One of the best things about Charlotte is its close proximity to every type of outdoor experience: the mountains, the lakes, the oceans. As the temperatures drop around the Queen City, here’s a few ways to soak up those last outdoor activities before old man winter sets in for good. Grab your loved ones, layer up, and enjoy all the outdoor beauty North Carolina has to offer this time of year.
U.S. National Whitewater Center—Charlotte, NC
Highlight: Everything outdoors—trail riding, hiking, ropes course, rock wall, white-water sports. Plus, the trails are free and open to the public all year-round (with the purchase of a parking pass).
Piedmont Skydiving—Salisbury, NC
Highlight: Get high on the adrenaline rush of jumping out of a plane ten thousand feet above the ground. After the heart pounding forty-second freefall, enjoy the view for the next six minutes until you coast to the ground.
Lake Norman State Park—Troutman, NC
The nearly 2,000 acre park in Iredell County has stunning views this time of year with its beautiful forested trail system that winds around the lake. It’s the perfect day trip, and a great way to enjoy the crisp air with the whole family.
Airtime Balloon Company—Statesville, NC
Highlight: If seeing the Piedmont of NC by skydiving isn’t your thing, you can still take in the beauty of the region by hot air balloon. It’s a great way to take in the colors of fall in all its glory.
GoPro Motorplex—Mooresville, NC
Highlight: Race your heart out. Located in the heart of NASCAR country, you and the family can experience of high-speed racing and maneuvering on the closed racecourse. Challenge your friends and family to the fastest lap!
Lazy 5 Ranch—Mooresville, NC
Highlight: Take the kiddos out to experience a hands-on exotic animal experience. They also do wagon rides and a live nativity scene during the holiday season.
Xtreeme Challenge—Monroe, NC
Highlight: All sorts of fun team building activities makes this a great choice for a family event to relieve holiday stress.
