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U.S. National Whitewater Center
Charlotte's premier outdoor adventure destination with whitewater rafting, zip lines, and year-round fun for all ages.
5(5 reviews)
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$$
Charlotte's premier outdoor adventure destination with whitewater rafting, zip lines, and year-round fun for all ages.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC, is a world-class outdoor recreation facility offering over 30 activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, zip lines, rock climbing, and ice skating. With a 4.7/5 rating from thousands of reviews, it's a top tourist attraction for families, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers. Enjoy on-site dining, bars, event venues, and scenic trails along the Catawba River. Affordable season passes and dog-friendly policies make it a must-visit destination for adventure and relaxation year-round.
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Guided rafting trips and kayaking on man-made rapids for all skill levels, with equipment provided.
Thrilling zip line courses and suspension bridges offering panoramic views of the park and river.
Extensive trail networks for biking and hiking, including scenic routes along the Catawba River.
Massive outdoor climbing wall over a pool, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.
Seasonal ice skating on a converted whitewater channel, with rentals, hot chocolate, and fire pits.
Conference center, bars serving draft beer, and restaurants for gatherings, meals, and refreshments.
This is a nice place to go ice skating. It's the same space used for the kayaking, but turned into ice for ice skating! It's not as smooth as the rink, but still good enough to enjoy the activity. They do bring the Zamboni regularly. There is a hot chocolate shop in the middle of the rink and a snack shop next to the rink. There are fire pits for those watching the skaters to enjoy. It cost us $25 per person for all day skating. Overall, it's a clean facility, polite employees, and an enjoyable activity.
Absolutely enjoyed the walking trails. Saw a few people on zip line, Lots of people ice skating. Walked across the suspension bridge. Walked out to the Catawba River and just enjoyed the view before heading back out. Plus we were to see the highland cows. So cute ❤️ Spent about a total of three hours and walked about 3.5 miles.
It was our first time visiting and my family loved it. We went ice skating and the staff was very friendly. What I like the most is that is dog friendly. They have rock climbing, zip lining and other activities. I will definitely go back in the summer for the water adventures. Just a heads up is best to buy tickets online and sign the waiver and that way you don't do any paperwork at the site. You just present your purchase receipt and you get a wrist band.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an awesome, phenomenal place! I highly recommend it, especially for families. It is well worth the visit and the drive. Activities and Facilities This place offers so much more than just the water activities. You can find: • Zip lines • Whitewater kayaking and rafting • Mountain biking • A massive rock climbing wall that hangs out over a pool • Two or three bars on location serving draft beer • A conference center and plenty of open space. We were here for four days for the slalom kayaking and national kayaking cross competitions, and it was a blast. My son is having just as much fun on his second visit as he did the first time. Value and Recommendation The season pass is 100% affordable, making it a fantastic value if you're local to the Charlotte area. If you are in Charlotte, you absolutely have to check this place out. We will definitely be coming back again!
Such a wide variety of active adventures here. Various levels of whitewater rafting and kayaking , flat water kayak and stand up paddle boarding, zip lines, suspension bridges… good food and good beer… great staff. All staff we encountered were friendly and knowledgeable. We went one day and decided to buy an annual pass.
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