It was a long holiday weekend and our family decided to plan a whitewater rafting trip on the New River in West Virginia.   We would set up camp at a nearby campground finding a lot large enough for a couple of tents.

We contacted Wildwater (now Rivermen at Adventures on the Gorge), a whitewater rafting outfitter that would take us down the lower New River where we would pass underneath the New River bridge.  We learned that the minimum age to participate was 12 and my youngest sister and Mom would have to hang back at the campsite.

We opted to take the Lower New River Rafting Trip because not everyone had been rafting before.  According to the brochure, “the Lower New River offers one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in West Virginia . It is a large volume river with large shelf drops and boulders, creating the perfect combination of waves and hydraulics for a world class whitewater rafting experience.”

Our excursion would include a guide, life preservers and instruction on how to safely raft down the Class III and IV rapids.  The inflatable raft would hold up to eight of us including our guide.  The trip was to last anywhere from 4 – 6 hours which would be followed by a robust lunch.

We were instructed to bring a second change of clothes for after the trip, sunscreen, waterproof  bags to hold medication and other valuables.  The guides also have waterproof bags if the guests do not provide one.

After our safety requirements discussion, we were ready to head down the river! Here are the photos of our trip…

Our day on the river was more than fantastic with amazing rapids, scenic views and an exhilarating experience.  I look forward to returning again when my little sister can join us.  She would absolutely love it.

Have you rafted the New River or maybe the Gauley?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for perusing my photos of our rafting trip and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Rivermen Adventures on the Gorge
219 Chestnutburg Road
Lansing, WV  25862
Telephone:  888 287 4496

• Rafting Fee:  Adults:  $99, must be at least 12 years old and able to swim
• Hours:  By reservation;  contact their website for time slots available
•  Amenities:  Guide, life preservers, plastic bags for valuables.
• Length of Time:  4 – 6 hours
• Tips for Your Visit:  Bring sunscreen, plastic bags to protect valuables, remove jewelry and expensive items (do not bring them if possible), make advanced reservations

Where to Stay:

New River Gorge Campground
632 Milroy Grose
Lansing, WV  25862
Telephone:  304 658 3600

Where to Eat:

Rio Grande
571 Mall Road
Oak Hill, WV  25901
Telephone:  304 465 5434

I ordered the taco salad with beef and a house margarita.

What to Eat: 

• Pepperoni Rolls (invented in West Virginia) is bread with pepperoni baked inside
• Buttermilk Biscuits
• Chili and Slaw dogs
• Cornbread and Pinto Beans
• Mexican cornbread
• Morel mushrooms
• Mountain Dew
• Ramps are wild onions
• Venison

What to Read: 

• True West Virginia Ghost Stories, by Jonathan Moore
• New River Gorge, by J. Scott Legg

Photo Guide for the New River Gorge

• Bridge View from Tunney Hunsaker Bridge
• Grandview
• Fayette Station Road
• Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center