If traveling through the Charlotte area, consider visiting and taking in some whitewater rafting. This was great for novices like us, learned a lot, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Note that the rock climbing looked pretty good as well (not for us…). Friendly staff who focused on ensuring we had several great rides.

I was at the USNWC today and had a blast! This place is so much fun!! They offer white water rafting, rock climbing, hiking/running trails, challenge courses, mountain biking and kayaking! They also have a store and a restaurant. The restaurant has very good food at fair prices. You can come to the park for free and use the trails, watch others white water raft or just walk around! You can also bring your pets with you if you want to walk/run with them on the trails. The staff is amazing...very funny, nice and professional! They really make sure that you have a good time! You can rent a locker for $2 to store your change of clothes and whatever else you have. The rapids here are classes 1-4. We started at 11:00 AM and stopped at 1PM...that was enough time to go through the two different courses about 4-5 times each! Our entire raft flipped over at one of the class 4 rapids, but everyone was fine and got right back in. It's very important to listen in the orientation about safety and how to get back into the raft...because someone will definately fall out at one point. I did get a nasty scrape on my knee but that is because my nephew landed on me on our way into the water and made me hit the rocks...and after your first time falling out....its fun and everyone jokes about it! I felt completely safe the entire time because we had such a great guide and they really know what they are doing ! I can't recommend this place enough...I will definately be back soon !