Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at Athletic Brewing.
Charlotte, North Carolina might not be the first place you think of for outdoor adventures, but Athletic Brewing’s “Great Urban Outdoors” series profiles one of the great, unheralded outdoor Meccas on the East Coast.
In this episode, ace paddlers Cohen and Michelle Atkins explore the city’s dynamic outdoor offerings, revealing a surprising blend of adventure and community. As they put it, “Charlotte has unlimited potential for urban outdoor experiences.”
Photos: The Inertia
Paddling at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
The adventure begins at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a hotspot for river rats and paddling enthusiasts. Cohen and Michelle, along with friends new to the sport, take on whitewater paddleboarding. The center is a place where the whitewater paddling community gathers and trains, providing an ideal intro to whitewater, with waters that shift from lazy to crazy real fast. But the center isn’t just about adrenaline — it’s a community hub where people connect over a shared love of river sports.
Climbing Charlotte’s Rock Faces
Next, the team heads to some of Charlotte’s best climbing spots. Cohen, a novice climber, was stoked to try something new: “I’ve only been climbing twice, actually, so it’s going to be interesting.”
With climbing areas like Boone and Mooresville just a short drive away, Charlotte is a hidden gem for climbers. The group tackled challenging boulder routes — the broad takeaway? Success often comes down to trust, commitment, and a little help from friends.
“Knowing when to commit is huge,” Cohen reflected, especially when perched high on a rock face with no easy way down.
Fishing on the Catawba River
The episode wraps up with a peaceful apres-fishing mission on the Catawba River. Even though the friends “didn’t catch any fish,” the outing highlighted another side of Charlotte’s outdoor scene — relaxation and enjoying of every moment.
Here, it’s not about the catch, but the calm, making it a perfect end to a day of adventure (ideally with an Athletic in hand).
Charlotte: An Urban Outdoor Playground
What is an urban playground? It’s where outdoor adventure and city life blend seamlessly. From whitewater paddling to climbing and fishing, Charlotte offers something for everyone (and is a gateway to both ocean and mountain adventure as well). Cohen and Michelle definitely discovered that, “There’s no better place to do it than Charlotte.”
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a beginner, this southern city promises a lifetime of outdoor fun.
