U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC a Treat for Water Lovers

Founded in August 2006, the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) in Charlotte, North Carolina is a 307-acre outdoor recreation and environmental education center. Originally designated as a center for kayaking, rafting, and canoeing, it has now expanded to include areas when visitors can practice other outdoor sports as well.

Located 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte along the Catawba River, the U.S. National Whitewater Center was inspired by the success of similar areas built for use in the Summer Olympics of 2000 and 2004. Now designated as a training site for various U.S. Olympic teams, the USNWC is currently home to the only multi-channel re-circulating whitewater river in the world.

Indeed, this whitewater river remains the centerpiece of the National Whitewater Center and a number of different adventures can be enjoyed on this body of water. Whitewater rafting is probably the most popular and can be arranged to suit a variety of ages and skill levels. The river presents an opportunity to challenge rapids that range from Class II to Class IV. Rafters begin by paddling through the "wilderness'' section of the course and then the competition channel. After a run down that channel, a conveyor belt takes the raft up to the upper pond for another challenge. Levels are broken into three categories: Family Rafting, which is a more relaxed ride designed with younger and less experienced riders in mind; Adventure Rafting, an opportunity to run all the channels at the facility, open to ages 11 and up; and Rodeo Rafting, the toughest challenge of all, which includes the use of 10 foot rafts and expert guides who can instruct paddlers on the toughest portions of the river.

Whitewater kayakers can run the same rapids or take advantage of kayak instruction provided by several experts in the field. Flatwater kayaking is also available on the 1.5 acres of the Catawba River that skirt the USNWC property. Two-hour guided tours are available as well.

The Center also functions as a training facility for swift-water rescue and has hosted myriad fire departments, rescue squads, military personnel, government agencies, and recreational paddlers interested in learning the particulars of water rescue in similar conditions.

Outside of water activities, an all day pass at USNWC allows patrons to try their hand at land-based activities including climbing on more than 5,700 square feet of diverse climbing surfaces, and more than 40 roped climbs. Instructors teach belaying, climbing, rapelling, and bouldering. A zip line and high rope course is also available at selected times and 11 miles of trails are offering for biking, hiking, or running. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

Children and adults will also enjoy the eco caching program at the U.S. National Whitewater Center near Charlotte. Modeled on the popular geo-caching hobby of the new millennium, this treasure hunt-type activity helps visitors explore the river and woods and learn more about environmental education. USNWC also offers team building programs and camps for youth, including both adventure and kayaking camps.

Visitors to the Center can purchase passes for individual activities or may buy an AllSport Pass that lets them play all day, with some restrictions. Guests should plan ahead and check online schedules to be sure their desired activities are available on the day(s) of their visit.