Access & Facility

  • No ticket or pass is required to access the Whitewater Center property, though the Whitewater Center charges a parking fee for guests who enter the facility by automobile.

    Daily Parking Fee: $12 per vehicle
    Oversized vehicles: $25
    Annual Parking Pass: $40 (valid From January 1 – December 31 each year)

  • Outside food and beverages are not permitted on Whitewater Center property, including the parking lots.

  • Pets are always welcome at the USNWC and must remain on leash, unless within the designated Off Leash area.

  • Blankets and chairs are permitted.

    Canopies and shade structures are permitted as long as they are staked down and do not obstruct the view of other guests. Shade structures are not permitted on Belmont Abbey College Island.

  • Smoking and vaping are not permitted on Whitewater Center property, including the parking lots.

Eat & Drink

  • Yes. The Whitewater Center operates a number of food and beverage outlets onsite.

    Please reference the Calendar for hours of operation.

  • Outside food and beverage is not permitted on Whitewater Center property, including the parking lots.

  • No. All dining and bar locations are first come, first served.

Passes

  • No pass or ticket is required to visit the Whitewater Center and access the 1,300 acre property. An Activity Pass is required to access Activities. All guests must complete a Waiver prior to purchasing an activity pass.

  • Passes are available for purchase online, onsite or by phone at (704) 391-3900.

    Onsite locations for pass purchases and redemptions include the Dickson Center, Guest Services and the River Center. Please reference the Facility Map.

  • In the event of inclement weather, some or all activities may not operate. Please check weather conditions before purchasing any activity passes. Refunds and rain checks are not offered.

  • Available activities for the current day can be found on the Daily Activity Schedule.

    Please note that activity availability is subject to change at all times. Activity availability does not guarantee access to pass holders.

Trails

  • The Whitewater Center trail system is comprised of more than 40 miles of trails on the 1,300 acre property.

  • No pass or fee is required to access the trail system.

    The Whitewater Center has a $12 daily parking fee (oversized vehicles $25) or $40 for an annual parking pass. Annual Parking Passes are valid through December 31st.

  • Trail accessibility is subject to trail conditions and weather. The current and most up-to-date trail status is always available online.

  • Trail status can be checked via the website, or by calling Guest Services at 704.391.3900.

  • Trail maps are available for viewing on Whitewater Center property and online.

  • A “Trails Closed” indicator means that the public may not access the trail system for any use. The Parkway and Channel Loop trails are available for access at all times.

  • The trails are shared by hikers, runners, and bikers at all times.

  • Yes. Dogs must be secured with a leash at all times. You may run, walk and hike with your dog without a leash within the Off Leash facility.

  • We offer a variety of trails that range from beginner to advanced.

  • Standard bikes are single speeds, upgrades are multi speed.

  • Class 1 eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph are permitted on the Whitewater Center trail system.

    No motorized craft or throttle-assisted vehicles are permitted.

Activity Access

  • Guests can participate in activities by purchasing an applicable Activity Pass. All guests must complete a Waiver prior to pass purchase.

  • The Whitewater Center operates more than 30 outdoor recreational experiences with varying operational hours and availability.

    Please reference the Daily Activity Schedule on your day of visit to view available activities and hours of operation.

  • Whitewater rafting and select ziplines currently require an advance reservation to participate. Guests can secure a reservation and pay any associated reservation fees (if applicable) at any Guest Services location onsite.

  • All required equipment for pass activities is provided by the Whitewater Center with the exception of Whitewater Kayaking/SUP and Yoga. Please reference specific activity pages for apparel and footwear requirements.

Deep Water Solo

  • Deep Water Solo is a climbing discipline involving free climbing over a body of water. Rather than utilizing ropes and harnesses, a climber free falls into the water upon release from the climbing surface.

  • Yes, the ability to swim is a requirement for this activity.

  • Yes, Deep Water Solo will have a certified lifeguard on duty at all times when the activity is accessible to pass holders.

  • Sessions are 30 minutes in duration. Guests may access multiple sessions on their day of visit.

  • Yes, all climbers must have close toed shoes with a heel strap.

Flatwater Kayaking

  • Whitewater kayaking is performed in rapids of varying difficulty using specific kayaks. Flatwater kayaking is done on calm bodies of water using recreational style kayaks. Flatwater requires little or no experience while whitewater kayaking requires instruction, prior experience and specific equipment.

    Flatwater kayaking is included in the Annual Pass, Day Pass, and Single Activity Pass and takes place on the Catawba River. Whitewater kayakers may access the whitewater channels with the purchase of a Day Pass or a Single Activity Pass.

  • No, Whitewater Center does not permit voluntary swimming in the whitewater channel or on the Catawba River during regular operating hours. There are specific events or races where swimming is included and authorized. For more information on specific swimming events, you can reference the Race Series and River Jam tabs.

  • No, personal items should not be left unattended at any point during your visit to the Whitewater Center. You may hold onto your items while participating in flatwater activities, rent a storage bin or single-use locker at one of our guest service outlets or secure your belongings in a personal vehicle.

  • Flatwater kayaking is a perfect activity for both novice and experienced paddlers alike. Self-guided trips or group clinics are available to suit your needs.

  • Flatwater kayaks are included with the price of a Day Pass or Single Activity Pass, but guests with their own boats are welcome to portage them to the Flatwater Dock.

Ice Skating

  • Yes, guests can bring their own skates but will still need to purchase a Day Pass or Single Activity Ice Skating Pass.

  • Yes, skates are included in the pass price and are required to be on the ice.

  • Yes, staff will sharpen the skates on a periodic basis throughout the winter season to maintain the blades and ensure there are no issues with the gear.

  • Yes, the team conditions the skating surface on a periodic basis. The schedule may vary by day, but the team is actively evaluating ice conditions at all times.

  • Guests of all ages can participate in skating so long as the guest is able to walk.

  • Ice Skating will be open during the day and evening mid-November through mid-February.

  • Yes, Ice Skating will be open on both Thanksgiving and Christmas from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Jumps

  • There are no age restrictions, but you must weigh between 45 and 265 pounds.

  • Yes, the only time we will close the jumps is for lightning.

  • Close-toed shoes with a heel strap, a shirt, and shorts or pants are required.

  • With the Day Pass, participants may do the jumps multiple times.

  • The jumps do not require a reservation and work on a walk-up basis.

Off Leash

  • There is no cost to enter Off Leash without a dog. Each dog that enters Off Leash must have a pass, with a maximum of three dogs allowed per person. Annual Pass holders can add one dog to their pass at no additional charge, allowing full access to Off Leash. Up to two additional dogs may be added to an Annual Pass for $50 each. Alternatively, guests can purchase a $10 single activity pass for their dog or a $20 monthly Off Leash pass. Off Leash passes are only available for purchase onsite.

  • Guests will enter the Whitewater entrance at 5000 Whitewater Parkway and follow the signs through South Lot Parking to the Off Leash parking lot. Once parked, guests will keep their dogs on leash until after they enter the double gates into Off Leash.

  • Operating hours vary seasonally. Please refer to the daily activity schedule for today’s hours.

  • No, the Lake Loop trail within Off Leash will be for hiking and running only.

  • Dogs that are in heat, aggressive, or sick are not allowed inside the facility. Dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior will be required to leave.

  • No, you are responsible for your dog, and you are required to keep an eye on your dog at all times.

  • No, humans are not allowed to enter the lakes/ponds.

Rafting

  • All guests must wear secure footwear during rafting activities. Footwear must have a minimum of a heel strap and the sole cannot be sharp in any way.

  • There are multiple options for temporary storage of personal belongings. Guests can rent a storage bin or single-use locker at several of our guest service outlets or return items to their personal vehicle.

  • All guests pre-booked on a raft trip should arrive at the Wharf 10 minutes prior to their scheduled trip time. All required gear for the rafting activity will be available at that time, and a raft guide will be there to help fit everything appropriately.

  • No prior experience is required. Rafting is appropriate for all skill levels.

  • Each trip is approximately 90 minutes in duration, including a safety orientation prior to rafts entering the whitewater course.

  • Each raft can hold up to eight people, not including a guide. Your party may be placed in a raft with other groups.

  • Swimming ability is not required to participate in Whitewater Rafting.

  • Yes.

  • Yes, there is a possibility of exiting the raft and going into the Whitewater Channels on a rafting trip.

Ropes Courses

  • You must have a valid day pass, weigh 45-275 pounds, wear close-toed shoes with a heel strap, and wear a shirt and shorts or pants.

    No loose items or phones are permitted on the activity.

  • The Whitewater Center has seven individual ropes course activities. Ridge Traverse and Triple Track have multiple course options while on the activity.

  • Ropes courses have varying levels of difficulty, from beginner to difficult courses.

  • The length of each rope course varies. The individual ability of the participants will also determine how long it takes to complete each course.

Trails

  • The Whitewater Center trail system is comprised of more than 40 miles of trails on the 1,300 acre property.

  • No pass or fee is required to access the trail system.

    The Whitewater Center has a $12 daily parking fee (oversized vehicles $25) or $40 for an annual parking pass. Annual Parking Passes are valid through December 31st.

  • Trail accessibility is subject to trail conditions and weather. The current and most up-to-date trail status is always available online.

  • Trail status can be checked via the website, or by calling Guest Services at 704.391.3900.

  • Trail maps are available for viewing on Whitewater Center property and online.

  • A “Trails Closed” indicator means that the public may not access the trail system for any use. The Parkway and Channel Loop trails are available for access at all times.

  • The trails are shared by hikers, runners, and bikers at all times.

  • Yes. Dogs must be secured with a leash at all times. You may run, walk and hike with your dog without a leash within the Off Leash facility.

  • We offer a variety of trails that range from beginner to advanced.

  • Standard bikes are single speeds, upgrades are multi speed.

  • Class 1 eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph are permitted on the Whitewater Center trail system.

    No motorized craft or throttle-assisted vehicles are permitted.

Whitewater Kayaking

  • Yes, prior Class III whitewater paddling experience is required. Paddlers must provide their own paddling equipment.

    Whitewater paddling instruction is available.

  • Whitewater-specific kayaks and canoes are the only boats allowed on the whitewater channels. Private inflatable crafts that are whitewater-specific, such as Catarafts (Shredders, Paddle Cats) and Inflatable Kayaks (Duckies) are also permitted.

    Limit of 2 people per private craft. Private rafts, oar rigs and framed inflatable crafts are not permitted regardless of size.

  • Kayaks are available to demo for $25 / 4 hours for paddlers with experience and who own personal equipment including a paddle, PFD, helmet and sprayskirt.

  • No advance reservations are required. All guests must check-in at the River Center prior to entering the whitewater channels.

  • Paddlers are welcome to bring their own boats.

    Whitewater kayakers are required to have all their own equipment.

Yoga

  • There is no cost to participate in daily yoga classes.

    Note: SUP Yoga is available during key weekends/festivals requiring a fee and advanced registration.

  • Mats are not provided but are available for rent at any Guest Service location for $5.

  • Yes, class continues rain or shine.

Ziplines

  • There is no minimum age requirement, but you must weigh between 70 and 265 pounds for Double Down and Figure 8, and between 45 and 265 pounds for all other zip lines.

  • Figure 8 and Double Down require an upgrade and reservation. All other ziplines are walk-up and included with the Day Pass.

    The North and South Rim Zips operate as a night activity during Winter at Whitewater, and a reservation is required.

  • Close toed shoes with a heel strap, a shirt, and shorts or pants are required for all ziplines.

  • Yes, the only time we will close the ziplines is for lightning.

  • GoPros or other action cameras can be used only on a helmet with an appropriate J Hook mount. Guests must provide their own helmet with the appropriate mount in order to use their camera.

  • Zipline activities can take up to two hours to complete.

Catering

  • Outside food and beverages are not permitted on Whitewater Center property including the parking lots.

    Guests who desire a catering component must utilize Whitewater Center catering services.
    Per North Carolina state law, catered food and beverage may not leave Whitewater Center property.

  • The full catering menu is available online.

    All catering costs are at a per person rate. There is a 22% service charge and a 8.25% state tax on all catering orders.

  • The USNWC provides private beer and wine services for events with a cash or consumption model. The USNWC does not hold a liquor license.

  • Our menu does not include cakes, but we are happy to provide you with suggested vendors.

    There is a $50 cake cutting fee that includes the service, plates, forks and cocktail napkins.

  • Yes, the USNWC does offer tastings for clients by appointment only. Pricing varies according to the menu selections.

  • A gratuity is not included or expected but is greatly appreciated.

Event Space

  • Yes. Private event reservations require a 50% payment of the full event cost. Two weeks in advance of your event date, a final head count and full payment will be due. Any private events booked within two weeks of the event date will require full payment.

  • Cancellations made within 3 calendar days prior to the event date must be made with your Event Coordinator. The cancellation fee is 100% of the facility fee plus 20% of your event cost. Any cancellations made 48 hours prior to the event will be charged the cancellation fee plus 100% of the F&B cost. No refunds will be given. Rescheduling is available based on available accommodations for your event.

  • Whitewater Center’s daily parking fee is $12 per car or $25 per oversized vehicle. Parking fees can be included in any private event proposal and paid in advance so individual guests do not have to pay upon entry.

Field Trips

  • Yes. The Whitewater Center offers a number of educational and recreational programs for all grade levels. View available Field Trip programs here.

  • The Whitewater Center offers a variety programming for grades K-12. Complete the Inquiry form to speak with an Event Coordinator about available options.

  • Each program varies in length based on the group’s goals and schedule. Please discuss the duration of your stay with Events staff to decide which programs and activities will best suit your visit. Pass activity hours vary throughout the year, and are available on the Whitewater Center Calendar.

  • Boxed lunch packages are available upon request. The full catering menu can be found on the Catering page.

Private Events

  • Yes. The USNWC can accommodate groups of all sizes to participate in activities, utilize event venues, conduct team development or attend events.

    Please contact our Events team for more information.

  • Yes. The Whitewater Center offers a number of event venues around the facility.

  • Yes. Private event reservations require a 50% payment of the full event cost. Two weeks in advance of your event date, a final head count and full payment will be due. Any private events booked within two weeks of the event date require full payment in advance.

  • Any cancellation made 7 or more calendar days before the start of the event will result in a 100% credit (not a refund) of any money paid toward F&B and event costs, and a 50% credit of the facility cost.

    Any cancellations made less than 7 calendar days before the event will result in a cancellation fee of 100% of the facility and F&B costs, plus 20% of the event cost.

    Credits will remain on file for 1 year from the cancellation date. No refunds will be given. Rescheduling is based on the availability to accommodate your event.

  • Site tours are held by appointment on Monday-Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm.