Paddlers and rafters relish this one-of-a-kind attraction right in Charlotte’s backyard on the banks of the Catawba River. If you don’t take well to water, they have a lot to offer land lovers, too, with a climbing center, Eco Caching (go to the center’s Web site at www.usnwc.org to familiarize yourself with this concept), a ropes course, and 11 miles of hiking and biking trails. A $5 parking fee was recently added, but with all the unique amenities and free trails, you can’t beat it with a walking stick.
820 Hawfield Road.
704-391-3900.