Before Evy Leibfarth won her first Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Games, the Bryson City native and Davidson College Wildcat trained at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. What you may not know: the 1,300-acre park has Olympic history.
“It’s a really pretty place and the whitewater here is awesome,” Leibfarth told WCNC Charlotte. “It just feels very calm and very normal.”
In 2021, the USNWC hosted the Canoe and Kayak Olympic Trials + was home to three Olympians training that year.
If you’re looking to test the waters, here’s your guide to the USNWC.
Climbing
Climb one of the region’s largest outdoor climbing facilities using 35-45 top rope routes or the 46-ft-tall spire for sport and top rope climbing.
Deep water solo
This 20 to 45-ft-tall rock complex allows climbers to fall into deep water instead of using traditional climbing protection.
Flatwater kayaking and paddleboarding
Visitors preferring a calming float on the Catawba River can take a short walk through the USNWC to the docks and paddle for 90 minutes.
Trail activities
The USNWC features various trails for mountain biking, hiking, and running alongside trees, lakes, and rivers.
Whitewater rafting
You + seven other people paddle together on the world’s largest manmade whitewater river for up to 90 minutes.
Whitewater kayaking
Kayak or stand-up paddle on the Wilderness Channel with standing waves or in the steeper areas that culminate in Big Drop.
No gear? No problem. The USNWC has all the equipment required for any of the listed activities.
Pro tip: Bring your dog and watch competitors on the water + stay for live music during River Jam in the summer.
Don’t forget. Catch our local Olympians at Paris 2024 via WCNC’s ongoing Olympics coverage.
