Recreation
∝Whitewater Rafting
West Virginia is a premier whitewater rafting location with two major rivers - the New River and the Gauley River.
Most of our whitewater rafting trips are a full-day adventure - approximately 6-8 hours - and include a specially-prepared riverside lunch and river equipment. No experience is necessary for any New River whitewater rafting trip - professional guides are in each raft.
New River Gorge National River
One of the most dramatic whitewater rafting locations in the East is certainly the New River, the oldest river in North America. It flows through a rugged canyon up to 1,300 feet in depth, exposing rocks as old as 330 million years while passing through an area rich in coal mining history.
Lower New River
Experience the adventure and fun of a lifetime as you ride the whitewater rapids through West Virginia's scenic New River Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the East." This famed trip on the Lower New runs through the heart of the gorge and underneath the world's second longest single span arch bridge. It's a rollicking ride with Class III-V rapids. Minimum age for this trip is 12 years.
Family Fun on the Upper New River
The Upper New is less challenging than the Lower New and is perfect vacation fun for the entire family. You'll float along mild rapids and lazy pools in your choice of boats - stay in the standard raft for the full trip or switch back and forth between the raft and duckies (inflatable kayaks). Children paddle alone in a single ducky or with a parent in a double ducky. Perfect for families with younger children yet appealing to teens, college students, parents and grandparents - all can enjoy the Upper New together. A calm, peaceful float trip, the Upper New features Class I-III rapids. Minimum age for this trip is 6 years.
World-class Adventures on the Legendary Gauley River
Offered select days in September in October
The Upper Gauley Trip
It's hard to describe the excitement of the Upper Gauley. One of the most famous stretches of whitewater in the country and rated by many as one of the top ten whitewater rivers in the world, the Upper Gauley is comprised of big drops and over 100 major rapids from Class III to V+. This section of river will test you and your teamwork while firing up the adrenaline. Minimum age for this trip is 16 years and most whitewater companies require previous experience - not for the faint of heart or beginners.
The Lower Gauley Trip
The Lower Gauley is more on par with the Lower New in terms of thrills and skill level. It features long, continuous rapids and roller coaster wave trains with powerful hydraulics and boasts more than 45 rapids. Combine that with breathtaking West Virginia canyon scenery and you have a great choice for an adventurous first time rafter, a New River enthusiast looking for the next challenge, or seasoned whitewater rafting veterans. Minimum age for this trip is 15 years.
