New River Trips

The New River is known to many as the Grand Canyon of the East. The New River lies in a stunning and picturesque gorge with the mountains of the Allegheny Plateau creating a dramatic skyline more than 700 feet above the river. Wildwater Expeditions rafting trips tour two sections of the New River Gorge:

• The Upper New River: class I to class III whitewater (great for beginners and all ages), with lots of time for relaxed floating and swimming; and
• The Lower New River: with class III to class IV+ rapids, this whitewater rafting ride is a thrill for novices and veterans.

One day of rafting is never enough. So to make sure you get your fill of the great outdoors, we offer multi-day river trips. Our New River Overnight trips include camping at the river's edge and fresh grilled steak dinners that will surprise even the gourmet chef in your group.

If variety is what you're after, combine your New River rafting trip with a zip-line canopy tour, an ATV ride or a rock climbing clinic. Book a New River Rafting Package to get the most value on your vacation.

When Should We Go Rafting?

Life on the river is seasonal, and as the months change so, too, does the whitewater experience on the New River. Keep these tips in mind when deciding when to book your trip with Wildwater Expeditions:

• Spring Rafting: The New River roars as winter snow and rain runoff bring crashing waves and grumbling hydraulics to the Gorge. Wetsuits will keep you warm on this roller coaster ride.
• Summer Rafting: The high water of spring begins to ebb, but summer also brings plenty of sunny weather on the New River. So now it's time to swim in the pools between rapids, or take a hike to find wildflowers and historic ruins.
• Fall Rafting: The New River water levels begin to drop, and as the whitewater calms the leaves of the Gorge show their vivid palette. Fall foliage is in full effect for each year's Bridge Day festivities - a must-see in your lifetime, as hundreds of parachutists leap from the New River Gorge Bridge.