Rafting the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers Maryland Rafting Whitewater
Harper’s Ferry Whitewater
The final stretches of the Shenandoah River tumbles into the Potomac. Carving a spectacular 6.5-mile watercourse through the Blue Ridge Mountains offering great Maryland whitewater rafting. Travel on these two rivers through three states (Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia). There are also many unforgettable 2 to 4.5 hour guided rafting whitewater trips.
During periods of low water the trip is exclusively on the Potomac. As a result these trips course through a majestic water gap, with a view Thomas Jefferson wrote was worth a voyage across the Atlantic. Both trips offer Class I-III whitewater. Also they are made up of some mellow water, permitting splashing and floating, multiple riffles and ledges. Also included are challenging rapids such as “Bull Falls” and “White Horse.”
Experienced guides lead your trip, showing you the best route through the rapids while entertaining you with tales from the river. As you float by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, learn about events that lead up to the Civil War.
Maryland Rafting Whitewater
Whitewater Rafting the North Branch
A step up from the Shenandoah / Potomac River raft trip is the Potomac’s North Branch guided tour. Spring and Fall releases from Jennings Randolph Dam near Keyser, West Virginia and Bloomington, Maryland provide for optimum levels of whitewater rafting.
Of course it makes for a fantastic day, overnight, or weekend getaway. Rapids are continuous Class II-III+ , and the high water volumes and steeper gradient of the North Branch create waves and rollers up to six feet high. Sections of calm water permit cliff-jumping, relaxation, and swimming.
For those who want to make a getaway or mini vacation of the trip…Mineral County and the surrounding Potomac Highlands provide many outdoor and indoor activities that would interest visitors of all ages.
If you have interests in caving, photography, nature walks, hiking, country music, biking, festivals, fairs, antiques, old time train rides or just sitting on a mountain side and marveling at the majesty of it all, you will be have come to the right place.
