There is nothing better than a full day white water rafting trip. Sure, there are many great ways to spend time outdoors but we like to add a dash of excitement! Our whitewater guides will tell you that the combination of adventure and appreciation of nature are precisely what our New River Gorge rafting trips are all about!
If the video didn’t convince you of the awesomeness of our Lower New River white water rafting excursions, then keep reading! We have all the information you need to know to plan your next great New River Gorge white water rafting trip!
On our Lower New Whitewater Rafting Trip, adventure seekers will raft through the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Here, you’ll travel on this ancient waterway, learning about the history of the region while experiencing incredible rapids, calm pools perfect for swimming, and jump rocks.
As the rapids get bigger, so do the boulders strewn along the sides of the river. It’s truly a sight you won’t want to miss, and since it’s a full day trip, you don’t have to! Spending a full day on the Lower New River and experiencing rapids, scenery, and creating memories to last a lifetime, is an adventure you will be glad you made.
Don’t think that a full day excursion of white water rafting at the lower Gorge is for professionals only. On the contrary! This Lower New River Whitewater Rafting trip is a favorite for first timers and enthusiasts alike!
After a convenient bus ride to the put in (which is the spot where all white water rafts are put in the water), your adventure begins on the banks of one of the world’s oldest rivers. Here, north-flowing, bubbly waters have spent millions of years carving through the Appalachian Mountains to create what is now the beautiful New River Gorge.
This section of the river steps up the pace with 25 rapids ranging from Class II-V. This gives you a range of excitement but doesn’t mean there isn’t time to catch your breath. In fact, that is the beauty of a full-day white water rafting trip—You can take time to enjoy the lovely West Virginia nature.
In between these rapids you’ll get the chance to enjoy calm pools where you can float freely. And believe us, after the rush of cruising through some seriously adventurous rapids, there is nothing nicer than chilling out in a calm pool. If water levels allow, we’ll even make a stop at our favorite jump rock!
Since this is a full-day trip, you might be wondering will there be time to eat as we white water rafting the Lower New River Gorge? It’s a valid question, followed by an answer that’ll make you even more excited to join our next adventure. Trust us, you won’t go hungry.
When it’s time to eat, we’ll bank on the riverside and enjoy a homemade lunch with a view. And like this unbeatable view, you’ll be pleased to learn that this isn’t just any lunch. We are talking salads made by our talented crew of lunch artists, unique desserts that will impress any adventurer, and a selection of lunchtime favorites that have never tasted so good.
We know that a full-day whitewater rafting trip might seem like a lot of adventure, and we will make sure you don’t go hungry. Let’s face it, white water rafting trips take a lot of energy, even with rests in calm pools along the way.
Additionally, we know that all of our adventuring guests are not the same, and so we have food options for even the pickiest eaters. Have dietary restrictions? No problem! Just make sure to let us know when booking your reservation so that we can make sure to have options on hand for you.
Throughout the trip, you’ll see various landmarks that make the New River Gorge so special. For example, you’ll pass ruins from coal mining towns that put the New River Gorge on the map.
Your guide will provide some historical facts about these once-prosperous communities. While coal mining is no longer present in the New River Gorge, it is an integral part of the history of the region, bringing immigrants from around the world to mine the coal and providing the United States with world famous New River Smokeless Coal.
The Endless Wall, a popular destination for climbers and hikers, can also be seen from the river. This sheer sandstone cliff edges up toward the sky throughout much of your river journey. Diamond Point and Ram’s Head are among the many rock formations visible from the river, and the breathtaking expanse of Endless Wall (named that for a reason) will leave no doubt why West Virginia is the home of the nation’s newest national park.
You’ll end your Lower New River rafting trip with a class IV rapid underneath the New River Gorge Bridge. This single span arch bridge is the second oldest in the world and bridges the gap between the north and south sides of the New River Gorge. The arch, made of Core-10 steel, is an engineering marvel, and (we think) adds to the beauty of the Gorge.
Beauty and history mixed into a single amazing adventure is something you can rarely find anywhere else and that is one reason we take so much pride in our Lower New River white water rafting adventures. And why you need a full day trip to experience it all!
By making the white water rafting trip a full day affair, we can take our time and allow you to maximize your enjoyment. From taking in the beautiful nature, to soaking in a calm pool, to learning about the historical sights, to getting your adrenaline pumping from the rapids themselves, a full day white water rafting trip on the New Lower River Gorge is a well-rounded experience you and your friends or family will never forget.
In fact, we are guessing you probably won’t be ready to leave.
Once you’re back on the bus, you’ll travel home to Adventures on the Gorge while enjoying a drink. You did it! You rafted the New River Gorge! Once you’re back on base, make sure to check out your trip photos and videos. You’re going to want to remember this day for a long time!
Did you know the New River is said to be the second-oldest river in the world? Over millions of years, its whitewater has carved the New River Gorge and left us with large shelf drops and boulders–a perfect combination of waves and hydraulics that make for world-class rafting. The Lower New River provides adventurous rafting, while the Upper New River is typically more tame.
Transportation is covered from the resort to the river and back again. We’ll also provide all your rafting equipment (helmet, personal flotation device or PFD, paddle, and boat) and a complimentary beverage. This is a full day trip, so you'll also enjoy a riverside lunch partway through the trip!
Admission to the pool is included on the day of your trip.
Bring any medication you need throughout the day, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes to keep at the resort to change into after your trip. Guides carry small, waterproof bags to stow necessary medications. Depending on the time of year and the weather, you may also want a synthetic layer. If necessary, wetsuits and splash jackets are available for rent. Call us to book those, too.
Our standard, 16-foot rafts comfortably seat eight rafters and one river guide. Upgrades to 14-foot and 12-foot rafts are available to reserve. Your river guide sits in the back of the raft, where they’ll give instructions for when and how to paddle through each rapid and share their expertise about our rivers and region. Learn more about our guides.
The minimum age for this trip is 12 years old. Our PFDs (personal flotation devices) have a maximum chest capacity of 56 inches. All adventurers on the trip should be able to swim.
Custom quotes are available for groups of over 15. Call us to learn more!
Our trip leaders and river guides will talk through specific guidelines and requirements on site before you head for the water.
Due to high traffic volume online booking is currently running slow. For booking help call (855) 379-8738 or see our Trip Planner.
