Gaston County is a great place to play! Enjoy our sports and recreation offerings below, or jump to:
- Arts and entertainment
- Annual events and festivals
- Day tripping to other tourism destinations a short drive from Gaston County.
- Filmmaking in Gaston County
U.S. National Whitewater Center
704-372-9695
The U.S. National Whitewater center is a world-class recreation and training facility that will play host to Olympic-caliber athletes and weekend warriors alike. Set among 300 wooded acres along the scenic Catawba River, the multiuse facility has a climbing center, mountain-biking trails and running trails, all within minutes of our hotels, restaurants and shopping.
The main feature is the world's only multi-channel recirculating whitewater river. The three channels can be modified to offer diverse levels of difficulty for kayakers, canoeists and rafters, allowing for ever-changing configuration of rapids.
The center will draw visitors from around the world to train, play and watch sporting events at the only facility of its type recognized by the United States Olympic Committee. It will be the site of World Cup competitions, Olympic Trials and also serve as the home of international Olympic athletes working and training at the center. All facilities are open to the public.
