Lower New River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Overview

With the help of an expert guide, your crew will navigate the most exciting stretch of the New River. The Lower New is one of the most popular river trips in the country with over 25 rapids rated class I-V. Between rapids, enjoy calm and relaxing pools, stories about the area’s old coal towns and beautiful scenery. The ever changing water levels offer a different and exciting trip every time. The Lower New is the perfect first-time rafting trip balancing adrenaline and fun. Riverside lunch and equipment included. Minimum of 2 guests required to book. Maximum 8 guests per raft.

City: West Virginia

Tue 17 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $156.42

Make a reservation

Tue 17 Feb

Starting at $156.42

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Lunch

Beverages

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 12 years
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

What To Expect

Adventures on the Gorge

Meet your rafting trip leader at the departure point. You will listen to a brief orientation and get your gear (personal flotation device, helmet and paddle). Then, you will have a 30-minute ride on a school bus down to the river put-in. Your guide will go over additional instructions once you get in the raft. The trip begins with a few smaller class I-III rapids as you ease into paddling and working as a team. Then, you hit some bigger rapids rated class IV-V. About half way through the trip, your trip will pull over and eat a deli-style lunch on the shore. After lunch, you will continue downstream into the heart of the Gorge. Here you’ll go through several rapids rated class III-V. Between rapids, there is time for swimming, floating and maybe (based on water levels) jumping off of rocks. The trip ends just past the New River Gorge Bridge.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (164)

Greg B

Jun 2024

We spent a day river rafting. Family of four, two teenage boys. I saw smiles all through the trip. They loved it. Our guide was engaging and professional. The outfit was outstanding, great customer service, excellent materials and rafts, we stopped and they provided lunch which was awesome. Just a great day.

Response from Host

Jun 2024

Thank you, Greg. We are so glad you and your family had a memorable rafting trip with us!

MiaSingsWtihUkw

Jun 2024

We went on the 6 hour trip and had a lunch break. Fun crew, beautiful scenery interspersed with moments of sheet, unadulterated terror. The first time I heard the river rumbling and then roaring, my gut definitely clenched. First of all, without a doubt, our guide Ark (yes that's his name) was absolutely exceptional. Extremely knowledgeable, second generation guide (both parents were guides), Ark was a caring, funny yet commanding captain of our raft. I knew that I would have to do exactly what he said. My safety and enrichment of the adventure depended on it. He didn't sugar-coat the dangers either. I learned so much about the area: geology, biology, history. In short: Ark was simply amazing! We went out with 3 other rafts. Between all four guides, they had over 100 years of experience. There were six of us in the raft including a guy named Andrew who had trained as a guide and who knew Ark. So it was like we had two guides! His wife Sidney, a lovely young couple named Jay and Mirinda and my Spousal Unit rounded out the crew. I was the oldest at 70. Big Mike was our bus driver. He did such a great job. The bus rides are kind of scary! This is a VERY physical activity. You obviously have to row but you have to take your raft down some scary stone steps to put it into the river, pull your raft out at lunch time, and take your raft up some stone platforms to the truck that takes the rafts back and you and your crew have to put the raft onto the truck, lifting over your head. Lunch was bread for sandwiches, ham, turkey, cheese slices, potato salad and a dessert. Water and you could add concentrated lemonade. Perfect for a much needed rest. Funniest conversation during lunch break: Husband: "Does that guy know he's walking through poison ivy?" Wife: "Uh, probably not." Me: "City boy!" (I grew up with horses). THINGS TO KNOW: No seat belts.. You will have to paddle. Gloves. I wish I had them. The gift shop sells them. Bring a towel for your car when you get back. I would wear a rash guard shirt at least. Amazon sells them and I bought pants at the gift shop. Water shoes or water sandals. If your shoes are not firmly attached yo uwill most likely lose them. I wish I'd worn my merino wool socks. Not because my feet were cold. You might get bruised especially around your ankles where you brace yourself. Get a strap for your sunglasses so you don't lose them. The gift shop sells them. You will get soaked. Duh!

Response from Host

Jun 2024

Thank you very much for the detailed review of your experience! We are so glad you had a fun and memorable time rafting with us.

Gianmarco_S

Sep 2023

This was such a fantastic experience from start to finish. We did the 1/2 day lower new river. Eric was extremely kind and accommodating and our guide Braiden was knowledgeable and was fantastic at helping us navigate the river. From start to finish we had a great time. I can’t recommend adventures on the gorge enough. If you have options to book adventures on the gorge is the way to go. The bus ride back and hanging with the guides was awesome while we were laughing and talking about our experience with our raft mates.