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Are you headed to New River Gorge, West Virginia and thinking of doing some white water rafting? You’re not alone. This is definitely one of the most popular and thrilling activities to do in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
I had wanted to go white water rafting in West Virginia ever since my art teacher shared a video of his own experience back in 7th grade. However, the outdoorsy adventure-seeker in me hadn’t yet been unlocked. Thus, white water rafting would stay on my bucket list for another 22 years.
Finally, my opportunity arrived this past June, when Aaron and I made the five-hour drive south from Cleveland to West Virginia’s Ace Adventure Resort. We were booked for a full day guided white water rafting trip on the Lower New River. Any nerves I felt before hand transitioned into pure elation the moment we rode our first rapid and I left craving even more.
If you are seeking your own white water rafting adventure in New River Gorge, WV, you’re in the right spot. Below, I am covering everything you need to know before booking this iconic West Virginia adventure.
White Water Rafting in New River Gorge, WV
Who Should White Water Raft?
Before getting into the good stuff, let’s start with this fundamental question: is white water rafting right for you?
For the most part, simply wanting to do this experience and being overall able-bodied is enough. Aaron and I didn’t do any particular training before white water rafting and had no trouble. Your guide will do a lot of the work and you mostly need to be willing to follow directions.
However, it’s important to know your limits. Have you paddled before (ie. kayaking) and had a good experience? Are you in good enough shape for a moderate hike or do you have any injuries or medical conditions? Are you traveling with kids who are at least 12 years old (6 if doing the Upper New River)?
Remember that white water rafting is a team effort and everyone needs to pull their weight in paddling. Are you willing to put in your share of the work to ensure a successful day? If yes, then please proceed to the next section 🙂
Choose Your Experience
There are various types of tours offered on different sections of New River Gorge in WV. The one you choose should be based on your experience, abilities, and overall comfort level. That said, you do not really need to be an expert to take most of these trips, since you will have a guide to help you:
- Upper New River: This low-key experience is great for newbies, but could be a little boring if you crave a challenge. However, people with small children will enjoy this option, since children ages 6+ can participate.
- Lower New River: Also fine for beginners, but with the chance to navigate some spicey class IV rapids. If you are coming to West Virginia to do the real deal, I recommend choosing this tour, which is the most popular offering and is open to people ages 12+. Aaron and I did the Lower New River with no experience and had a blast.
- Lower Gauley: Things get a little more interesting on the Gauley River, which has less calm sections and more rapids going up to Class V. It’s the perfect next step for those seeking a bigger challenge after completing the Lower New River.
- Upper Gauley: For experienced white water rafters only, the Upper Gauley takes the cake as far as thrilling river experiences in America go. This is your chance to triumph over many Class V rapids and even a 14-foot waterfall!
While the Gauley River is open for rafting in other seasons, fall is known as Gauley season. This is when for six weeks in September and October a dam is released that creates the sickest Class I-V rapids for daring adventurers.
Plan the Proper Season for Rafting
White water rafting trips are available during spring, summer, and fall. Spring will see the biggest rapids on the Lower New River, while fall offers the most exciting season on the Gauley River (as mentioned above). In summer, you can cool off from hot weather in the fresh water and and relax with a beer on a local restaurant patio afterwards (the one at Freefolk Brewery was my favorite).
Choose Your Raft
The next consideration is the size of your raft. At Ace Adventure Resort, the standard raft is fourteen feet long, which allows for seven guests and one guide. However, sixteen foot rafts that hold nine guests and one guide and twelve foot rafts that hold five guests one guide are also available.
The fourteen-and-sixteen-foot rafts are the most stable. The twelve-foot raft offers a more exciting ride, but you are also more likely to flip (which some people want).
We were in the fourteen-foot raft and no one fell out during our trip. If you are traveling as a group, it is possible to book the size raft of your choice for just your group.
Book Your Adventure
Book a white water rafting trip with a local WV tour company that offers plenty of expertise for a safe and successful day on the water. Aaron and I did our tour with Ace Adventure Resort, which is stacked with expert guides who love adventure. Our guide Chris had over 10 years of experience and helped us navigate the toughest rapids with no sweat and plenty of laughter.
The company provided an awesome lunch of barbecue pulled pork and chicken with potato salad and brownies at a pretty little beach. I also loved that a kayaker did the rapids alongside us in order to capture photos and video of our day that we could later purchase.
Did you know you can stay at Ace Adventure Resort? The grounds offer 50+ cabins on 1500 woodsy and mountainous acres, a restaurant, and an array of thrilling outdoor activities.
What to Bring
Don’t overpack, as you don’t need much for white water rafting besides active clothing and a positive attitude. Ace Adventure Resort (and other companies) provides helmets, life jackets, and paddles. Breathable clothing and sandals with a back (you could also wear old sneakers) are most comfortable. Assume everything you wear will get wet.
Aaron and I each wore sun shirts over swimsuits to avoid the sun burning our shoulders. I also wore synthetic running shorts over my swimsuit bottoms. Cotton is not recommended, since it will get waterlogged. Most importantly: sunscreen on the face and body is a must!
If you plan to wear glasses or pricey sunglasses, I recommend purchasing a cord at the gift shop that will keep them on your head. Wear a hat if you want, although I left mine in the car since I was already wearing a helmet. I do not recommend bringing a camera or cell phone, since you risk losing or damaging them and a photographer is capturing the experience anyhow.
The guide will have a dry bag available for any belongings you wish to store, like a water bottle. Definitely use the bathroom beforehand, as opportunities will be scarce while paddling. Finally, keep a towel and change of clothes in your car to dry off after your trip.
Is White Water Rafting Worth It?
White water rafting is absolutely worth it and is one of the most fun days I have ever spent on the water. Navigating through Class III to IV rapids on the New River Gorge is an adventure you’ll never forget. When you aren’t navigating around large boulders like a champ, you’ll be admiring gorgeous scenery while floating on one of the world’s most ancient rivers.
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If you were having doubts about white water rafting on West Virginia’s New River Gorge, I hope this article convinced you to do it! It’s one of the most thrilling experiences you could have in this gorgeous national park in the Appalachian Mountains. If you’re anything like me, you be craving a fall return trip for Gauley season!
A HUGE thank you to Ace Adventure Resort for sponsoring this experience. I hope to see you again this fall or next on the Gauley!
