New River Rafting Trips in West Virginia's New River Gorge
The New River is the oldest river on the continent, flowing northward through deep canyons to form what is commonly referred to as ‘The Grand Canyon of the East’. It is here in West Virginia that 53-miles of this watershed is designated as a National River and protected by the National Park Service.
The New River is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities – like whitewater rafting, scenic float trips, kayaking, fishing and more. Two distinct sections of the river create adventures suitable for everyone including first-time paddlers and seasoned whitewater veterans. See for yourself why the New River is ‘America’s Best Whitewater®’.
Lower New River Rafting
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.
| Lower New River | Weekday | Sun | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafting Only | $90 | $90 | $115 |
| Camping Package | $120 | $120 | $150 |
| Hotel Package (Starting At) | $175 | $205 | $235 |
| Minimum Age: 12 | |||
New River / Summer Gauley - Dueling Rivers Trip
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.
Raft both the New River and the Gauley River!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
| New and Summer Gauley Dueling Rivers | Fri-Sat | Sun-Thurs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basecamp Camping | $225 | $210 | |
| Rafting Only | $190 | $175 | |
| Minimum Age: 12 | |||
| *Requires a Minimum of 6 Rafters to book. | |||
New River Rafting and Hotel Packages
Most of River Expeditons rafting packages feature camping, but we make other lodging options available to accommodate all our guests. Like the opportunities for recreation, the area's lodging opportunities are equally diverse, with over 3500 different units to choose from.
Choose a nearby hotel, luxury cabin, bed and breakfast, resort or state park lodge and take your pick of amenities, from indoor pools and suites to private hot tubs and conference facilities. Let us know what you're looking for and we will book it on your behalf to secure the best rate available. This is our custom lodging option.
Our most popular rafting and hotel package includes one day rafting, two nights lodging at a nearby hotel - the night BEFORE and the night OF your trip - along with lite breakfast, lunch on the river and deluxe dinner cookout after rafting. Prices listed are base prices, determined by which day you choose to raft. Prices may increase depending on hotel selection. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change due to availability.
Rafting and Hotel Lodging Packages Include:
- 1 Day Rafting
- 2 Nights Hotel Lodging (night prior to and night of rafting)
- Lite Breakfast each Morning
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting
| River Section | Minimum Age | Weekday | Sunday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper New River | 6 | $170 | $200 | $230 |
| Lower New River | 12 | $175 | $205 | $235 |
Upper / Lower New River Riverside Overnight Package
Enjoy all the New River has to offer with two glorious days of rafting and one night camped out on along the riverbank. This trip combines the fun of rafting the Upper New River with the excitement of rafting the Lower New River, plus the incredible experience of camping beneath the stars beside the river. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared for you, while you relax and unwind after a day of paddling fun. After dinner, roast marshmallows by the cozy fire before retiring to your tent for a well-deserved nights rest. You'll awake refreshed and rearing to go on day two, after a hearty riverside breakfast is served. This classic overnight trip is our most popular and also includes one night basecamp camping after rafting.
Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 2 or 3 Nights Lodging (depending on package)
- Lite Breakfast each Morning
- 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
| 2 Day Upper & Lower Overnight | Fri-Sun | Mon-Thurs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Camping | $230 | $195 | |
| Minimum Age: 12 | |||
Upper New River - Family Class 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.
| Upper New River | Weekday | Sun | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafting Only | $80 | $80 | $110 |
| Camping Package | $115 | $115 | $145 |
| Hotel Package (Starting At) | $170 | $200 | $230 |
| Minimum Age: 6 | |||
Upper New River / Upper New River Family Overnight Trip
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 Upper New River for the second day. This is the ultimate family bonding trip - perfect for families with children ages 6 and up.
Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 2 or 3 Nights Lodging (depending on package)
- Lite Breakfast each Morning
- 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
| Double Upper Overnight | Fri-Sun | Mon-Thurs |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Camping | $230 | $195 |
| Minimum Age: 6 | ||
