Whitewater Rafting

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is a popular destination for whitewater rafting due to its stunning scenery and challenging rapids. Here are some notable sections of the New River Gorge where you can experience whitewater rafting:

Lower New River:

  • The Lower New River offers a range of Class III to Class V rapids, providing an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience.
  • Rafting trips on the Lower New River typically start near the town of Fayetteville and continue through the New River Gorge.
  • Highlights include rapids like "Double Z," "Keeneys," "Fayette Station," and "Lower Railroad."

Upper New River:

  • The Upper New River is suitable for beginners and intermediate rafters, offering mostly Class II to III rapids.
  • Rafting trips on the Upper New River often start near Thurmond and take you through scenic stretches of the river with milder rapids.
  • It's a great option for those looking for a more relaxed rafting experience while still enjoying the beautiful scenery of the gorge.

New River Gorge Bridge to Fayette Station:

  • This section of the New River offers a mix of exciting Class III to Class V rapids.
  • The New River Gorge Bridge is a prominent feature, and rafting in the shadow of this iconic structure is a memorable experience.
  • Rafting trips typically start at the base of the bridge and continue downstream through thrilling rapids.

New River Gorge to Cunard:

  • This section features Class III to Class V rapids and offers an exciting rafting experience for more experienced paddlers.
  • The stunning scenery of the New River Gorge adds to the adventure as you navigate through challenging rapids.

Cunard to Fayette Station:

  • This stretch of the river offers a mix of Class I to Class V rapids, making it suitable for a range of skill levels.
  • Rafting in this section allows you to enjoy the diverse scenery and exciting rapids that the New River Gorge has to offer.