Summer River Rafting Trips in West Virginia
Summer months offer warmer weather, as well as water temperatures, as the New and Gauley Rivers become a virtual playground for rafting enthusiasts. June - August allow the opportunity to swim, ‘surf’, and soak up the sun while paddling.
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. | |||
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.
| Summer Gauley River | Weekday | Sun | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafting Only | $110 | $110 | $130 |
| Basecamp Camping | $140 | $140 | $160 |
| Minimum Age: 12 | |||
| *Requires a Minimum of 6 Rafters to book. | |||
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 | ||
