Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia

How many times can one river trip take your breath away? How high can you count? The Lower New River is one of the most popular whitewater trips in the country and is certainly River Expeditions signature trip. No two trips are ever the same, so each day and each experience is new, different and exciting.
 

The Lower New River Gorge is commonly referred to as ‘The Grand Canyon of the East’. This trip blends classic whitewater excitement with the elements of history and natural beauty to create a truly amazing adventure.

This unique experience features moderate to difficult rapids as a high volume of water constricts through the narrow gorge strewn with giant boulders. You’ll encounter huge holes, roller coaster waves and house-size rocks plus extras like “Jump Rock”, “Swimmer’s Rapid” and even ‘surfing’... West Virginia style!
 

This trip is appropriate for beginners (age 12 and up), as well as experienced paddlers. The Lower New River alternates from Class II - V (mild - wild) rapids to pools, allowing paddlers a break between the action. It’s exciting, refreshing, invigorating and always unforgettable. You’ll even take out beneath the world famous New River Gorge Bridge on this trip.
 

Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
 

• 1 Day Rafting
• 2 Nights camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting

The Upper New River is a playful introduction to rafting for families of all sizes and ages (6 and up). This trip is characterized by gentle waves, tranquil pools with a few mild rapids and a glorious glimpse of nature at its best. Here you'll have plenty of opportunities to swim, play, paddle, spot wildlife, take photos and just relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
 

On this mild section River Expeditions offers the use of one and two person 'duckies', or inflatable kayaks, for an added challenge with increased maneuverability. Get hands on instruction in paddling and 'surfing', while the refuge of a guided raft is never far away. The Upper New River is the perfect prelude to the Lower New River trip. This is our most popular scenic family class adventure trip.
 

Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
 

• 1 Day Rafting
• 2 Nights camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting

Experience the Gauley River from an entirely new perspective in the Summer.  Crisp, sparkling water will awaken your sense of adventure and spontaneity as water levels vary daily.  We'll evaluate water flows to determine the use of rafts and/or duckies on the appropriate river section, giving you the best possible rafting experience.  

Spend a hot summer day cooling off in the refreshing waters of the Gauley River.  This trip offers challenges for beginner to advanced paddlers; minimum of 6 people required; based on water flows; available Memorial Day - Labor Day.
 

Experience the best of both rivers in our Dueling Rivers trip. Raft the Lower New River on the first day and then challenge yourself on the Summer Gauley River the second day. These are both exciting, action-packed trips appropriate for adventurous beginners, age 12 and up. Trip includes lite breakfast each day, riverside lunch daily and beverages after rafting each day. You can add camping and meals to create a complete adventure package.

2-Day Rafting and Camping Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 3 Nights Basecamp Camping
• 3 Lite Breakfasts
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• 2 Delicious Riverside Deli Lunches
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day

Family Overnight trips combine the fun and excitement of being on the river two days with the incredible experience of camping out along the riverbank underneath the stars. This trip features rafting on the magnificent Upper New River, a playful and mild section of the New River Canyon. Here you can use our inflatable kayaks, called 'duckies', for even more fun on the water. After a great day on the river, pull over and relax while dinner is being prepared by your guide. After dinner, gather around the cozy campfire for a sing-a-long and a marshmallow roast. The next morning you'll enjoy a delicious hearty breakfast before taking on the Lower New River for the second day. This is the ultimate family bonding trip - perfect for families with children ages 12 and up.
 

Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
• Minimum of 8 People Required

This trip is for those who want to experience the Upper and Lower Section of the Gauley River in the same day. You'll be paddling 24-miles of whitewater; taking a break in between for lunch at our exclusive Sweet's Falls Overlook. This trip requires excellent physical condition, stamina and previous rafting experience is recommended. Trip includes lite breakfast, riverside lunch and beverages after rafting. You can add camping and dinner to make a complete adventure package.  Minium age 16.  Minimum of 6 people required to book this trip.
 

Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
 

• 1 Day Rafting
• 2 Nights camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting

This package includes rafting the top river segment in the country - the famed Upper Gauley River - two days in a row! After the first day, you'll return to camp at our comfortable basecamp where you can enjoy hot showers and relax in the hot tub.  Dinner is served in our restaurant then relive tales from your trip as you watch your video in The Red Dog River Saloon.  Get a good night's sleep before heading out to do the Upper Gauley again on day two of your adventure.  This trip requires excellent physical condition, stamina and previous rafting experience is recommended.
 

Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 3 Nights camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting first day

This high adventure trip feels like a watery roller coaster ride - a favorite among intermediate paddlers. It is set in a pristine wilderness which allows you to marvel at the rugged canyon walls and grandeur between rapids.
 

Indulge your passion for adventure. This trip is often the next step after rafting the New River, although it is suitable for adventurous beginners (age 12 and up). The Lower Gauley is the perfect prelude to the intense Upper Gauley.
 

Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
 

• 1 Day Rafting
• 2 Nights camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting

This premium trip includes two full days of rafting - warm up the first day on the Lower Gauley and then challenge the Upper Gauley on day two. After the first day, you'll set up camp riverside and relax with a beverage before dinner is served. Make memories with friends around the campfire after sharing a delicious meal, prepared by your guide-turned-gourmet-chef. Fall asleep under the stars to the river's gentle rhythms and wake refreshed before having a hearty riverside breakfast and setting out for day two and the Upper Gauley River. After rafting on day two, you can camp overnight at River Expeditions basecamp and enjoy another lite breakfast before heading home. This is a great way to enjoy all the Gauley River offers.
 

Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
• Minimum of 8 People Required

This premium trip includes two full days of rafting on the Gauley River. Day one you'll be on the intense Upper Gauley section and the adventurous Lower Gauley on day two. After the first day, you'll set up camp riverside and relax before dinner is served. Make memories with friends around the campfire after sharing a delicious meal, prepared by your guide-turned-gourmet-chef. Fall asleep under the stars to the river's gentle rhythms and wake refreshed before having a hearty breakfast and setting out for day two and the wild and scenic Lower Gauley River. After rafting on day two, return to camp at River Expeditions basecamp overnight and enjoy another lite breakfast before heading home the following day. Make the most of all the Gauley River offers on this premium two-day rafting expedition.

Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
• Minimum of 8 People Required

Big, technical rapids which demand precise maneuvering and test your teamwork are hallmarks of the famed Upper Gauley. You’ll encounter steep drops, narrow chutes and rocky ledges that heighten your senses and keep your adrenaline pumping.
 

Due to the intense nature of this trip, previous rafting experience is highly recommended (minimum age of 16). The Upper Gauley demands physical and mental stamina and beckons only serious whitewater enthusiasts.
 

Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
 

• 1 Day Rafting
• 2 Nights camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting

This package includes rafting the top river segment in the country - the famed Upper Gauley River twice in two days! After the first day, you'll set up camp at our exclusive riverside overnight location and enjoy a cold beverage and a cozy fire. Your guide will prepare a delicious dinner over an open flame that you're sure to devour after working up an appetite paddling all day. After dinner you can relive the day's adventures around the campfire before falling asleep underneath the stars. The next day you will enjoy a hearty riverside breakfast before rafting the Upper Gauley again on day two. This is a premium wilderness adventure package. This trip requires excellent physical condition, stamina and previous rafting experience is recommended.
 

Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Campingl
• Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
• Minimum of 8 People Required

Lower / Upper Gauley River Reverse Basecamp Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 3 Nights Basecamp Camping
• Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp
• Round-Trip River Shuttle Daily
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day

Family adventure trips combine the fun and excitement of being on the river two days with the best whitewater available on these two sections of river. This trip features rafting on the magnificent Upper New River, a playful and mild section of the New River Canyon. Here you can use our inflatable kayaks, called 'duckies', for even more fun on the water. After a great day on the river, head back to our basecamp for a hot shower and dinner.  The next morning you'll take on the might Lower New River for the second day. This is the ultimate family bonding trip - perfect for families with children ages 12 and up.
 

2 Day Basecamp Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 3 Nights Basecamp Camping
• Lite Breakfast Daily
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner after Rafting

Family adventure trips combine the fun and excitement of being on the river two days with the best whitewater available on these two sections of river. This trip features rafting on the magnificent Upper New River, a playful and mild section of the New River Canyon. Here you can use our inflatable kayaks, called 'duckies', for even more fun on the water. After a great day on the river, head back to our basecamp for a hot shower and dinner.  The next morning you'll take on the might Lower New River for the second day. This is the ultimate family bonding trip - perfect for families with children ages 12 and up.
 

2 Day Basecamp Packages Include:
 

• 2 Days Rafting
• 3 Nights Basecamp Camping
• Lite Breakfast Daily
• Round-Trip River Shuttle
• Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
• Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
• Hot Showers
• Deluxe Dinner after Rafting