Summer Fun At Charlotte's U.S. National Whitewater Center
When people ask me what makes Charlotte such a great place to live, the U.S. National Whitewater Center always comes to mind. The Whitewater Center is home to the world's largest manmade whitewater river.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center was founded 20 years ago in 2006. It was initially designed to serve as an official U.S. Olympic Training Site for canoe and kayak slalom competitors. The idea was also to to bring whitewater sports and adventure activities—like climbing, biking, and rafting—directly to an urban metropolitan area. (That would be Charlotte!)
Where else can you spend the morning rafting through exciting rapids, cool off on a paddleboard, soar through the trees on a zip line, hike wooded trails, and finish the day listening to live music—all without leaving the city?
The Whitewater Center isn't just for thrill seekers. It's a place where everyone can build their own perfect summer day.
IF ADVENTURE IS YOUR THING: whitewater rafting is the signature attraction. Guided trips take you through Class II-IV rapids that deliver plenty of splashes and excitement.
LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT CHALLENGE? Test your balance on the aerial ropes courses, race down a zip line, or tackle one of the climbing walls.
WANT TO SLOW THINGS DOWN? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the calm flatwater channels at your own pace. It's one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy a warm summer afternoon while taking in the beauty of the Catawba River.
PREFER TO STAY ON LAND? More than 40 miles of trails offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk surrounded by nature. Outdoor yoga classes are also available if stretching and unwinding sounds more like your idea of fun.
LIKE TO GET OUTDOORS WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND? You'll find a 70-acre, off-leash dog park at the Whitewater Center.
JUST WANT TO "VEG OUT?" One of my favorite things about the Whitewater Center is that you don't have to participate in any of the adventure activities to have a great time. Grab lunch or dinner at one of the riverside restaurants, enjoy a cold drink on the patio, and watch the rafters tackle the rapids from the sidelines.
VISIT ON A RIVER JAM EVENING, one of Charlotte's favorite summer traditions. Live music, food, cold drinks, lawn chairs, blankets, and a relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect way to spend a summer night with family or friends.
FOR THE YOUNGER "SET." The Whitewater Center also features week-long Summer Camps from June through August for ages 4 to 17 (and a spring break camp, as well).
U. S. National Whitewater FAQs
PS You don't need to wait for summer to enjoy the U. S. National Whitewater Center. There are activities all year long, including international competitions, Olympic Trials, numerous festivals, ice skating and ice trails in the winter, plus more than 60 races and competitions throughout the year across a variety of sports and disciplines. And don't forget all the fun on holiday weekends such as July 4 and Labor Day. And if you're looking forward to winter fun in Charlotte at the U. S. National Whitewater Center, click here.
This is my submission to the August Active Rain Challenge hosted by Carol Williams and Debe Maxwell, CRS, Summer in MY Corner of the World.
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