Lower New Whitewater Rafting
This is what the New River Gorge is all about! On a Lower New Whitewater Rafting Trip, adventure seekers will raft through the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Here, you’ll travel on this ancient waterway, learning about the history of the region while experiencing incredible rapids, calm pools perfect for swimming, and jump rock. Here, as the rapids get bigger, so do the boulders strewn along the sides of river. Spend a full day on the Lower New River and experience rapids, scenery, and create memories to last a lifetime.
The Lower New River Whitewater Rafting trip is a favorite for first timers and enthusiasts! After a bus ride to the put in, your adventure begins on the banks of one of the world’s oldest rivers, where north-flowing, bubbly waters have spent millions of years carving through the Appalachian Mountains to create what is now the beautiful New River Gorge. This section of the river steps up the pace with 25 rapids ranging from Class II-V, and in between the biggest rapids you’ll get the chance to enjoy calm pools where you can float freely. If water levels allow, we’ll even make a stop at our favorite jump rock!
This is a full-day trip, but you won’t go hungry. When it’s time to eat, we’ll bank on the riverside and enjoy a homemade lunch with a view. This isn’t just any lunch. You’ll enjoy salads made by our talented crew of lunch artists, unique desserts, and lunchtime favorites. There are options for even the pickiest eaters. Have dietary restrictions? Make sure to let us know when booking your reservation so that we can make sure to have options on hand for you.
This is the section of the river that is synonymous with the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Throughout the trip, you’ll see various landmarks that make the New River Gorge so special. Ruins from coal mining towns that put the New River Gorge on the map can be seen, and your guide will provide some historical facts about these once prosperous communities. While coal mining is no longer present in the New River Gorge, it is an integral part of the history of the region, bringing immigrants from around the world to mine the coal and providing the United States with world famous New River Smokeless Coal.
The Endless Wall, a popular destination for climbers and hikers, can also be seen from the river. This sheer sandstone cliff edges up toward the sky throughout much of your river journey. Diamond Point and Ram’s Head are among the many rock formations visible from the river, and the breathtaking expanse of Endless Wall (named that for a reason) will leave no doubt why West Virginia is the home of the nation’s newest national park.
You’ll end your river trip with a class IV rapid underneath the New River Gorge Bridge. This single span arch bridge is the second oldest in the world and bridges the gap between the north and south sides of the New River Gorge. The arch, made of Core-10 steel, is an engineering marvel, and (we think) adds to the beauty of the Gorge.
Once you’re back on the bus, you’ll travel home to Adventures on the Gorge while enjoying a drink. You did it! You rafted the New River Gorge! Once you’re back on base, make sure to check out your trip photos and videos, you’re going to want to remember this day for a long time!
