820 Hawfield Road
Charlotte, NC 28214
704-391-3900
www.usnwc.org

Alongside mountain-biking and running trails, a climbing center, and a challenge course, the park’s unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is the world’s premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center. Alongside mountain-biking and running trails, a climbing center, and challenge course, the park’s unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities. 

Inspired by the successful Penrith Whitewater Stadium built for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, the Whitewater Center is located a mere 10-minute drive from the Charlotte airport. The Center is designed for newcomers and advanced water enthusiasts alike. But the facility is not only for seasoned whitewater aficionados. Although USNWC provides one-of-a-kind experiences for anyone addicted to the rush of whitewater, the center caters to all types of outdoor adventurers by also offering hiking, running, and biking trails, a ropes course, and the two tallest rock climbing Imprint walls in the nation.

At almost 5.5 miles in total length, the USNWC synthetic river at the Historic Tuckaseegee Ford Park is fast becoming a stopover for tourists from all around the nation and the globe. Featuring both wilderness and competition whitewater channels, the special pumps that keep the man-made river moving are capable of filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool in less that 20 seconds, and their combined force generates both Class III and Class IV rapids. Whitewater enthusiasts may choose to spend from one hour to over three hours experiencing unique teambuilding immersion experiences.

USNWC opened in August 2006 at a cost of $37 million. The 307-acre public adventure-sport facility also has locker room facilities, a 2,400 square-foot conference center and 90-table restaurant and bar — all overlooking the home rapids of the U.S. National Slalom Canoe/Kayak Team.