Rafting on the New River

Commonly known as the Grand Canyon of the East, the New River winds through West Virginia and creates amazing views. The steep gorge cliffs also create some of the best whitewater on the East Coast.

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-filled rafting trip or a more leisurely float trip – the New River has the perfect option for you. The Lower New boasts Class V rapids that are sure to get your heart pumping. While the Upper New tackles Class I-III rapids that are suitable for the whole family.

River Expeditions offers rafting trips on the New River daily from April – October. We’ll help you decide which section of the New River is best suited for you and your family or group. If your schedule permits, we recommend rafting both sections of the New River in two days and either camping riverside or back at our basecamp. This is the best way to experience all the New River offers.

Raft upgrades are available. Smaller rafts provide higher performance and increased maneuverability. This aggressive approach is for experienced, enthusiastic paddlers who want to see the river from a completely different perspective. Wildside and Extreme Wildside are the two options for those over the age of 18, with prior Class V+ rafting experience, excellent health, and the ability to calmly respond to adverse and difficult whitewater situations.

Raft Upgrades

River Expeditions offers raft upgrades for those that want a more riveting ride. Smaller rafts provide higher performance and increased maneuverability. Experienced paddlers (that are also over the age of 18, in excellent health and calmly respond to adverse conditions) can choose smaller raft options — Wildside or Extreme Wildside— for a new perspective and extra adrenaline rush.

Sometimes, families or smaller groups like to choose a smaller raft in order to have a closer, more personal experience without the added thrill. When upgrading to a small raft, simply share your preference with us, and we’ll be happy to accommodate.

Rafting Package Rates & Options

*Small raft prices are per person per day; An additional $20 applies to these upgrade rates on Saturdays and Holiday Sundays.

Whitewater Rafting Packages, Rates and Upgrades

• Lower New River Gorge

  The Lower New River Gorge is just one reason West Virginia is renowned as America’s Best Whitewater.® This is among the most popular whitewater trips in the country and remains River Expeditions signature trip.

  The Lower New River Gorge alternates from rapids to calm pools, allowing paddlers a break between the action. As the gorge narrows, water tumbles over huge boulders forming big, splashy waves and moderate to difficult rapids. You’ll encounter giant holes, roller coaster waves and plenty of action packed whitewater excitement plus extras on this single-day expedition like Jump Rock, Swimmer’s Rapid and even Surfing – West Virginia style!

  Commonly referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” this trip blends the elements of history, nature, culture and scenic beauty to create the classic whitewater adventure. You’ll even finish the trip beneath the world famous New River Gorge Bridge.

  We have packages to suit all tastes and budgets:

  Single Day Rafting: Includes continental breakfast, lunch and beverages afterwards.
  Double Run Rafting: Includes continental breakfast, lunch and beverages afterwards. 6 rafters required.
  Value Package: Single day rafting, with 2 nights camping, deluxe dinner & continental breakfast daily.

  Package Rates & Options

  LOWER NEW RIVER	Weekday	Sunday	Saturday
  Single Day Rafting	$110	$110	$135
  Double Run Rafting	$165	$165	$190
  Value Package	$145	$145	$170

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• Upper New River Canyon

  ‘Surfing’ and ‘tweeting’ mean something entirely different here in the Upper New River Canyon. Here the absence of internet, phones, traffic and the demands of a hectic schedule make it easy to unplug and leave the world behind. With these distractions aside, this becomes the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends.

  The Upper New River is a playful introduction to rafting for families with young children or adults looking for a low impact adventure. This trip is characterized by gentle waves, tranquil pools with a few mild rapids and a glorious glimpse of nature at its best. Here you’ll have plenty of opportunities to swim, play, paddle, spot wildlife, take photos and just relax. Nothing is more rewarding than watching your children learn to love adventures that the entire family can enjoy together for years to come. Bring your children closer to nature and closer to you. For an added challenge, try a super fun and easy to paddle ‘ducky’ (inflatable kayak) which holds one or two people.

  River Expeditions guides are friendly, experienced and highly interactive, as well as patient, and genuinely committed to showing your family a fantastic time on the river. Your guide will seamlessly blend enthusiasm with expertise as they share their passion for and knowledge of the river.

  Single Day Rafting: Includes continental breakfast, lunch and beverages afterwards.
  Value Package: Single day rafting, with 2 nights camping, deluxe dinner & continental breakfast daily.

  Package Rates & Options

  UPPER NEW RIVER	Weekday	Sunday	Saturday
  Single Day Rafting	$100	$100	$130
  Value Package	$135	$135	$165

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• Dueling Rivers

  Experience the best of both worlds as you raft America’s Best Whitewater® — two different rivers in two fabulous days. Paddle the Lower New River on your first day and the Summer Gauley the second day, taking in all the exciting nuances of these distinctly different rivers.

  Make the most of your precious vacation time by making the most of your whitewater opportunities. Each river is uniquely challenging—you pick your favorite, make it a package and include lodging and meals at our basecamp. based on water
  flows; minimum of 6 people required; available Memorial Day – Labor Day.

  Single Day Rafting: Includes continental breakfast, lunch and beverages afterwards.
  Value Package: Single day rafting, with 2 nights camping, deluxe dinner & continental breakfast daily.

  Package Rates & Options

  LOWER NEW RIVER + SUMMER GAULEY RIVER	Start Sun-Thu	Start Fri-Sat
  2-Single Days Rafting	$195	$210
  Value Package	$235	$250

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• Riverside Overnight Trips

  Minimum 8 rafters required.

  Are you looking for the perfect getaway? Two days on the river and a night camping under the stars riverside might be just the ticket. Explore the possibilities of an authentic wilderness rafting and camping experience. River Expeditions blends adventure with comfort and style on our premium riverside overnight rafting adventures. These riverside overnight trips include your choice of river adventures and one glorious night of camping along the river. Camping at basecamp the night before and after rafting is also included.

  After a full day of rafting, you’ll pull over and set up camp alongside the river at our exclusive overnight outpost. Relax and unwind while your guide prepares a delicious meal. Later relive fresh memories as you relax around a cozy campfire. fall asleep under the stars to the river’s gentle rhythm. You’ll awaken the next morning to a hearty breakfast before beginning the next leg of your rafting adventure.

  Discover your passion for adventure and leave the world behind as you share this unique bond with your family, friends or group. The pressures of reality escape as time slows down long enough for you to totally unplug, disconnect and savor the experience. These packages remain affordable and offer real value for the  experience. Custom trips are also available upon request.

  Package Rates & Options

  MULTI-DAY RAFTING TRIPS	Start days	Price
  2-Day Upper/Upper New River Minimum age 6	Fri-Sun Mon-Thur	$255 $220
  2-Day Upper/Lower New River Minimum age 12	Fri-Sat Sun-Thru	$255 $220
  2-Day Lower Gauley/ Upper Gauley River* Minumum age 16	Fri-Sat Sat-Sun Sun-Mon	$370 $370 $320
  2-Day Upper/Lower Gauley River* Minimum age 16	Fri-Sat Sat-Sun Sun-Mon	$325 $325 $275
  2-Day Upper/Upper Gauley River* Minimum age 16	Fri-Sat Sat-Sun Sun-Mon	$375 $375 $310

  * Previous rafting experience recommended. 8 rafters required.

  2020 Fall Gauley River Release Dates (tentative):

  September 11, 12, 13, 14; 18, 19, 20, 21; 25, 26, 27, 28

  October  2, 3, 4, 5; 9, 10, 11, 12; 17 (Bridge Day) & 18 (Last Day)

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• Multi-Day Rafting Trips

  These premium Multi-Day Packages combine two days of river adventures with three nights of basecamp lodging. So after an exciting day on the river you can take a hot shower, have a cold beverage, check out your rafting photos and watch the video of your day’s adventure. Best of all you can take a dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub before dinner. Later, browse in the Outfitters Store before heading to the Red Dog River Saloon & Grill™ for camaraderie among friends. Continental breakfast is available each morning, as well as complimentary beverages after rafting.

  These packages feature two exciting days of rafting, plus all the comfort and convenience of our spacious basecamp for those who still want to stay connected with the outside world. Get the most value from your vacation budget with our multi-day trips.

  Package Rates & Options

  MULTI-DAY RAFTING TRIPS	Start days	Price
  2-Day Upper/ Lower New River Minimum age 12	Fri-Sun Mon-Thur	$225 $200
  Dueling Rivers 2-Day Lower New/ Summer Gauley Minimum age 12, 6 rafters required	Fri-Sat Sun-Thru	$250 $235
  2-Day Lower Gauley/ Upper Gauley* Minimum age 16	Fri-Sat Sat-Sun Sun-Mon	$260 $275 $225
  2-Day Upper/ Upper Gauley* Minimum age 16	Fri-Sat Sat-Sun Sun-Mon	$285 $300 $250

  * Previous rafting experience recommended.

  2020 Fall Gauley River Release Dates (tentative):

  September 11, 12, 13, 14; 18, 19, 20, 21; 25, 26, 27, 28

  October  2, 3, 4, 5; 9, 10, 11, 12; 17 (Bridge Day) & 18 (Last Day)

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• New River Express Rafting Trip

  River Expeditions now offers an abbreviated trip through the heart of the New River Gorge, for time-sensitive or budget-conscious travelers.  Our  Lower New River Express Trip is only 1.5 to 2  hours in duration and includes a guided rafting adventure, transportation and necessary rafting equipment.  Hit the highlights of the New River Gorge on this  alternative to the Full Day Trip.

  Unlike our Full Day Trip, the Lower New River Express Trip does not include continental breakfast, lunch, beverages after the trip, stopping at jump rock, swimmers rapid, surfing, history/nature interpretation, etc.  Convenient morning and afternoon departure times are available; based on availability; reservations required.

  Since this is a short river trip, there’s time to add a Zipline Adventure on the same day.  Cabins and Camping available on site at River Expeditions.

  Package Rates & Options

  NEW RIVER EXPRESS	Sunday-Friday	Saturday
  Express Rafting	$70	$80

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