New River Rafting, West Virginia

New River Rafting, West Virginia

New River is the second oldest river in the world. It is nestled in the million year old geologic landscape of the New River Gorge. Canyon walls, over fourteen hundred feet high, surrounded by a rich wildlife and extraordinary natural history makes New River rafting a coveted experience. Every year, more than 100,000 tourists throng the place.

The Upper New River is friendlier than the Lower Section with some amazing Class I-III rapids. Most of the trail offers gentle rapids, followed by calmer pools, chutes and roller coasting waves. The Upper Section is ideal for families, kids and large groups. The trip offers excellent avenues for water games and side hikes. Kids as young as six can enjoy this fifteen-mile long trail and if you are lucky enough, you might see Canadian geese, beavers and great blue herons.

The Lower New River is faster and deeper. It drops 250 feet in 16 miles in sheer thrill. The rapids range in Class III-IV+ action. The best among the twenty rapids of the river are the Keeneys, Miller’s Follies, Double Z and Greyhound Bus Stopper. The imposing canyon rivals the Grand Canyon in majesty and contains huge waves all along the rafting trail. Apart from the picturesque natural beauty of the valley, rafters also get a chance to see the 876 feet high New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest single-span steel bridge in the North.

Consistent volumes of warm whitewaters await enthusiasts from spring to fall. Spring is the time of high water thrills; summer gets in the fun factor under the sunny sky.