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The Charlotte area has no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. From whitewater rafting to hiking to horseback riding - the region offers something for everyone to enjoy.
First up is whitewater rafting, just minutes from downtown Charlotte. The U.S. National Whitewater Center ( www.usnwc.org) is a non-profit, outdoor recreation and adventure sports facility. Along with the world's largest man-made re-circulating whitewater river for whitewater rafting and kayaking, the USNWC features a canopy tour, mountain biking and running trails, a climbing center, zip lines and ropes courses. Situated on 400 acres of woodlands on the Catawba River, the USNWC is also a U.S. Olympic training site.A raft trip on the Class II, III or IV rapids includes a professional guide, a short trip talk on the fundamentals of rafting and essential safety information, and all the technical equipment needed. There are three options available: family, adventure or extreme "rodeo" rafting.If it's hiking you're looking for, Crowders Mountain State Park in Gaston County (about 25 miles west of Charlotte) is a popular choice. The mountain is the second highest point in Gaston County and views stretch for more than 25 miles. Hikers can experience a variety of terrain - from valleys to foothills to peaks - and choose from 11 different trails with varying levels of difficulty.Near the northern trailhead, adventurers can take a short spur to the top of 1,705-foot Kings Pinnacle. The new Ridgeline Trail, opened in April 2009, connects Crowders Mountain with Kings Mountain State Park to the southwest in South Carolina. Visitors can also rock climb, kayak (for rent at the park), and fish. If they feel like spending the night, back country camping is available.Sailors and boaters, Charlotte has you covered as well. Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in the state, is just north of the city.When filled to capacity, its surface area is 32,510 acres with a shoreline of 520 miles and a main channel 34 miles in length - befitting its nickname, the "Inland Sea." Thirteen miles of the shoreline are in Lake Norman State Park. Pedal boats and canoes are available for rent along this area. Fishing, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds are all accessible here, along with a swimming area that includes a 125-yard-long sand beach.Privately owned boats and watercraft may access Lake Norman from the boat launch area at the south end of the park. With no horsepower or speed limit, power boats, bass boats, sailboats and pontoons share the lake with kayaks, canoes and even the occasional paddle boat.For landlubbers looking to run or bike, opportunities in the region abound. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is home to 210 parks and facilities on more than 17,600 acres throughout the region. Popular spots for runners and cyclists include Mallard Creek and Clark's Creek Greenways, Freedom Park, McAlpine Park, Renaissance Park, Col. Francis J. Beatty Park and Reedy Creek Park.The Charlotte Running Club ( www.charlotterunningclub.org) organizes group runs and provides a growing community for runners of all abilities. Check out Tarheel Trailblazers for area mountain biking information and Charlotte Area Bicycle Alliance for cycling advocacy and news ( www.charlottebikes.org hosts both groups).Campers looking to take an urban escape can do so at McDowell Nature Preserve, located six miles from Carowinds amusement park in the southern tip of Mecklenburg County. The Park and Rec-maintained area offers 1,108 acres of peace and quiet. Visitors can hike seven miles of trails or fish from numerous piers and platforms. McDowell Campground has 56 campsites ranging from RV to primitive. Group camping is available at Copperhead Island, just a few miles up the road.There are also permanent tents that can be rented by first-time campers who want to try out the whole outdoors experience. Recently, McDowell started renting canoes for use on Lake Wylie, the lake that serves as the dividing line between North and South Carolina.Horseback trail rides at the Latta Plantation Equestrian Center ( www.lattaequestriancenter.com) in north Charlotte provide another getaway from city living. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve is the only Mecklenburg County property open to horseback riding and has 16 miles of trails offering visitors a variety of terrain while enjoying scenic views of Mountain Island Lake, forests and streams. Thirteen miles are designated as horseback and hiking trails and three miles are designated as hiking only.