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U.S. National Whitewater Center

Rafting Spot, Bike Trail, and Climbing Gym

Charlotte

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9.2^/10

596

ratings

The folks at Men's Health Mag and Creative Loafing Charlotte like this place. Would you agree?
"The whitewater rafting may be amazing, but the Center is also home..."(6 Tips)
"Come to Thursday River Jam! Bring a chair and your dog!"(3 Tips)
"i had a great time doing adventure rafting and mountain biking"(6 Tips)
"Fun zip lines are not as scary as I had hoped."(2 Tips)

119 Tips and reviews

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Chris SlaughterSeptember 20, 2015
The rafting experience is great! It is a man-made course that was designed by an Olympian and it is challenging but highly enjoyable. Reserve a time slot early before all the slots fill up for the day
Upvoted 6 days ago
Benjamin OldsAugust 27, 2012
The canopy tour may be extra, but it is so worth it! It's a light challenge with a lot of fun zip lines, repelling, and rope bridges. The tour guides were excellent also! I will do it again!
Brad KaiserJune 21, 2015
Plan your day! You can't do it all in one day,'particularly on a busy weekend so decide in advance. The longest wait times for rope courses and Mega Zip were a result of waiting for harness equipment.
Livability.comMay 23, 2011
The whitewater rafting may be amazing, but the Center is also home to one of the largest outdoor climbing structures in the US. So whatever your activity of choice, be sure to check this place out!
Brittney PotterAugust 7, 2022
We had so much fun as we used this venue for our team building event! We did white water rafting & US Olympic team practices here. Much more to do, mountain biking, rock climbing, etc
Raj MehtaAugust 16, 2013
A perfect picnic spot in Charlotte. A lot more to do than just Rafting. Yes, Thursday nights are the best. Have a great time with friends and family !
The Ritz-CarltonApril 7, 2017
Adventurous spirits should consider the new Deep Water Solo -- a wall towering over a 20-ft deep pool. Climbers will release after reaching the top, and fall into the waters below.
Steve PolandOctober 20, 2012
If ever in Charlotte, this is a must do. Mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rapids, rock climbing and more outdoor fun. Amazing lunch spot on-premise w/even better microbrew beer selection.
Creative Loafing CharlotteOctober 7, 2013
The USNWC pulls in a variety of regional and national talent. And what better place to listen to some great music than alongside the raging river? Read more
JosephMarch 18, 2013
Awesome place! Lots to do for the entire family! All my kids had a blast, my wife-just as much fun! And I rode the trails over and over. I'll be back for sure.
Juliette PaolaJune 17, 2011
Whitewater Rafting was my favorite! Flat water kayaking gives your arms a great workout without you even realizing it. Also, do the 46ft jump first, then you're ready for anything! Amazing place!!
Curtis CorrellJune 18, 2015
Been here 5+ times
This is one of the greatest resources Charlotte has to offer! Get the season pass. It quickly pays itself off and gives you unlimited access to almost everything inside the park.
Carlos RussoSeptember 5, 2014
A great place for a team offsite, or to take some out of town friends. There's a gift shop, and a restaurant/bar that'll keep you refreshed throughout the day.
mtb macJuly 9, 2013
USNWC is a wonderful place to take your pup! However be a smart pet owner and on festivals that have fireworks DO NOT bring your dog. They WILL runaway. Happens every year. Festivals are kick a** tho!
TIMEAugust 17, 2012
USNWC is billed as the “world’s premier outdoor adventure and environmental education center.” Home to the world’s largest man-made recirculating river, it features rapids, hiking and biking trails.
FamilyFunFebruary 21, 2012
The highlight for many is the white-water rafting (the currents in the man-made channels can be adjusted so they're safe for kids) but there's also mountain biking, kayaking, zip lines, and hiking.
Phoenix JimenezJuly 6, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Make sure to come on Thursdays for live music. Have a beer or three before you get there, the beer lines can't get quite lengthy.
Men's Health MagAugust 3, 2014
It's the ultimate whitewater park—an escalator even delivers you and your boat back upriver after you've tested out the rapids. Read more
Emily AdamsAugust 11, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Rafting is a blast but not for the fainthearted...it is a rough ride there! Also try the kayaking and ropes course/ziplines. Mountain biking even on the easy course is hard!!
Visit North CarolinaJanuary 4, 2011
Much more than whitewater rafting. Get an "all sport pass" and enjoy hiking, mountain biking, ziplining and more! Don't forget Fido, USNWC loves dogs.
Chris KonecnyMay 24, 2014
Actually one of the better draft beer menus in Charlotte. Not to mention a great place to hang out and do things outside.
Kari HessJuly 6, 2018
There's so much more to explore outside of the pass activities-yoga classes, hiking/biking trails, outdoor concerts.
Cara LudlamAugust 26, 2012
Awesome get there early. Get Eric for your guide when rafting. Jump from the mega jump before the rest of your party then watch them. Fun zip lines are not as scary as I had hoped.
Ryan RearickNovember 2, 2015
Paddleboarding is fun, affordable and perfectly finished with a beer from their wide selection of local cans/drafts.
Alexa ThompsonAugust 12, 2014
This place is 100% worth the fee. I was there from open to close and still didn't get to do everything I wanted to! Its so much fun!!
Sonja MAugust 11, 2013
Pay attention to the raft talk! I used every single lesson, including grabbing the rope when we flipped...and lost my sunglasses! SO much fun.
Kurt RisingJune 8, 2012
Go down below the entrance to get your tickets because there is no line like there is out front. Bring extra clothes, you get soaked if you go rafting. And if you go, you have to do some rafting.
The Ritz-CarltonAugust 10, 2011
Rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, climbing… the US National Whitewater Center is all about the great outdoors. Looking for something really different? Sign up for a survival course.
FerlyGSeptember 1, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Be prepared to be covered in l'eau de Catawba, but you'll be back in business after a shower in the locker room. The facilities are usually clean but not always kept up when there's a festival crowd.
Mary Catherine DolphensOctober 12, 2011
In addition to all the fun outdoor activities, River's Edge has a great beer selection and tasty food. I highly recommend the black bean burger.
Richard SextonNovember 25, 2009
There is too much to do here..cayaking, rafting, mtn biking, trail running, zip line, rock climbing..etc. Its a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts, but also great for family trips too. Five Stars! Read more
Colin ByrnesJuly 20, 2015
Whitewater rafting was a blast. Guide Graff was awesome. Definitely a must go.
Kimberly RatliffDecember 12, 2009
USNWC is dog-friendly -- bring a leash & something to pick up after your pooch. The restaurant here will give Fido a complimentary bowl of water on the patio while you dine!
Sean BurkeAugust 2, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Cold beer and the great outdoors. Perfect place to spend the weekend.
Charles ReinAugust 15, 2011
14 miles of trails, they charge 2.00 for trail maps, and trails not very well marked. Great for a day trip 40-50 dollars to do all events, trails free
Jodie NSeptember 7, 2013
Best Place in Charlotte to hangout on the weekend!
Scott KelleyJuly 15, 2012
This place is awesome. Saw it for the first time for 4th of July fireworks. Can't wait to go back. Super cool.
Tracy DinanApril 22, 2014
Need closed toe shoes. Plan ahead, you will only be able to complete 4/5 activities, schedule whitewater rafting right away.
Jeroen Van BulckApril 5, 2014
Nice place to go rafting and mountainbiking. Kano, kayak, climbing are also fun
Scott HarringtonMarch 18, 2010
Been here 10+ times
Weekend Rafting is the best! The place is buzzing with crowds that come out to run, bike, paddle, and climb. The water is running again (2010) and the 70+ degree weekends are back! Read more
Terissa ElmerMay 24, 2010
The bike trails, kayaking on the river and the whitewater track are so much fun! If you want to get on the zip line, come early because the lines are always huge Read more
Caitlynn ParksSeptember 4, 2014
Fish Tacos and a Sierra Nevada with some sweet potatoe fries :-)
Jack EtheringtonSeptember 24, 2017
Get the all day pass, get there early, and go MAD
Michael BeasDecember 9, 2023
Amazing vibes good people and prices will come again
ᴡ TomesJune 23, 2013
Been here 5+ times
If you like adrenaline & live in the area, a Season Pass is the only way to go!
ThorApril 15, 2017
Been here 100+ times
Awesome experience, good peeps and an adventure
Ana Maria ZirogluJuly 21, 2013
Awesome place!! Loved the rafting! Great walking trails. A bit pricey.
Will TrokeyJuly 28, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Ask for Vincent Nelson is want to learn and really raft. Great guide!
Alejandra 🌻September 6, 2015
Rafting, high ropes, kayak, beer and awesome music at night
libby offnickJuly 18, 2014
Amazing day @nwwc. Too much for just one day.

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