I'm not really sure when Amanda and I became good friends or exactly why we became good friends. We don't share mutual friends, we don't have a ton in common, and I'm positive neither of us thought we would develop into lifelong friends. We met in college through our education classes at UNC Chapel Hill, but our paths didn't truly cross until a Halloween evening in 2003. (or at least thats my version) Six years later here we are, We don't get to see each other very often, but telephones have done the job of keeping us close.
While I was visiting, we decided to head over and visit the US National Whitewater Center. I had read about this facility in Men's Journal and on the Internet and was anxious to see and experience it in person. So after an exciting Friday and a low-key Saturday, we decided to load up our mountain bikes and take ourselves on a personal tour before I left on Sunday.
The US National Whitewater Center is just outside of Charlotte off of Interstate 85. 
It is nestled on 307 acres and for a measly $38, 000,000, now offers something for any outdoor enthusiast. At first sight I have to say I wasn't impressed with the entrance of the facility. The road that you take to enter is a bumpy gravel road that winds through several gates, and past several trailers. Not quite the entrance you would expect for a 38 million dollar facility. I doubt that this will be the entrance for long, as the evidence of a much more appropriate and up to date paved entrance is currently under construction. We stopped at the Security gate and paid our $5/car entry fee. This $5 gives you access to all the hiking and biking trails as well as access to anywhere on the property.
We were one of the first to arrive at the park and went ahead and entered the mountain bike trail. The trail is one directional and is marked with red arrows and posts showing you how to follow the main path. I was disappointed at these markings as Amanda and I spent our first 3o minutes trying to figure out the proper direction. Once we got our bearings we found that it was a fairly easy ride over rolling terrain. This trail is hard packed and fast, which is different from the twisty more technical trails that
I'm accustomed too. Once we finished the South Trail we headed to the North trail. The Trails are connected by a ride alongside the world's largest man-made river and together total 11 miles of singletrack . The first time we passed the river, all was quiet and the canals were only filled with a small amount of standing water.
As we continued onto the North Trail, we found it considerably more technical than the previous. At the mouth of the trail you are warned about safety and reminded that if you were doubtful of your ability, " walk it first, and ride it second." This trail offered great views of the Catawba River as you rode narrow trails on a rather steep incline.
Amanda seemed to be somewhat sketched out about the possibility of a long fall into some cold water. This trail offered several long rocky downhill sections and slippery pine straw covered climbs. This trail could definitely lead to a few good bruises and scrapes. But luckily we were able to walk away in pretty good shape!Once we loaded everything up we headed to take a peek at the main attraction. The world's largest artificial whitewater river and only multi-channel river in existence. By the time we had finished our ride, the water was flowing in full force. This river is definitely not for the beginning paddler and can offer obstacles for even the most experienced. (This is a training facility for the U.S. Olympic team.)
Even if you don't consider yourself a biker or a paddler, this facility still offers something for you. It has a 2,400 square-foot conference center, an outfitters store, hiking trails, guided whitewater rafting tours, several rock climbing walls, a ropes course, and they are currently building a zip line that travels the length of the facility. If none of these interest you, their is a backup plan. The 300 seat River's edge Bar and grill that overlooks the rapids, where you can eat, drink, and watch others enjoy what the US National Whitewater Center has to offer.
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