Adventure Trail
Take a trek through the great outdoors.
Pick your own path through the 1,300 acres at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a nonprofit destination that promotes healthy, active lifestyles and environmentalism through free and purchasable activities. Home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river, the USNWC hosts endless events including free River Jam concerts, Adventure Dining, the Whitewater Race Series and annual festivals. From the adrenaline rush of rock climbing to the relaxing vibe along the water features, there’s an option for everyone to spend their perfect day outdoors. Note: parking at USNWC is $6 per day or $50 for an annual parking pass. Mountain bikes rentals are included with all activity pass purchases.
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Take a look at the trail details while you’re on the move.
Time/Distance Estimates
Route
Channel Loop
- .8 miles
- 15-min walk
- 5-min bike ride
- Easy intensity
DIDN’T BYOB-IKE?
Mountain bikes rentals are included with all activity pass purchases.
Outfitters, the 5,000 square-foot store at the main entrance
Before you hit the Channel Loop, take a peek inside Outfitters to stock up on anything you need for the day, including equipment and apparel, as well as quick snacks like protein bars. You can shop more than 40 outdoor brands, and items like sunglasses, jackets and water bottles. No activity pass is required.
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Here for a concert or event? Outfitters is actually the secret-ish drink spot for when lines are long at the bars. The selection is limited, but a cider and a couple of craft beers from local breweries are always on tap.
The Channel Loop, the 0.8-mile loop around the whitewater channels
Take a quick lap around the Channel Loop to survey the land, see what other visitors are up to and pick out your preferred activity. Notice the Competition Channel, Hawk Island, Wilderness Channel and other features. No activity pass is required.
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The Day Pass is the most popular option for visitors, which gives you access to ziplining, whitewater rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, climbing and other available activities.
Word on the trail
“One of the best adventure values you will ever find. This place will leave you sore and tired at the end of the day.” - Rob H., Google Reviews
Go Climbing
Along the Channel Loop, you can test your strength with the intense Deep Water Solo Climb with five walls and a drop-off into a deep pool of water. Prefer something tamer? Choose from more than 35 top-rope routes that feature an anchor system and different levels of difficulty. There are also about 50 bouldering problems. An All Access Pass or Single Activity Pass is required.
River’s Edge, for a full-service restaurant meal
Fuel up for (or after) a day of excitement with starters, salads, sandwiches, main meals and fun menu items for kids, plus wine and beer. The patio overlooks the Channel Loop, so you can watch ziplines go by, see rafters get jostled on the rapids, observe the climbers and get inspired to make your next move. No activity pass is required.
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The Bavarian pretzel with whole grain mustard and white cheddar. There’s just something about that salt when you’re sweating it out on the trails.
Word on the trail
“Great atmosphere and good food. The selection was diverse but not overwhelming.” - Dan E., Google Reviews
Head to the Channel Loop trailhead access point to go biking, hiking or running
How far do you want to go? Another 0.4 miles? A whole 3 miles? Farther? Choose between two routes by the Lower Pond, for starters. Walk, bike or run along the 0.4-mile Jackrabbit Trail (lowest difficulty) or the 3-mile North Main Trail (more difficulty). Both loop you down by the Catawba River. No activity pass is required.
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Be on the lookout for native North Carolina plants like the flowering dogwood, the wood fern, coral honeysuckle, the wild strawberry and more. And note: peak time to catch the leaves turning in North Carolina is usually the first week of November.
Word on the trail
“Great trails for both hiking and mountain biking. Possibly some of the best biking trails around Charlotte.” - Aaron W., Google Reviews
The Pump House Biergarten, for craft beer or snacks
Cross the bridge from the Channel Loop to Belmont Abbey Island to grab a refreshment and a picnic table in the shade. The craft beer list is long, with about 60 on tap. It’s accompanied by a smaller food menu if you’re feeling snackish. No activity pass is required.
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A local brew, like one from Charlotte’s oldest brewery, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
Word on the trail
“If you love the outdoors, being adventurous, or like beer and live music, this is the spot.” - Taylor P., Google Reviews
Not ready to call it a day? Good. There are more than 50 miles of trail begging to be explored. Check out the additional trails to continue your adventure (hint: the longest is the East Main trail at 5.7 miles, and there are many connecting trail options). No activity pass is required.
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You can also check out any of the additional activities that require an All Access Pass or Single Activity Pass, including stand-up paddleboarding, flatwater kayaking, whitewater rafting, ziplining, rope courses, canopy tours and skating (in the winter). The full activity schedule is here.