Whitewater Rafting on the New and Gauley River, WV
New River Rafting Adventures in the New River Gorge
From family-friendly floats to action-packed Class III/IV rapids, West Virginia Adventures offers New River rafting trips for beginners, families, and thrill-seekers alike.
Looking for the best New River rafting trip in West Virginia? You are in the right place. At West Virginia Adventures, we offer unforgettable rafting experiences on both the Upper New River and Lower New River in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park. Whether you want a gentle family float, a half-day adventure, or a full day of exciting rapids, we have a trip built for your crew.
Why Raft the New River with West Virginia Adventures
The New River is one of the most iconic whitewater destinations in the country, and it offers something for just about everyone. The Upper New River is known for scenic, beginner-friendly rafting with fun Class I and II rapids, while the Lower New River brings bigger waves, more technical rapids, and the kind of excitement many guests come to the New River Gorge to find.
When you book with West Virginia Adventures, you get more than just a rafting trip. You get experienced guides, incredible national park scenery, and trip options that make it easy to choose the right level of adventure for your group.
- Choose the trip that matches your age, comfort level, and adventure style
- Experience the beauty of the New River Gorge from the water
- Enjoy options for families, first-time rafters, groups, and returning adventurers
- Pick from half-day express trips or full-day rafting experiences
- Make your trip even better with private raft options for families and groups
Choose Your New River Experience
Whether you are planning a first rafting trip with kids or looking for a bigger whitewater rush, our New River trips make it easy to find your perfect fit.
Family Upper New River Rafting Day Trip Best for: Families, beginners, kids, scenic adventure
Enjoy a full day on the beautiful Upper New River with gentle Class I and II rapids, mountain scenery, and time to swim and relax. This beginner-friendly trip is designed for ages 5 and up, making it a great option for families, first-time rafters, church groups, scout groups, and anyone looking for a fun day on the water.
Trip highlights:
- Gentle float experience
- Class I/II rapids
- Ages 5+
- Approximately 6 hours
- Lunch included
- Great for families and first-time rafters
Family Upper New River Afternoon Express Trip Best for: Families with limited time, younger kids, first-timers, short adventures
Want the fun of rafting without committing to a full day? The Family Upper New River Afternoon Express Trip is a perfect half-day option. Guests enjoy beginner-friendly rapids, scenic views, and a smooth, relaxed pace that fits easily into a larger vacation itinerary.
Trip highlights:
- Gentle float experience
- Class I/II rapids
- Ages 5+
- Approximately 4 hours
- Afternoon trip timing
- Great for busy schedules and first-time families
Why Guests Choose West Virginia Adventures
At West Virginia Adventures, we make it easy to turn a trip to the New River Gorge into a memorable outdoor experience. Our trips are designed around great guides, smooth logistics, and options for a wide range of guests.
- Highly experienced guides
- Family-friendly and adventure-focused trip options
- Convenient half-day and full-day formats
- Private raft options available
- Great for families, couples, groups, schools, and reunions
- Easy access to one of West Virginia’s top outdoor destinations
Make Your New River Gorge Trip One to Remember
From first-time paddlers to returning whitewater fans, guests choose West Virginia Adventures for scenic river views, fun guides, and trips that meet them at their comfort level. Whether you want a laid-back family float or a splash-filled day of bigger rapids, your next adventure starts here.
Rated ★★★★★ and the #1 Thing to Do in West Virginia !
Best guides around. They gave us great instructions and we had a blast going down the lower Gauley River. It was my first time white water rafting and I will be back for more. I still have the upper Gauley River and the New River to tackle next and it will be with West Virginia Adventures for sure. thank you Rob and all the other guides for a great weekend on the river!!
– LeighS756, TripAdvisor
Today was my first white water rafting experience, and it was definitely something to be remembered. My group’s tour guides were skilled, knowledgeable, and fun... AND the river (class III/IV) was a blast. I’d absolutely come again, and I’m stepping up my game next time with the V.
– woohooitsamyreiber, TripAdvisor
Worth every dime spent! This was one of the top 5 vacations my wife and i have done strictly due to this excursion! So glad we picked this trip! This was my first time rafting and definitely wont be my last! We cannot wait to come back to you guys! What an awesome day it was! The best view of the New River Gorge Bridge is the final touch to the trip. Definitely satisfactory! Don’t pass this one up, you can thank me later!
– chef_joyardee, TripAdvisor
We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend with West Virginia Adventures. The outfit was well organized and really catered to all our group. The rafting was great, lunch a close second. We plan to be back. Also we stayed at a cabin on the premises which made for a simple day. Again we will be back- and at the suggestions of our guide, this time the Gauley in the Fall!
– timothyd794, TripAdvisor
We had a great trip on the lower New River this past week. We were able to get reservations for the time we wanted. We were able to tweak the count of our party as time got closer. It was a great day on the water. Everyone was safe and had a lot of fun. The guides were enjoyable and fun to be with. We had some who had been rafting before and many for whom it was the first time, but everyone loved it.
– Ken V., TripAdvisor
We came with a group of 51 middle schoolers, parents and college students. Had a great time on the Upper New. Guides were great--helpful, fun, knowledgeable. The middle schoolers especially enjoyed the jump rock. Been doing this for about 16 years and wouldn't go with any other company.
– Bill E., TripAdvisor
My wife is in her fifties and had never been white water rafting. She was apprehensive to say the least. After the trip, she summed up the experience by saying that this was probably the most fun she had ever had on any vacation that he we have taken in our 30 years of marriage. The folks at West Virginia Adventures were great. Small company that has great attention to detail and safety. We will definitely be coming back in the fall to see the foliage and give it another try.
– Charles D., TripAdvisor
Started our honeymoon off here as a pit stop on our way down South. It did not disappoint. We had an amazing time. Our guide Randy was awesome. The owner came out as our spotter and spent the day with us. Great guy, great company. We will be back again soon.
– Jim P., TripAdvisor