Greg Nance is a tour guide for the group. Nance grew up in North Carolina near the Uwharrie River and has always had a love for the water. 

“I like everything about it. The wildlife and adventures. There’s some places you can only get to by boat," Nance said.

Nance leads at least two kayak tours a day on the Catawba River. The tours used to start at the organization’s boat house a few miles away from the new boat launch.

“People want to be outside and in the fresh air in the sunshine and floating down the river. Especially on a day like this when it’s hot and you can splash a little water on yourself," Nance said. 

Town council members say the goal is to boost tourism. This is the first launch downstream of McAdenville Dam and it's part of an 8.5-mile river trail.