Are you ready for an adventure that combines thrilling rapids, stunning scenery, and family fun? New River Gorge whitewater rafting offers an experience that’s packed with excitement and perfect for all ages. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own unforgettable trip!
When we first planned our whitewater rafting trip, we were all pretty nervous. It was our first time, and while the idea of tackling the rapids on one of North America’s oldest rivers was thrilling, it was definitely a bit intimidating too. But we quickly learned there’s no better way to see America’s newest national park than by rafting down the New River. The river is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests which create the most stunning backdrop.
ACE Adventure made the trip not only accessible but genuinely memorable. From the moment we hit the water, the excitement in my husband’s eyes and the nervous laughter from my son told me this was going to be an adventure we’d never forget.
New River Gorge whitewater rafting is known for providing both excitement and scenic beauty, making it perfect for any adventurer.
Now that you’re excited, here’s what you can expect from the second you arrive at ACE Adventure.
Quick Facts – New Rive Gorge Whitewater Rafting
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Varies by season and package, but expect around $100-$150 per person |
| Waivers | Must be signed online or on-site before participating |
| What to Expect | A mix of calm waters and thrilling rapids, stunning scenery, and wildlife |
| Location | 1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, WV 25901 |
| Guides | Experienced, knowledgeable, and very friendly |
| Tips and Advice | Listen to your guide, wear quick-dry SPF clothes, stay hydrated, and bring a change of clothes |
| Age | 6 years & up |
What to Expect When You Arrive at ACE Adventure
When you first arrive at ACE Adventure, park in the large parking area near the Outfitter Store. Then you’ll want to walk through the store and out the back door. Once you are on the deck, look for the desk near the door. This desk is where you’ll check-in.
The Check-In Process
- Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled whitewater rafting trip.
- Check-In: When you arrive at the check-in desk on the deck, you’ll provide your reservation details and sign waivers if you didn’t do so beforehand. While checking in we were told about our guide and where and when to meet up with him. We had about 10 minutes before we were supposed to meet up with him so we used that time to put on our water shoes, use the bathroom, and apply sunscreen.
- Meet Your Guide: Your guide will greet you at a table on the deck. Here your guide will introduce themselves, tell you what to expect, and answer any questions. You will also be able to meet the other people in your group.
- Gear Up: After introductions, your guide will direct you where to get fitted for your gear. The building is big and full of life jackets, helmets, and paddles galore. Once you pick out a life jacket and helmet an employee will tighten everything up and make sure it fits well. The system is incredibly efficient—despite the crowd, we were in and out in no time.
While we were getting fitted for our gear, our guide went around and collected keys from anyone who wanted to leave them in a lock box. We opted to do this and it was nice not having to worry about losing our keys on the water or someone stealing our car because our keys were left in it.
Once everyone is geared up, you’ll board a bus with your crew.
The Briefing
Before hitting the water, your guide will provide a safety briefing during the ride. This includes:
- Safety Instructions: How to stay safe on the raft.
- Paddle Commands: Basic commands you’ll need to follow.
This briefing is very thorough. It covers anything and everything you need to know.
With all safety details covered, you’re now ready for the real action—hitting the water!
Hitting the Water
After the bus ride, your guide will get your raft ready to go. While that happens, feel free to use the rustic bathroom while you wait (it was very clean when we were there).
Once the raft is all ready to go, everyone in your group will grab the heavy raft and carry it to the water. On your way to the water, you’ll have to navigate a group of stairs. The raft is quite heavy, but fortunately, it’s just a short walk to the water.
By now, our nerves had definitely peaked! We climbed in the raft and our guide told us how to sit, balance, and stay in the raft. Then we practiced paddling and following orders from the guide. When our guide felt we were ready we made our way down the river. After the first rapid, our nerves disappeared and we were just excited.
Good To Know
- Rapids: Prior to each rapid, your guide will tell you about it, including its history, class, what to expect, and what to do if you fall out.
- Instructions: Before entering the rapid your guide will yell a command like “Everyone give me five”, this means everyone needs to paddle in sync 5 times. They will continue to give instructions throughout the entire rapid.
- Safety: The guide will also instruct everyone in the raft what to do if they happen to fall out. The instructions often go something like, “If you end up in the water during this rapid, swim to the left.” These instructions change for each rapid, so listen carefully.
- Picking Your Seat: Each seat in the raft offers a different experience. Sitting at the front puts you right in the action, with the biggest splashes and the most thrilling ride. If you prefer a bit more stability and control, the middle or back seats might be more your speed. No matter where you sit, New River Gorge whitewater rafting ensures an unforgettable ride through stunning rapids. My son and I did not want to sit in front, we were encouraged to try it once and while we were both skeptical, we agreed that it was the best spot to sit.
- Surfing: You might even get to experience whitewater surfing! In some sections of the river, your guide might position the raft to ride the standing waves, keeping you in place while the rapids rush around you. It’s an exhilarating way to get up close and personal with the power of the river. It was an adrenaline-pumping moment and one of our favorites!
- Swim In The River: In calmer sections of the river, your guide may even let you hop out and swim alongside the raft. It’s a refreshing way to take a break from paddling and enjoy the peaceful side of the river.
Our raft had a guide, two trainees, my son, my husband, and me.
*Having trainees with us was really cool because they asked a lot of questions throughout the trip. Their curiosity gave us a deeper insight into how whitewater rafting works and the different ways guides approach it. It was interesting to see that not every guide does things exactly the same way, even though they all follow the same key principles. Each guide has their own style, which makes every trip unique!
At the second rapid, our guide asked us if we wanted to do the easy option or something more aggressive. My husband said to do the more aggressive option. To which our guide told us that it is very hard to do and informed us that we may lose a person or 2. We all agreed to proceed with the more difficult option. While we did lose a guide in training, the experience was an absolute blast, and we wouldn’t have changed a thing! Our guide in training was just fine—she surfaced right beside the boat and climbed back in with no trouble. This moment also helped calm both my son’s nerves and mine. It showed us that falling in the water isn’t a big deal and our guide was right- you’ll usually surface right beside the raft. After this, we continued to choose more the more challenging options and literally had the best time. We managed to keep everyone on board from there on, though we got absolutely drenched!
We’re already planning a return trip in September to tackle the more adventurous Gauley River.
Cost and Different Whitewater Rafting Packages
The cost of whitewater rafting at ACE Adventure varies by season and package. Typically, you can expect to pay $100+ per person for a full day of excitement. They offer various packages to suit different levels of experience and adventure:
Lower New River Gorge
The Lower New River Gorge trip is perfect for those seeking a mix of thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery. This section features Class 3 to 5 rapids, including the famous “Double Z” and “Fayette Station.”
Full Day Excursion
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 12 years |
| Season | April to October |
| Meals | Riverside lunch included |
| Description | Thrilling Class III-IV+ rapids, scenic views, and a visit to Jump Rock. Ideal for both new and seasoned rafters. 6-7 hour trip. |
| Price | $99 per person |
| Link | Learn More |
Personal Note: We chose the full-day New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting option and it didn’t disappoint. This option included a complimentary riverside lunch which was surprisingly good. We had warm pulled pork, chips, guac, brownies, and a lot more. There was plenty of food for everyone and even leftovers. We also loved the slower pace with breaks in between like Jump Rock and swimming in the river alongside the whitewater raft.
One of the highlights of our trip was Jump Rock, a famous spot along the New River where you can leap from a high rock into the water. It’s a thrilling and fun way to add even more adventure to your rafting experience.
If you’re looking for a shorter version of the adventure, ACE Adventure offers a half-day trip that’s just as exhilarating.
Half Day Trip
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 12 years |
| Season | May – October |
| Meals | Not included |
| Description | A shorter version of the full-day trip, focusing on the rapids. No breaks. 3-4 hour trip |
| Price | $89 per person |
| Link | Learn More |
Overnight Whitewater Rafting Trip
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 12 years |
| Season | May – October |
| Meals | All meals included |
| Description | Camp beside the river and enjoy two days of rafting. |
| Price | $279 per Adult, $229 per youth |
| Link | Learn More |
Upper New River Gorge
Upper New River Gorge whitewater rafting is ideal for families with young children or those new to whitewater rafting, the Upper New River Gorge offers easy rapids (class 1-3) and a peaceful float through beautiful scenery.
Full Day Trip
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 6 years |
| Season | May – October |
| Meals | Riverside lunch included |
| Description | Milder rapids (Class I-III), perfect for families and younger children. Includes river games and scenic floats. |
| Price | $99 per adult, $69.50 per youth. Kids aged 6-11 raft free with each full-paying adult. |
| Link | Learn More |
Overnight Whitewater Rafting Trip
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 6 years |
| Season | May – November |
| Meals | All meals included |
| Description | Camp beside the river with milder rapids suitable for young children. |
| Price | $229 per person |
| Link | Learn More |
Gauley River
For the adrenaline junkies, the Gauley River is known for its intense rapids. The Upper and Lower Gauley River feature Class 3-5 rapids, providing a heart-pounding experience.
Upper Gauley River Highlights: Over 50 rapids and a 14 ft. cascading waterfall.
Lower Gauley River Highlights: Over 50 rapids
Our guide said that the Lower Gauley river is basically the same thing at the Lower New River Gorge but with a lot more rapids and less down time.
Good To Know: Whitewater rafting on the Gauley River is only offered in September and October.
Pro Tip: Check ACE Adventure’s website for current prices and any special offers. They have various packages for both the upper and lower Gauley River. These packages are based on experience level and age, you must be at least 12 years old to partake in this adventure.
Now that you know your options for the Gauley River, let’s cover some practical tips to make sure you’re well-prepared for the adventure.
Best Time To Go
The best time to visit the New River Gorge for whitewater rafting depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
- Spring brings higher water levels, which means more intense rapids.
- Summer has warmer water and more mild rapids making it perfect for families and those new to rafting.
- Fall, especially during Gauley Season in September and October, offers the biggest thrills for adrenaline junkies. During this time, Summersville Lake is drained, causing the river’s water levels to rise dramatically, which creates huge, powerful rapids perfect for an extreme whitewater adventure.
Tips and Advice
What to Wear
- Quick-Dry Clothes: Wear clothing that dries quickly and contains SPF. Avoid cotton.
- Footwear: Water shoes with a closed toe.
- Sunscreen: Apply waterproof sunscreen generously.
- Swimsuit: Wear your swimsuit and then wear a quick dry SPF shirt and shorts on top.
What to Bring
- Change of Clothes: You’ll get wet, so have dry clothes in your car for after the trip.
- Towel: For drying off afterward.
- Waterproof Bag: This is optional.
We didn’t bring anything with us on the river and it was nice not having to worry about anything falling out. However, I really missed having my cell phone to take pictures. The river is stunning and the most beautiful pictures come from being on it. Someone in our group but on another boat, brought a small waterproof bag (it fit her phone) and attached it to her shorts. I wish I had thought to do the same, as I’m sure she captured some stunning shots.
Advice
- Listen to Your Guide: They know the river and will keep you safe.
- Stay Positive: Keep an open mind and a positive attitude; it’s all part of the adventure.
- Follow Safety Instructions: Pay close attention to safety briefings and instructions.
- Embrace the Experience: Don’t worry about getting wet—enjoy the thrill of the rapids and the beauty of the surroundings.
With your gear ready and tips in mind, it’s time to dive into the heart of the adventure: navigating the rapids.
The Rapids
The New River Gorge offers a mix of calm stretches and exciting rapids. Here is what you can expect from each whitewater rapid class that you might encounter whitewater rafting in New River Gorge.
- Class 1 Rapids: Calm, easy, with small waves.
- Class 2 Rapids: Mild rapids, some rocks, easy navigation.
- Class 3 Rapids: Moderate rapids, waves, and small drops, some maneuvering is required.
- Class 4 Rapids: Intense rapids, large waves, complex routes, precise maneuvering needed.
- Class 5 Rapids: Very difficult, violent rapids, large drops, expert skills required.
Fears and Questions
Is It Safe?
Safety is a top priority at ACE Adventure. Guides are certified and trained in safety protocols. They’ll ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
What If I Can’t Swim?
No worries! Many first-time rafters can’t swim. Life jackets are provided, and guides are trained to handle all situations.
Personal Note: We all loved the Class 3-5 rapids; it was the perfect mix of fun and challenge.
The Scenery
The New River Gorge isn’t just about the thrill of whitewater rafting—it’s a chance to experience some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the eastern United States. As you float down the river, you’re surrounded by towering cliffs that rise over 1,000 feet above the gorge, creating a dramatic and rugged landscape. The lush, forested hillsides are home to a variety of plant and animal life, including hemlocks, rhododendrons, and even the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead.
In between the rapids, there are calmer stretches of the river where you can take in your surroundings. The peaceful flow of the water gives you the perfect opportunity to appreciate the immense scale and beauty of the gorge. If you’re lucky, you might spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, or even black bears along the riverbanks.
One of the highlights of the trip is rafting beneath the New River Gorge Bridge. Spanning 3,031 feet across the gorge and standing 876 feet above the river, this impressive structure is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Seeing the bridge from the river gives you a perspective you won’t get from anywhere else. It’s a perfect example of how the natural beauty of the gorge combines with human engineering to create something truly unique.
If you’re interested in getting an even closer look at the bridge, you can book a guided tour that takes you along the catwalk just beneath the bridge itself. We did the tour, and walking along the catwalk, suspended high above the river, was a fascinating experience. You get a whole new appreciation for the scale of the bridge and the gorge, and it’s an adventure in its own right.
The New River Gorge is part of a national park and preserve, meaning the area is protected and remains as wild and untouched as possible. Whether you’re rushing through rapids or drifting along calm stretches, the scenic beauty of the New River Gorge is something you’ll remember long after your adventure ends.
Additional Resources
- ACE Adventure’s Official Site: For booking and detailed information.
- New River Gorge National Park: Learn more about the area.
- New River Gorge: Fun excursions for the family
- West Virginia Via Ferrata: Rock climbing
Conclusion
Looking back, rafting the New River Gorge with ACE Adventure gave our family unforgettable memories. Whether you’re after excitement or a chance to connect with nature, this trip has something for everyone. Ready to start your own adventure? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear about your plans or answer any questions!
For families and adventure enthusiasts alike, New River Gorge whitewater rafting is the ultimate way to experience the natural beauty and thrills the region has to offer.
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