Charlotte kayaking: Where to go, rentals

The Charlotte area has several destinations ideal for a kayaking adventure. Check out the following locations in or near Charlotte that offer plenty of outdoor activities, including kayaking.

U.S. National Whitewater Center
One of the nation's most premier centers for both enjoying water activities as well as receiving instruction and certification, U.S. National Whitewater Center, has a few water sports to choose from. The three water activities offered here include whitewater kayaking, whitewater rafting and paddling on calmer flatwater. Throughout the year, National Whitewater hosts team building and other annual events.

>>Guide to Charlotte's lakes, rivers

Latta Plantation Nature Reserve
Touted as an educational nature reserve for outdoor enthusiasts, Latta Plantation Nature Reserve has a 1,460 total acreage. Of the sprawling acres, visitors can learn about natural flora and fauna, access an outdoor amphitheater, visit a butterfly garden and bird feeding station. Latta also has paddleboarding with access points to both Mountain Island Lake and Gar Creek. Latta Plantation Nature Reserve is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Anne Springs Close Greenway
A protected natural area in Fort Mill, Anne Springs Close Greenway is yet another place to enjoy water sports and activities. Kayaking and canoeing are the most popular in the area with offload boat ramps located at Stumpy Pond and Lake Crandall. For those who don't own kayaks or canoes, either can be rented at nearby Lake Haigler.

Rankin Lake Park
Visitors to Rankin Lake Park can partake in any number of water sports and activities: fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking. Rentals are available for those who don't own them from Rankin Lake Park themselves. All rentals at Rankin Lake Park are available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lake Norman
Lake Norman is North Carolina's largest man-made body of water and also an ideal spot for kayaking. Wakeboarding, fishing and sailing are some of the other popular water activities in the area.

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