White Water Rafting in Spring in West Virginia

The New River in the Spring is the largest volume Class V whitewater in North America. Spring rafting is awesome with typically higher water levels which make the waves, holes and rapids bigger and more intense.

Nature’s powerful force is revealed in April and May, creating some of the biggest whitewater of the season. Aesthetically, the gorge begins to renew itself with trees budding and flora coming alive. Weather and water temperatures average 65° in April and 71° in May.

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.

New River Rafting
Lower New River Weekday Sun Sat
Rafting Only $95 $95 $120
Camping Package $125 $125 $155
Hotel Package (Starting At) $180 $210 $240
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 River and Gauley River Rafting
New and Summer Gauley Dueling Rivers start Fri-Sat start Sun-Thurs
Basecamp Camping $230 $215
Rafting Only $195 $180
Minimum Age: 12
*Requires a Minimum of 6 Rafters to book this package; based on water flows; available Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Spring and Summer Gauley River Rafting

Spend a hot summer day cooling off in the refreshing waters of the Gauley River. Here you’ll enjoy whitewater adventure as River Expeditions offers the use of rafts and/or duckies on this scenic whitewater trip. Experience the Gauley from a whole new perspective! This trip offers challenges for beginner to advanced paddlers; minimum of 6 people required.

Experience the best of both rivers in our Dueling Rivers option. Raft the Lower New River the first day and the Summer Gauley the next – make it a package and include camping and meals at River Expeditions basecamp.

The use of oar-powered rafts on these adventure sections allows your guide more control, with less risk and physical impact on you. So, if you have been reluctant to try these adventures, you can select this option and feel confident that it won’t be too physically demanding.

string(43) "Smarty error: eval: missing 'var' parameter"

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
  • 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Campingli>
  • 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

New River Rafting
Double Upper Overnight Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs
Riverside Camping $235 $200
Minimum Age: 6
Rafting Trips
Trip Planning
Outdoor Adventures
West Virginia Division of Tourism Logo

28th Annual Ice Breaker Weekend

April 10, 2010 - April 11, 2010

Whitewater Season Opener

We just wanted to let you know that we truly appreciate the hospitality of all the people. The service, friendliness, and general good nature of all helped us have a fantastic vacation. We will be back! Until next time.
Keith White
River Expeditions
  • 900 Broadway Avenue
  • Oak Hill
  • WV
  • 25901
  • Toll-Free:
  • 1.800.463.9873
  • Local:
  • 304.574.2827
  • Fax:
  • 304.574.2834