• Location Address:820 Hawfield Road 28214  view full map & directions
• Website:http://www.usnwc.org/

Located on the banks of the Catawba River in Charlotte, N.C., the U.S. National Whitewater Center is the world's largest artificial whitewater river and an official U.S. Olympic Training Site. The USNWC is a locally owned and operated non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles. Opened in August 2006 at a cost of $38 million, the 307-acre public adventure-sport facility includes whitewater rafting and kayaking, mountain biking and hiking trails, a climbing center and a ropes course, along with a 2,400 square-foot conference center and 300-seat River's Edge Bar & Grill - all overlooking the home rapids of the U.S. National Slalom Canoe/Kayak Team.

I have had the pleasure of visiting this marvel at least twice. On absolutely gorgeous blue sky days to be outside, it was a mecca of outdoor fun! I went with my sister and brother in law and my niece. We strolled around the water a couple times, took some photographs, bumped into some friends at the patio restaurant and talked about the trails they were hiking while there. This is a great spot if you're wondering where to go for a day that weekend. Or any day really. I recommend it. Bring group of friends and make a day of it. Get outside!