Whitewater announces opening of off-leash dog area

Charlotte, NC – Whitewater, an outdoor recreation destination based in Charlotte, NC, has introduced Whitewater Off Leash, where people and their dogs can enjoy 70 acres of off-leash trails and waterfront access. 

“Since its opening in 2006, the Whitewater Center has facilitated access to the outdoors by lowering barriers and inspiring people to get outside,” said President/CEO Jeff Wise. “The Whitewater Center has always been a world-class destination for guests and their canine companions, offering woods, lakes, and trails to explore. Now these outdoor experiences can be enjoyed without restraint.” 

Within Off Leash is a pebble beach, dock, drinking trough and dog wash station. Guests can hike, walk, and run along the 1.5-mile Lake Loop trail, which runs along the area’s chain of lakes. There is also plenty of open space and wooded areas for guests and their dogs to spread out from others, play fetch, practice training exercises, and more.  

“There are plenty of off-leash dog areas in the Charlotte area, and there are plenty of places where you can walk on a trail with your dog on a leash,” Wise said. “But this will be the first destination that brings those two concepts together, and the result is a place where you and your dog can have a memorable outdoor experience with each other.” 

The entryway to Off Leash is the newly constructed Barley House. Taking its name from the Old English word for barn, the Barley House is constructed with traditional timber framing and mortise and tenon joinery. This building is also home to a new retail and food & beverage outpost, where guests can purchase food, treats, and beer — with offerings for both people and their dogs.  

Guests can enjoy the views of the lakes from the Barley House’s back deck or in the adjacent shaded pavilion. In keeping with Whitewater’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the pine trees from the area were repurposed into building materials for the facilities. 

To access Whitewater Off Leash, guests can purchase a $10 single activity pass, a $20 monthly Off Leash pass, or a $149 annual pass. The annual pass grants guests access to all Whitewater activities (including rafting, climbing, ziplines and more) for one year.  

Guests must purchase one pass per dog, and there is a maximum of three dogs per person. Annual passholders can add an additional dog to their pass for $50 per dog. Passes must be purchased onsite. There is no cost to enter Off Leash without a dog.  

Off Leash opened Saturday, March 30. Opening hours are weekdays 9 am-9 pm and weekends 9 am-8 pm.

For more information, visit link.whitewater.org/OffLeash.