U.S. National Whitewater Center image

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Restaurant Tourist attraction Park Hiking area Live music venue Recreation center Conference center Non profit organization Rock climbing Ice skating rink Raft trip outfitter

One of the Best Places To Visits in Mecklenburg County


Address

5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, United States

Website

www.whitewater.org

Contact

+1 704-391-3900

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (9.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (22) activities (19) rafting (18) water (17) trails (16) experience (13) courses (13) parking (10) time (10) climbing (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Christopher G. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an awesome facility! It's not far from highway I-85. Everyone that comes has to pay for parking, but after that you only pay for whatever activity you want to participate in. Walking the trails or the grounds is free. Plan on spending the whole day here. With that in mind, they offer food and beverages and have several restrooms throughout. Any activity that you want to participate in requires on site training before you can participate. Everyone is welcome, of all ages.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S R. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely one of the best adventures available. Four of us had a fantastic time. Zip line very fun. 100 foot drop/jump. Seriously I was a great big baby. The staff member at the top of the stairs on the tower was Sooo sweet and patient with me. Walked me through it kept me completely safe. Scared totally.Safe absolutely.A complete blast yes. Do it again? Of course. Seeing the children with zero fear totally embarrassing. Rafting through the rapids so easy. 3 of us tried our best to fall out of the raft. But we stayed in and made it through 4 sets of runs. The rafts are safe, the staff super attentive. The equipment seemed quality. An hour went way too fast Good food, clean park, easy parking, ginormous 400 plus acre site. So many staff members. I was completely impressed Great store with fantastic equipment, supplies, clothing. Top notch. They provide everything you need to enjoy your day. This is a must see and experience adventure.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pinky P. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best places in the Charlotte area. They have something for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. From hanging out in the shade people watching to trail running, mountain biking, zip lining and climbing. Seriously, there's also yoga and kayaking and I could go on. The facilities are well kept and maintained and the trails are well managed. Events (races) are run efficiently and are adorable. Love love love the whitewater center.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Don S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow this place is amazing and has many outdoor adventures you can try. I brought my Mountain Bike to ride the 50+ miles of trails and it definitely didn't disappoint. They also have rafting, kayaking, zip lines, walking, running trails and it's just a great place to bring your family for a day of outside adventures.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben S. 2 years ago on Google
    White Water Center does it all. WWC holds all of your outdoor adventures from rafting, rock climbing, paddle boarding, to team building courses and bike trails. They have great food and multiple bars throughout the area. They hold river jam concerts in the summer and they do ice skating in the winter. They have season passes available, but even if you show up for a concert one night the parking is only $6. This is a great spot, and we're lucky to have them close to Charlotte. Can't recommend them enough.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gordon S. 1 month ago on Google • 451 reviews New
    It was off-season in January; the whitewater "drained" and most activities were closed when we visited. Yet, still one could easily envision the awesomeness of this facility during warmer months. There were climbing & bouldering walls, even inverts over water; mountain biking with an extensive network of trails to ride; and zip lines, rope courses with suspension bridges hidden in the nearby pine forest to explore. When summer returns, crowds will enjoy watching kayakers and rafters maneuver through the rapids, as well as challenging themselves in their outdoorsy passions. There's no better place for the sporting enthusiast in Charlotte than here.

  • 5/5 Eric R. 7 months ago on Google
    U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC, USA. I recently went there for a work meeting, held in one of their conference rooms, and it was awesome! Absolutely great place to learn whitewater skills. They have a LOT to do there besides whitewater. Climbing walls, zip lines, ropes courses, hiking/running trails, mountain biking trails, a great restaurant, bars and lounges, and regularly scheduled live band entertainment. They also have conference rooms for business meetings or whatever. The place is very well run and maintained. Staff there for everything is great, and they are VERY safety oriented. The running and mountain bike trails are no joke. Not black diamond but definitely challenging. If you don't have equipment for what you want to do, they have it there for rent or for sale. If you want to get outdoors this is a great place to do it. Love this place!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tanita L. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow this place is amazing definitely coming back. We enjoyed all activities they offered like the ziplines, climbing walls and the water rafting. You will need a few days in this place so that you are able to do all they have to offer. The food was great and the people were super nice. Money well spent!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shanice K. 6 months ago on Google • 119 reviews
    I’ve been in Charlotte a few years now and never knew this gem existed! This place is amazing. The robe courses, zip lining, rafting, climbing walls and trails are great. Center is well kept, staff is very helpful and restaurants have good really quick bites. Few suggestions, bring a change of clothes (in case you want to go rafting), eat something (robe courses are challenging but fun) and stay hydrated, especially on hot days. And there’s live music at night which is so relaxing. Overall, awesome place for all kinds of activities, must go!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chetan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Had an amazing time here on a weekend. We were lucky to visit on the day they had the build your own boat event. It was packed and there was an amazing atmosphere. It was fun to watch the enthusiasm with which people cheered and the creativity and resourcefulness of the participants. I personally tried the mountain bike rental for the first time and enjoyed it. My friend tried the rafting and had a great time as well. They have a huge number of trails to explore and a wide range of activities (zip lining, rock climbing, rafting/ice skating) to choose from. Perfect spot to spend a day outdoors.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan M. 1 month ago on Google • 257 reviews New
    Awesome park with lots to do. Day pass covered most ziplines and drop tower. They had an event for dogs and their owners, which included dogs on ice. Also, there are lots of trails for runners and bikers and, of course, when it warms up white water rafting. It is amazing to find a huge nature park like this just outside of Charlotte, and it includes a beer garden.

  • 5/5 Revathy R. 2 years ago on Google
    Had so much fun ice skating here. There many tables and chairs near by a fire place where you can do your own picnics at no cost. We went in winter so the water rafting was closed. The ice skating was open till 11PM and the tickets were very reasonable.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave T. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is incredible. If you're into whitewater rafting, kayaking, adventure SUP, rock climbing, ziplining, mountain biking and more, this place was created for you. The facilities are beautiful and the fun is neverending. Adrenaline junkies unite, you'll love this place!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Craig H. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it! All we did was hiking and it was great! If you like rock climbing or Mt. Biking you need to check it out! There are activities for all ages! There's an outfitter for you to buy gear and a restaurant too. The food was great! I had an excellent, flavorful, burger, with thick pieces of bacon in it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth G. 6 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Visited yesterday as one of the stops part of a Girl's Trip. We had an amazing experience!!! The restaurant on site had great food. We did the adventurous rafting course and one of the zip lines. Between eating and those 2 activities that was about 3 hours. All the staff were great, especially our raft guide John. Will definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin S. 2 months ago on Google • 49 reviews New
    The US National Whitewater Center holds a special place in my heart, truly a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Nestled in the embrace of nature, it is a playground where one can escape the digital world and immerse themselves in the exhilarating experiences the center offers. From the heart-pounding rush of whitewater rafting to the heights reached while rock climbing, the thrill of zip-lining, the grace of ice skating, and the adrenaline rush of mountain biking, the Whitewater Center caters to every adventure craving. What makes this place exceptional is not just the myriad of activities, but the genuine engagement it fosters. Here, people set aside their electronics, forging connections with each other and the raw beauty of the surroundings. It's a place where the boundary between Heaven and Earth seems to blur, as the joy and excitement of the activities intertwine with the natural serenity. The US National Whitewater Center isn't just a destination; it's a sanctuary for those seeking an escape, an adventure, and a connection with the great outdoors. It's a testament to the magic that happens when people come together to embrace the thrill of life and the beauty of the world around them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Travelbuff 4 months ago on Google • 108 reviews
    This place is awesome if you are into theses types of activities. It’s great for kids and young adults. It was late November when we visited so about half the activities are closed (all water and some zip lines and ropes courses). It’s really pretty doing the zip lines and ropes courses through the trees. The one downside I found was the wait for certain activities was long due to the type of activity and/or short staffed. It’s a large area so be prepared to walk, especially to Hawk island where the big zip lines are. You do have to go through a briefing to get suited up for the zip lines and ropes courses and unfortunately you have to take everything off and get suited up again when you change locations. The day pass is worth it if you get there when it opens but if you get there later, price out the activities you plan on doing to see if it’s worth it. In November the main activities were only open from approximately 12p-5p, with some being shorter so you don’t have a lot of time given the time delays and distance between venues.

  • 5/5 Nevil J. 1 month ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    There's something special about this park. My family and I love nature, and this place is so dear to our hearts. The parking, which used to be $6 per vehicle, is now $12. Once you've paid, you can literally spend all day inside the whitewater center either doing free activities or more paid activities like rope courses, bungee, zip-lining, kayaking (there's even rapids).. There's so many trails, and they're all very well maintained and beautiful. To top it all off, during the winter time, the water is closed off and turned into a massive ice skating ring that is 8 shaped. Yesterday was a bit warm, so the ice was melting a bit. But, even then, there was an employee cleaning off the water intermittently. Oh, there's also a small restaurant with basic food options which taste great. All in all, this place is beautiful and shouldn't be missed by anyone who comes to Charlotte.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C.T W. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is so fun and amazing! Definitely worth the drive from Hampton roads! From the customer service(shout-out to Mr. Bill in guest services) to the instructors. Customer service is not lacking. Everyone was pleasant, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about helping customers. The facility was very clean! Adventure Rafting was SOOO fun & I can't wait to come back and try a full day pass to experience everything and even Big Water. Thanks for the incredible experience !!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Janine Di M. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing. I wish there was something like this in NJ. The fact that they had mtn bike trails, running trails, and OCR course, zip lining, solo climb pool, a rock wall, a place to kayak or paddle board and the best part the white water rafting. I really have to say, the tour guide who is a retired Marine (w the beard) was incredible. Our rafting experience was unbelievable. He made sure to help guide us through the rapids several times to get the full experience of a 3 or 4 grade. Honestly I'm looking forward to coming back in the winter to see the ice skating rink. Overall it was a perfect place for an adventure. It's definitely not a place for kids under 10 honestly because of the intensity of the activities. However it is a great place to learn something new and how to overcome any fear of the water. I grew up on the bay and ocean. So none here. I would recommend that if you're in the area or planning to be, that you make a day of it, if not two days. Bring water shoes and water and be prepared to laugh smile and scream.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brad S. 1 year ago on Google
    Every year this place gets better. They have put a lot of time, effort & money into the NWWC and it shows. Activities, food & drink are always on point. Live music on certain days or nights is also great. Luv this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian G. 4 months ago on Google • 53 reviews
    Beautiful, can't wait to come back when the water is open. The big zip line is well worth the time and additional fee. Try the 60 or 100 foot drop if you want to see if you're afraid of heights (or can overcome it). The best deal if you are coming for more than one day is the annual pass. There is also an annual parking pass (sold separately) -- they will apply the parking fee you paid to enter towards the annual parking pass.

  • 4/5 Joe M. 4 months ago on Google
    Such a nice experience with the family but definitely way overpriced. For parking and ice skating it was $125 for the 4 of us. Worth at least once a season though, we try to go in the day and then back at night the same day, as the tickets are good for whole day. Night is the best with the lights.

  • 5/5 Diego A. F. 4 months ago on Google
    My girlfriend and I recently moved to Charlotte, NC from South Florida. After visiting the Whitewater Center several times beforehand, we knew we wanted to spend as much time as possible there. Since then, we’ve participated in races, volunteered for packet pick up, supported aid stations, doused runners with green powder for the St. Patty’s run, and gone out for date nights there. For our volunteer opportunities working with Stephen and Lauren has been amazing. They are responsive, helpful and friendly. You can tell they go above and beyond their jobs to provide visitors and competitors with a fantastic experience. If you’re in the Charlotte area, definitely swing by and check out the facility and if you live nearby and are looking for ways to get involved in the community, I’d definitely recommend reaching out to volunteer!

  • 5/5 Jeremy Hill with Fathom R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great family experience, kids had a blast with plenty to do for all age groups. The day pass worked well for our trip. The whitewater family rafting was a good experience and had plenty of fun for everyone. Our kids really enjoyed the climbing courses and deep water solo. We stayed for almost 9 hours and had a variety of activities during the day. Only suggestion would be more family friendly climbs. 90% of the climbers were all in the 1-2 level courses and almost no one used the more difficult climbs. Could spread the crowd more.

  • 5/5 Janice H. 1 year ago on Google
    My first experience at the white water rafting center was exciting. There is so much offered in one location! It's beautiful scenery is a great place to practice my photography skills. I got some cool shots watching the kayakers in the rapids and the other cool doggie shots with the flowers.

  • 5/5 Christina J. 1 year ago on Google
    Lots of parking and things to do for all ages levels, including white water rafting of course, but also mountain biking/hiking/walking trails, paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing, obstacle/ropes courses and zip lining. They have seasonal activities as well. In the winter there are lighted walks and ice skating and in the summer there is a rock-climbing wall that curves out over water you can drop into. There is also a pretty good restaurant on site. Parking is $6 per car, or if you decide to splurge on the annual pass, then parking is free.

  • 5/5 Ian M. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fun place! I’ve come here a handful of times, once with a group and twice with my wife. All of the visits have been a blast! Whitewater rafting itself is my favorite part of the center. The experience does depend on the instructor that you get — some are more likely to have you end up in the water than others, but no matter which instructor you get, it’s a thrilling experience. The Whitewater Center also has great ropes courses which I’ve enjoyed (both a low ropes and a high ropes). The whole vibe of the place is incredible, too. Just lots of people having fun doing outdoorsy activities. It can be a bit pricey, but it’s worthwhile going at least once a year in my opinion! Highly recommended.


Call +1 704-391-3900 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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