U.S. National Whitewater Center
Park · Westwood Forest ·
World's largest man-made whitewater river; rafting, zip lines, trails
World's largest man-made whitewater river; rafting, zip lines, trails
"I found the U.S. National Whitewater Center to be an action-packed family hub where you can raft, bike, zip line, catch live music, enjoy craft brews, and stay at nearby hotels — all reasons Charlotte works so well as a family birthday destination." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"For an outdoorsy Charlotte girls' trip, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers unlimited-access day passes to activities like rock climbing, zip lining, kayaking, yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting across its 1,300-acre complex." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A large outdoor adventure complex built around the world's largest human-made whitewater river, offering guided rafting for parties with participants eight and older plus hiking trails, free outdoor yoga, regular live-music nights (River Jam), and a broad calendar of events and dry-land activities." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I can enjoy the Whitewater Center’s more than 30 land and water activities — including whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking — as a high-energy Charlotte option." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"U.S. National Whitewater Center is the largest man-made whitewater river in the world, and it's also an Olympic training site. But there's so much more than rapids here; rather, it's a 1,300-acre playground for the entire family. With rock climbing and mountain biking on more than 50 miles of trails, the complex feels like an Outside magazine spread—right outside Charlotte. What you do here depends on your interests. If you're a river rat, you'll love the whitewater rapids; if heights are your thing, try the zip lines and rock climbing." - Nancy DePalma