For a fifth year, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, is offering ice skating. In addition, the Canyon Night Trail has opened, boasting adventure play structures and two 600-foot suspension bridges.
Both the ice skating and the Canyon Night Trail will be available through mid-February. The Canyon Night Trail is free (after paying $12 for parking.) Skating costs $25.
Ice Skating
Once again the Upper Pond of the whitewater channel has been converted into a 24,000 square foot ice skating rink. It includes both ice trails and free skating.
In the middle there’s an on-ice Airstream that serves hot and cold beverages. Off-ice, sandwiches, salads, soup, drinks and desserts are also available for purchase.
Enjoy skating or just relaxing by the fires watching skating.
The ice skating program has expanded to include outdoor 3 v. 3 pond hockey.
Skating is available whenever Pass Activities are available. Check the schedule to see Pass Activity Hours.
Learn about all the places for outdoor ice skating this season in the Charlotte area!
Canyon Night Trail
The Canyon Night Trail opens once it gets dark, around 5 p.m., until the end of operating hours, which is 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. depending on the day. See the schedule for hours.
It features a half-mile walking trail and play structures like swings and see-saws that are big enough for visitors of all ages.
The swings aren’t ordinary swings. They hang, in a row, from a large cable, so when one person swings, it affects the motion of the other swings. When all are in synch, it’s amazing!
In addition, it includes the two 600-foot suspension bridges. These bridges normally require an activity pass, but they are included at no cost on the Canyon Night Trail.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but use caution on the suspension bridges. The motion can be scary to dogs, and they’re very high off the ground.
More Winter Activities
This winter the Whitewater Center will host several events, including the New Year’s Eve Trail Race; the Rocky Road Half Marathon, 10K and 5K; A Snowball’s Chance Short Track Skate Race; Frigid Trail Race & Plunge; Dog days of Winter Dog Jog 5K and 1 Mile Walk; and Ride and Seak MTB Adventure Race. Find information on all the races.
Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Holiday Events
Check out our growing day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
