Yes, you read that correctly. The human spirit needs social interactions with our friends and family for our mental wellbeing. Social interaction helps us to cope with stress and major life changes such as the pandemic we have all been living through.
One way to begin the shift from social distancing and self-isolation is to get outside and adventure. While working closely and diligently with our government officials and health officers, we have developed operational procedures to allow you to socially interact while physically distancing on all of our Adventures!
Adventures on the Gorge has been physically and social distancing for 47 years. Rock climbing, rappelling, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking, ziplining and whitewater rafting are just a few of the ways we have always been outside, physically distancing.
The Upper New
The mild whitewater of the Upper New River offers gentle rapids and scenic views of the New River Gorge and allows guests to raft in personal/2- man duckies. This trip is ideal for families or as an introduction to whitewater rafting, not to mention that kids 11 and under raft FREE.
Guests will be transported to the river in sanitized busses with a maximum of 18 guests on a 55 passenger bus, with windows open for air flow and masks will be provided for anyone that needs one.
The Lower New
A favorite among everyone from first time rafters to whitewater enthusiasts, the Lower New River steps up the pace with exciting whitewater rafting and over 25 rapids from Classes II–V. Between the rapids and drops there are pools of calm water where you can catch your breath and gather strength for the next challenge. This trip runs through the scenic New River Gorge, and finishes up right below the New River Gorge Bridge.
Guests will raft with individuals from their party/family only with a maximum of 6 guests per raft and a guide. Guests will be transported to the river in sanitized busses with a maximum of 18 guests on a 55 passenger bus, with windows open for air flow and masks will be provided for anyone that needs one.
Rock Climbing
The rock walls of the New River Gorge draw climbers from across the globe, and we are lucky enough to have them in our backyard—so don’t miss out.
Our guided climbing and rappelling excursions offer opportunities for everyone from first-timers to expert climbers to push themselves on the rocks of the New River Gorge.
Mix things up with a multisport adventure trip to Summersville Lake where you can enjoy climbing lakeside cliff faces from the deck of a pontoon boat.
Rock climbing is not a sport you can learn through trial and error, our expert guides will teach you the basics and the proper techniques. Climbers will be spaced on individual ropes more than 6 feet apart from another climber with guides over seeing climbers.
Guests will be transported in small buses as individual groups who reside or travelled together with windows down for air flow. Masks must be worn on the bus and we will provide masks for anybody who does not have one. The bus will be disinfected between uses. All guest equipment, including gloves, harnesses and hardware will be disinfected after each use. Disposable glove liners will be provided and are required to be worn. Guest equipment will be stored under UV light at night.
Ziplining
Adventures on the Gorge offers aerial adventures ranging from a scenic canopy tour to high-speed ziplines and aerial challenge course.
- Experience 10 ziplines, 5 sky bridges, and a rappel on the TreeTops Zipline Canopy Tour.
- Head to Gravity Ziplines for an exhilarating hill-top zipline course that includes everything from a 500-foot warm-up zip to the 3,150-foot Adrena-Line.
- If you are looking for a challenge for the whole family, head to TimberTrek Adventure Park. There, you can embark on a course that includes 60 platforms, bridges, ziplines, and other obstacles.
Guests will be transported in small buses as individual groups who reside or travelled together with windows down for air flow. Masks must be worn on the bus and we will provide masks for anybody who does not have one. The bus will be disinfected between uses. All guest equipment, including gloves, harnesses and hardware will be disinfected after each use. Disposable glove liners will be provided and are required to be worn. Guest equipment will be stored under UV light at night.
Hit the Trails
With options ranging from bike rides to nature hikes and horseback rides, you can speed through the hills or take things slow and enjoy the scenery.
- Take on the region’s mountain biking routes. Options range from challenging single-track to historic rail trails.
- Enjoy picturesque views of the New River Gorge on a guided hike. A local guide leads the way and provides details about the surrounding flora and fauna as well as the area’s history and geology.
- Take in beautiful mountain scenes from the tranquility of horseback as a guide leads your way through the trails. Sunset trips are available as well.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing sport that has evolved from surfing – instead of paddling with your arms, you stand up on the board and paddle with a long-shafted paddle. SUP gives you a unique perspective in the water, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to paddle.
Explore Summersville Lake on a paddleboard for a scenic tour that combines balance, exercise, and relaxation.
Guests will be transported in small buses as individual groups who reside or travelled together with windows down for air flow. Masks must be worn on the bus and we will provide masks for anybody who does not have one. The bus and pontoon boats will be disinfected between uses. All guest equipment, will be disinfected after each use.
Fishing
West Virginia offers unparalleled fishing, with our excellent habitat, deep pools, and swift currents. The boulder-rich waterways deep in the New River Gorge offer plenty of shade that attracts the fish. It’s not uncommon for our guests to reel in up to 60 fish on a single day on the New River. On our fishing trips, 2 guests and 1 guide per raft allow for physical distancing and an optimal fishing experience.
Guests will be transported in small buses as individual groups who reside or travelled together with windows down for air flow. Masks must be worn on the bus and we will provide masks for anybody who does not have one. The bus and boats will be disinfected between uses. All guest equipment, will be disinfected after each use.
Summersville Lake Multi-sport Tour
The perfect balance of relaxation and thrills, our Half Day Summersville Lake Adventure trip is the ultimate summer experience.
This trip navigates Summersville Lake on a pontoon boat, giving you the option to just chill on board, go for a swim, explore the lake on a stand-up paddleboard, or try your hand at rock climbing.
Guests will be transported in small buses as individual groups who reside or travelled together with windows down for air flow. Masks must be worn on the bus and we will provide masks for anybody who does not have one. The bus and pontoon boats will be disinfected between uses. All guest equipment, will be disinfected after each use.
Battle Games
Add some color—and adrenaline—to your woodland adventures by teaming up friends for a paintball game. Not into that much adrenaline but still want to have woodland fun with your friends? Check out Laser tag!
Guests will be transported in small buses as individual groups who reside or travelled together with windows down for air flow. Masks must be worn on the bus and we will provide masks for anybody who does not have one. The bus will be disinfected between uses. All guest equipment, including gloves, vests and hardware will be disinfected after each use. Guest equipment will be stored under UV light at night.
How to Practice Physical Distancing the Right Way
- Continue to keep your distance 6’ feet apart.
- Bring hand sanitizer. Use a hand sanitizer that’s made with at least 60% alcohol. If you don’t have any on hand or can’t find some in the store, you can make your own! You can make a simple hand sanitizer spray with distilled water and rubbing alcohol. You can also add some essential oils if you have them on hand.
- Wash your hands. Whenever possible, opt for soap and water instead of hand sanitizer. While hand sanitizer is a great option when you can’t get to a sink, thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses.
- Cover your mouth. When you sneeze or cough – even if you think you aren’t sick – cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately and wash or sanitize your hands.
As always, the safety of our guests and our staff is our primary concern. Please take necessary precautions to protect yourself before your trip and when traveling, and if you meet any of the criteria for the screening for COVID-19, please contact us immediately.