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Whitewater Rafting

Rafting for All

Whitewater. The word itself invokes a vision of frothy waves bubbling their way downstream. Or…maybe the word makes you think of extreme kayakers dropping over the edge of waterfalls. Or perhaps, you don’t know much about whitewater, and you don’t know what to expect from it. At Adventures on the Gorge, we say that we are “Leading the World Outdoors,” and that means showing our guests the beauty, excitement, and experience of whitewater rafting, no matter what their experience level is. Now, that doesn’t mean that if you have no experience that you should raft the most adventurous section of whitewater that we offer. But it does mean that we can help you find the best river and section for you.

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Rafting adventure on a river with several rafts navigating Adventures on the Gorge - Lansing West Virginia USA

New River Whitewater Rafting Trips

The New River is where it all began for rafting in our region and has become a time-honored tradition for many to embark on this river for a first rafting trip. Whitewater rafting New River Gorge includes two sections. First, there’s the Upper New River, where kids as young as six can experience splashy waves, fun games, and silly guide stories on a full-day rafting trip made just for them. The Lower New River, available as a half or full day trip, includes class IV rapids, and is the ideal trip for adults, groups with teens, and adventurous first-time rafters.

If one day of rafting just isn’t enough, then explore our Overnights and Multiday Trips on the New River!

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Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trips

For 6 to 7 weekends every September and October, whitewater enthusiasts and novices alike flock to the Gauley River to take part in Gauley Season. And while the Upper Gauley is world renowned as one of the most intense commercial rafting trips one can experience, the Lower Gauley offers scenic tranquility, punctuated by long, roller coaster wave trains. Separately, these two river sections offer vastly different experiences, allowing (just about) everybody to raft the Gauley River.

On the East Coast, the Upper Gauley River reigns supreme. This section of the river is notorious for its action-packed whitewater, a rapid that is a mile long, and five class V rapids (including a 14-foot waterfall). To surmise it concisely: it is not a river section that we recommend for beginners. If you wish to take on the Upper Gauley, we highly recommend that you can swim well and have whitewater experience under your belt (or under your pfd).

The Lower Gauley River provides excitement but is more attainable for first time rafters or those who do not wish to experience the rigors of the Upper Gauley. This section is truly a wilderness experience, where you can see some of the most beautiful scenery in all of West Virginia. Some of these wild landscapes are only accessible by raft, making a trip down the Lower Gauley even more special. But that’s not to say that there are no thrills on the Lower Gauley. Some of the best waves trains and hits on the entire Gauley River can be found on the Lower Gauley.

Want to raft both sections in the same day? Or check out our Overnight and Multiday trips on the Gauley River.

Not sure which to choose?

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Lower new river

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Upper new river

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Fall gauley river

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Best run of the day

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Know Before You Go

Rafting 101

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We’re here to answer all your whitewater-related questions, from what to wear to what rapid classifications mean. Here are some of our most asked whitewater questions.

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