Tip No. 2: Fortunately, you have options. As we’ve been pointing out this week in our Cool Fun in the Summertime Series, it’s all about knowing where to go and what to do, how to have an adventure that ignores the weather. Today, we focus on Charlotte. (We covered the Triangle on Tuesday and the Triad Wednesday; tomorrow, we’ll hit the mountains.)
1. US National Whitewater Center
Charlotte
Whitewater rafting and paddling (and a raft of other activities)
Who doesn’t think “cool” when you think of whitewater rafting? The spray of wave after wave splashing your face, the occasional intentional drop over the side, the occasional unintentional drop … . And since 2006, you haven’t had to drive to the mountains for the experience. The National Whitewater Center’s signature attraction is a quarter-mile-long concrete river chock full of artificial boulders and fed by 12 million gallons of clear, cool well water. Guided raft trips are lead throughout the day; you can bring your playboat and paddle as well. And if you do feel like working up a sweat at some point, the 700-acre facility has mountain bike and hiking trail, climbing, flatwater paddling, ziplining, canopy tours and more. Fee.
More information here.
2. Boomerang Bay, Carowinds
Charlotte
Surfing (of a sort)
What is it about undulating water that we find so appealing? We’ll leave the psychoanalysis to others and simply acknowledge that bobbing in a wave pool (there are two, Bondi Beach and the Great Barrier Reef) offers relief no matter what the thermometer is up to. Should you decide to mix it up, this 20-acre water park also has a 1,000-foot-long lazy river (Crockodile Run), a tube that sends rafters on a four-story drop over 564 feet (Down Under Thunder) and Awesome Aussie Twisters, “A black hole experience that plunges riders into total darkness as they glide through giant tubes.” Less adrenaline-inducing options as well. Fee.
More information here.
3. Lake Norman State Park
Troutman
Hiking, mountain biking, paddling, swimming
Working up a good summer sweat goes from tolerable to tantalizing when you throw in the prospect of immediate relief. For example, ride some (or all, for you epic adventurers) of the 30.5-mile Itusi Trail, then head to Lake Norman’s beach for a refreshing dip. Hike the park’s 7 miles of trail, then, again, head to the lake for a cooling-off period. Ditto with canoeing or kayaking one of the many fingers that make up this nearly 50-square-mile lake. Whether you bike ’n’ dip, hike ’n’ dip or paddle ’n’ dip, there’s no reason to leave Lake Norman with tears (of sweat) in your eyes.
More information here.
4. Catawba River below Lake Wylie dam
Fort Mill, S.C.
Paddling
You know how when you dive into a lake in mid-summer the first few feet of water can seem tepid? Then you continue down another couple feet and — Whoa! That’s brisk! Imagine going down another 70 or 80 feet and you get a sense of the refreshing flow feeding the Catawba River at the base of Lake Wylie dam. And, as luck would have it, the shortest, most beginner-friendly section of the 31-mile run of the Catawba below the dam are the first six miles, from the Fort Mill Access just below the dam to the take out at River Park.
More information here.
5. The Pinnacle
Crowders Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain
Hiking
Sometimes, being cooler is simply a matter of thinking you’re cooler. Granted, after hiking the 2-mile Pinnacle Trail and making that last push to the 1,705-foot summit, you’ll likely be greeted by at least a mild breeze to dry your brow. More importantly, you’ll find yourself mentally transported to a cooler, higher place: the rock outcrops and dwarf Virginia pines make you at least feel like you’re in an Appalachian aerie 3,000 feet higher and about 15 degrees cooler. And we should also mention the stellar views of the surrounding countryside more than 800 feet below.
More information here.
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Tomorrow: Mountains