US Nat'l Whitewater Rafting Center - MTB

US Nat'l Whitewater Rafting Center - MTB


On the rare ocassion that I have a Sunday at home I typically attempt to get out and enjoy the outdoors away from everything. This past weekend was no exception when my brother and I made a short 1.5 hour road trip south to the US National Whitewater Rafting Center complex for a little mountain biking. Web searches and trail reviews underestimate the near 12 miles of awesome single track trails that encircle the facilities. USNWRC has something to offer for every outdoor enthusiast from rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, rappeling, zip line rides, tower climbs, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing on the Catawba River, and eating on the decks and patios overlooking the rapids.


We really didn't know what to expect before making the drive. Just a few weeks ago we drove down to Asheboro to ride the trails in the Uwharrie National Forest and were somewhat underwhelmed with what was offered. I suppose the allure of a cold beer and some kick ass food after a long ride would put to shame any forest trail that has nothing but mosquitos and a trip through what appear to be abandoned ghost towns after 9PM. USNWRC had everything put together quite well so much so that if I was mistaken I would have thought we were in Orlando, Florida near all of the other Disney attractions and touristic theme parks. From the entryway landscaping to the gift shop inside, this place had something for anyone with a sense of adventure. After speaking with one of the girls from inside the shop I was sure I had met someone who had a better job than I. They get 2 hour lunch breaks to essentially get out and play. Whether it's grabbing a ride on a raft or hitting the trails on the mountain bike, a clean locker room with showers and a restaurant all within walking distance makes staying fit and having fun while working somewhat of a stress free work environment. If I was a college student living in the Charlotte area I would more than likely make this place the part time job of choice.


If you've never been mountain biking before, I would place a strong recommendation on going to USNWRC. All the equipment you would need is available onsite in their rental shop. They even offer mountain biking instruction for the absolute novice. I suppose if you're unsure of how to operate brakes and the gear shifter on a bike you might look into this, otherwise hit the trails hard and have fun.


We arrived sometime near mid-day due to some incorrect driving directions all thanks to the Garmin taking us west of downtown instead of east downtown Charlotte. Upon arrival we paid a nominal $5 parking fee and made quick work of exploring the activities offered. I was amazed at the variety offered and will look forward to returning in the spring of '09 for a 2-day stay to participate in some biking, kayaking, and maybe even a little rafting. The zip line was another appealing attraction that I would like to ride on a future visit.


We made good time through all of the trails offered including their single black diamond trails. There weren't too many obstacles unfamiliar with some of the trails in the Triad although the gradual terrain changes and lengthy downhills made for some adrenalin induced fun. We finished off our day with a couple of cold draft beers and some chicken rice bowls at the restaurant. The breeze and sounds of the rapids sure placed me somewhere in the wilderness except within a stones throw of the interstate and a short ride from home.

I look forward to returning to the US National Whitewater Rafting Center with my "nice" camera in tow to make some great photos. In particular, some action sequences of intense rafting, rock climbing, or mountain biking would do well for my little photography blog. For now, enjoy the few cell phone snapshots. I'll see you next time whenever or wherever life or this road with work takes me.

- Eugenio


For more info, visit: 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.

Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center. Whether you want to play hard or relax on the river's edge, the USNWC offers a great place to take it outside."