Featured image: Grant Baldwin
Nestled in 1,300 acres of forest near Charlotte, the US National Whitewater Center is the largest outdoor adventure center of its kind in the world. Multiple “lands” along the Catawba River invite people to paddle, pedal, hike, climb, run, jump, and play outside. From tot-sized treehouses to Olympic caliber white water rafting runs, this North Carolina facility welcomes outdoor-lovers of all sizes and skills.
“We all have a genetic code to play outside. We want to help facilitate access to an active outdoor lifestyle,” says Ashley Osiecki, marketing manager for the center. “How we do that here is simply by creating experiences whether that’s whitewater rafting, kayaking, or ziplining.”
Connecting to nature looks different for everyone, Ashley says. For some it’s pushing themselves in an organized race; for others it’s enjoying a cold beverage in nature. With the fairly recent addition of the Wildwoods kids area and an off-leash dog section, there are even more points of engagement.
“The hope is that once people immerse themselves in nature and enjoy it, they’ll want to protect the wilderness,” Ashley says.
So why not escape the heat of the city and splash into the National Whitewater Center’s nature playground this summer?
Rafting and Rock Climbing at the National Whitewater Center
The crowning jewel is the 12 million-gallon recirculating manmade river, which sends rafters down rapids of various levels, from Olympic training runs to gentle family channels. Conveyor belts whisk paddlers back to the start, maximizing the fun. For a more relaxing adventure, rent a flatwater kayak or SUP and paddle on the adjacent Catawba River.
Don’t think rock climbing is a refreshing way to cool off? Try the world’s only artificial deep-water solo climbing complex, where you’ll shimmy up an artificial rock wall with a huge pool of water to cushion your fall. For fans of traditional rock climbing, a 47-foot tall sport climbing spire, dozens of top rope routes, and a bouldering area await.
Adventures in the Forest
Bikers, trail runners, and hikers share 40 miles of trails through the woods. Yoga also takes place in the company of pine trees.
Charlotte resident Shanhan McClure takes advantage of the free weekly outdoor yoga classes.
“I did yoga teacher training last year, and would go to support fellow trainers as they taught,” she explains. Shanhan also enjoys kayaking on the lake, and going to the River Jam concerts.
“There are so many various sports and activities. I could go by myself, with friends or with the kids for a family day,” she says.
In addition to over 400 yoga classes and wellness workshops each year, the forest beckons with zip lines, ropes courses and “jumps”—a belay system simulates a short free fall that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping!
Bring the Kids and Pets
Cross a 700-foot suspension bridge and you’ll enter Wildwoods, a nature fantasyland just for tots, including swings, bridges, and multi-story treehouses. There’s a balance bike course, rope challenges, and yoga classes. The new weekly Little Learners program teaches nature appreciation through hands-on activities.
Tired of hearing “I’m bored” when school is out? Check out the full range of summer, spring break, and holiday camps designed to get kids unplugged and tuned into nature.
The Off Leash area is dog heaven, where pups can frolic in the woods, splash in the pond, and play on the beach. There’s even a dog wash for post-outing cleanups, and a picnic area to hold doggie birthday parties.
Fuel the Adventure
The multiple food outlets offer everything from a quick snack to riverside dining. Enjoy a hard-earned post-race beer from the Pump House, which has over forty craft beers on tap.
Kids and pets get hungry too, which is why you’ll find family friendly options in the Wildwoods Cabin, and provisions for pups and their owners at The Barley House.
Festivals and Events
“One of my favorite things to do is enjoy the summer concert series of live music on the lawn,” says local resident Kim Dawson. “It’s pretty magnificent to enjoy whatever band is there, get some food and drinks, and kick back with the quiet roar of the rapids surrounding you,” says Kim, who visits frequently, taking advantage of over 80 live concerts each year.
From fun 5K races to ultra-marathons and multi-day bike races, the National Whitewater Center hosts over 60 competitions each year. Leisurely events, like the upcoming July 4th and Labor Day celebrations, invite everyone to kick back in nature.
Adventure Lodges Around the South
If you’re looking for an active vacation or destination wedding, check out the National Whitewater Center’s adventure lodges.
“Our adventure lodging networks help expand our footprint beyond Charlotte, North Carolina, and they’re located in some of the region’s best outdoor playgrounds. They offer access to some of the best hiking, gravel biking, paddling, and fly fishing across the region,” Ashley says.
North Carolina’s Big Creek Lodge, just north of Asheville, sits amid 250 waterfalls and 40-plus miles of scenic gravel biking.
Middleburg is a National Historic Landmark perched on the Cooper River just north of Charleston. As the oldest home in the U.S., Middleburg’s 323 acres of protected forest and wetlands is a haven for history and nature lovers.
Windfall is a mountain retreat in the bucolic Blue Ridge Mountains straddling the Virginia and North Carolina border. Set in a 4000-foot meadow with hiking trails and stream-fed ponds, guests can rent one or both cabins at this high-country retreat overlooking Virginia’s seven tallest peaks.
Winter Fun
The fun doesn’t end in summer. From mid-November through mid-February, the National Whitewater Center turns into a winter wonderland with 24,000 square feet of ice. Glide on North Carolina’s largest outdoor rink, explore ice trails and free-skating zones, and wander the Winter Trail—a colorfully lit path with suspension bridges. Zipline under twinkling lights, play in an illuminated treehouse, or hike under the stars for magical memories.
Planning Your Visit
The National Whitewater Center has dozens of classes and rental gear to inspire you to try something new or hone your skill. Some activities require reservations, so check the website, where you can also buy one-time or annual passes.
What are you waiting for? Go outside and play this summer!
Looking for more summer fun around the South? Click here.
