At River Expeditions, we offer a number of trips for whitewater rafting in West Virginia, suitable for various ages and abilities, within America’s newest National Park: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve and the Gauley River National Recreation Area. River Expeditions has been guiding trips on both rivers for decades, offering everything from mild and scenic family float trips to more advanced whitewater paddling runs. Trips run May through October with options for every age and ability level.

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Beginner Rafting  

Family Class Trips are a playful introduction to river rafting for families with young children or older adults who want a low-impact adventure. They feature easy-to-moderate rapids, tranquil pools and amazing scenery.

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Intermediate Rafting  

Adventure Class Trips are characterized by alternating pools and drops that create big, roller coaster-type waves and rapids. More challenging than Family trips, these suit beginners and experienced rafters alike.

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Advanced Rafting  

The most technical and difficult whitewater runs offered. The steep drops, wild water and rapids that rate up to Class V+ are recommended for advanced paddlers with previous Adventure Class rafting experience.

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Multi-Day Rafting  

Our Multi-Day trips consist of two overnight options: Basecamp Packages (2 days of rafting and 3 nights of camping at River Expeditions basecamp) and Riverside Packages (2 days rafting and 1 night camping riverside, 2 nights  camping at basecamp).

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New River Express Trips  

You don’t have to spend a full day on the river to experience the joy of rafting! Our 2-3 hour Express Trips offer an adventure on the New River, featuring highlights from the Upper New River Canyon (age 6+) OR the Lower New River Gorge (age 12+)

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Scenic Float Trips  

Discover the joy of rafting along this mellow and scenic section of the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The Upper New River Canyon is a fun-filled adventure perfect for families with young children and teens.

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Rafting the Gauley and the New River Gorge

Flowing through the heart of southern West Virginia are two uniquely majestic rivers – the New River and the Gauley River – each offering fun, exciting and challenging rafting opportunities for all ages and abilities.

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Which West Virginia Rafting River Is Right for You?

The New River is the more accessible of the two — a wide, scenic gorge with rapids ranging from gentle floats to Class IV drops, and the only WV river open for rafting as early as May. 

The Gauley River offers two very distinct sections: Lower Gauley is exciting and challenging for beginner to advanced paddlers. The Upper Gauley is a narrow, technically demanding stretch of Class IV and V rapids that runs during controlled dam releases in the fall, drawing experienced paddlers from across the country specifically for its intensity. 

If you’re planning a family trip, a first-time experience, or a summer outing, the New River is your river. If you’re an experienced rafter looking for Class V rapids, the Gauley River is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to go white water rafting in West Virginia?

The New River runs May through October, with summer months offering the warmest water and the highest trip volume. The Gauley River runs on a separate schedule during controlled dam releases in September and October, making fall a popular time for experienced paddlers to combine both rivers in a single trip.

Is white water rafting in West Virginia good for beginners?

Yes — the Upper New River is one of the best beginner rafting experiences, with Class I–III rapids suitable for families with children as young as six. River Expeditions guides every trip, so no prior experience is needed to get on the water. The Lower New River and Lower Gauley River are also appropriate for first-time rafters age 12+.

How long is a typical rafting trip on the New River Gorge?

Full-day trips on the New River run five to seven hours on the water, including time for lunch on the riverbank. Express trips are also available for two to three hours.

What is the difference between the Upper and Lower New River?

The Upper New River is a scenic, beginner-friendly stretch with calmer rapids and a minimum age of six — ideal for families and first-timers. The Lower New River Gorge features larger, more technical rapids up to Class IV and is recommended for guests twelve and older who want more waves and rapids for their rafting experience. No experience is required and both trips are suitable for beginners.

Do I need experience to raft in West Virginia?

No experience is required for trips on the New River. All trips are guided, and River Expeditions provides all necessary equipment including helmets, life jackets, and paddles — you just need to show up ready to paddle.