Adventure Class River Rafting in West Virginia

Lower Gauley River Rafting

The fall Lower Gauley is considered a moderate adventure and combines exhilarating rapids with magnificent scenery from start to finish.

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.

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.

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.

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