Which Trip is Right for You?
Selecting the Adventure Trip that's Right for You
The New River Gorge Bridge
Please take time to consider:
To plan a successful rafting trip, it is best to take into consideration what adventures you want, your physical capabilities and the make up of your group (age range, interests, special needs). If you let us know those things, we can steer you to an appropriate adventure for you and your group. Also, if you need additional information about other attractions because you are staying for several days, we'll be glad to point you in the right direction!
Do you want to challenge yourself, to share an outdoor experience with your friends or family, or just kick back and have a good time. Heck, maybe you want to do all those things. What activities do you want to do? Do you want to raft, kayak, climb or rappell? Or perhaps you want to bike, horseback ride or combine several activities into one trip?
Usually we recommend the Lower New River for folks that are looking for adventure, but have never been rafting before. The Upper New is usually best for families with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. If you've been rafting before and want to turn it up a notch, check out the Lower Gauley. If you are looking for some of the most challenging whitewater in the United States, belly up to the bar and feast on the Upper Gauley.
If you'd like us to take care of some or all of the details, check out our Packages
If you'd like to pick the brain of one of our reservation experts regarding any of these stretches of river, give us a call at 1.800.WVA.RAFT (982.7238) or drop us an email.
Physical Ability
What is your physical ability and the ability of the others in your family or group? Most activities do not require a high level of conditioning, but some physical conditions may not be advisable on some trips. You will need to inform Wildwater of any special conditions as you discuss the trip. Our equipment does have certain size limitations so please ask us about this when making your reservation.
Both the New River Gorge and the Gauley River that we raft are part of the National Park system.
Excerpted from the National Park Service New River web site:
"Located in southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National River was established in 1978 to preserve and protect 53 miles of the New River as a free-flowing waterway. This unit of the National Park System encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville. The park and the surrounding area are rich in cultural and natural history, and contain an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities."
From the National Park Service Gauley web site:
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.
The Gauley River National Recreation Area is managed by New River Gorge National River.
Something for Everyone
We are here for you whether you’re looking for a West Virginia style family rafting vacation on a mild Upper New River rafting trip, the excitement of a Lower New River whitewater adventure, or an adrenaline-pumping, heart-pounding Gauley River whitewater rafting trip, West Virginia whitewater is something that you’ll not soon forget! Experience the amazing views of the New River Gorge in the spring and summer or the primordial morning mist on the Gauley River and know that you are not just on another whitewater rafting trip. Whether mild or wild, we have the whitewater adventure trip or family vacation package to suit your needs!
Packages
If you don't want the hassle of planning the details for your white water rafting excursion, let Wildwater do the heavy lifting by arranging lodging (camping, hotels or bed & breakfasts) and meals (continental breakfast to steak dinner!).
Combine your white water rafting trip with hiking, biking, kayaking and climbing, and the West Virginia adventure travel package possibilities are almost endless. Take a look through our website to find the white water rafting adventure that suits you, then call Wildwater Expeditions or email us at wvaraft@wvaraft.com to make your white water rafting reservation and let the fun begin! There is nothing in the world like a white water rafting adventure vacation, West Virginia style.