

Unplug, Paddle & Play—The Ultimate Family Adventure
The Upper New River is a natural playground for all ages! With gentle rapids, calm pools, and breathtaking views of the Gorge, this trip is perfect for families looking to unplug and enjoy the outdoors.
On day one, paddle through lively, rolling waters in a raft or inflatable kayak. Leap from rocks, dive into river games, and enjoy a riverside lunch. As the sun sets, settle into camp along the river for an evening of campfires, storytelling, and stargazing. Your guides will prepare dinner, so you can unwind and take it all in.
Day two brings even more adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments on the water. With incredible meals, endless exploration, and plenty of smiles, this overnight rafting trip is the ultimate summer escape for families!
- Upper New River Overnight
- Two days of rafting
- One night of camping
- Ages 6+
- Prices start at $209 per day
- An Adventures on the Gorge favorite!
- Two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast
- About the River About the River
The Upper New River is known for her fun and splashy rapids, perfect for little ones to experience their first rafting trip. While the downstream section is boulder-strewn, with dramatic drops, waves, and hydraulics, the Upper New River provides calmer waters for the littlest rafters or those who are searching for a more relaxing day on the river.
- What’s Included What’s Included
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 lunch and dinner on the first day of the trip and breakfast and lunch on the second.
A dry bag is provided for each person.
- What to Bring What to Bring
Bring any medication you need, sunscreen, sunglasses, and dry clothes to change into at night and the following morning. 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.
You'll need to bring all camping gear including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You'll be provided with a checklist when you book so you'll know what is required and what is recommended for you to bring.
- Trip Time Trip Time
This is an Overnight Trip.
Depending on the day’s water level, you’ll spend between 4-6 hours on the water per day, plus shuttle time to and from the river. Trip length and intensity vary based on water levels, which change throughout the season. - Your Boat & Guide Your Boat & Guide
We typically take inflatable kayaks on the Upper New. They are inflatable two-person rafts shaped like kayaks. With an inflatable kayak, you’ll get to experience a more personal whitewater rafting challenge on a craft that’s stable, fun, and easy to maneuver. Our inflatable kayaks are self-bailing, which means water that splashes in will drain out on its own. Our standard, 16-foot rafts are available upon request or when the water is high. These comfortably seat eight rafters and one river guide. River guides will be either in rafts or in inflatable kayaks to lead the pack, and they’re experts at working with beginner rafters and families with small children. Learn more about our guides.
- Requirements and Limits Requirements and Limits
The minimum age for this trip is 6 years old. Our PFDs have a maximum chest capacity of 56 inches. All adventurers on the trip should be able to swim.
- Group Reservations Group Reservations
Custom quotes are available for groups of over 15. Call us to learn more!
- Safety Safety
Our trip leaders and river guides will talk through specific guidelines and requirements on-site before you head for the water.
- What is the toilet facility like on an overnight trip? What is the toilet facility like on an overnight trip?
We use a groover and set up a privacy tent.
What's a groover, you may ask? A groover is a portable toilet designed for the river. It's watertight, easy to set up, and has a funny name that is derived from its early days of river use when the old style used would leave "grooves" on users' legs. Now, we use toilet seats, so you don't have to worry about that little detail.
- What size are the drybags? What size are the drybags?
110 liter or approx 16" Diameter x 33" Height (See Example)