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Rafting Virginia West whitewater

December 7th, 2016 ernie Posted in Virginia 1 Comment »

Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia on the Lower New River Gorge lets you experience over 20 legendary big water rapids. As a result there is simply lots to chose from when you consider Rafting Virginia West whitewater vacations.

Huge spring water for the fearless, summer’s refreshing, roller-coaster waves for the family. Add a burst of fall color. As a result the Lower New has something for every group!

There is the beginner-friendly rapids that make the Whitewater Rafting Upper New River trip the perfect trip for laid-back, family adventure in the great outdoors. You’ll raft through a magnificent 1,400-foot canyon and enjoy some of the East’s most spectacular scenery. On the other hand the Upper New River is unique in its geology. For example it was formed over 300 million years ago. Making it the world’s 2nd oldest river.

Rafting Virginia West whitewater

The Gauley River also in West Virginia offers whitewater rafting today. It has drawn men and women to its banks for more than 200 years. It is enshrined in congressional legislation as a National Recreation Area.
For history lovers, the Gauley story mirrors the story of the United States. The tale of the Gauley River begins with the first West Virginia settlers in the 1770s. These pioneering European settlers braved the challenging terrain. There was the often-challenging relations with Native American residents who came before them. Chapters followed on the Civil War, industrialization that came with timber, mining and railroads. Subsequently the great civil works projects of the 1960s saw construction of the Summersville Dam near the Gauley’s headwaters, a marvel of engineering to behold.

World-class rafting and kayaking trips wind their way through the Gauley’s three sections. The Upper, Middle and Lower, each offering alternative difficulty levels and scenery. River outfitters offer trips from Spring to Fall, depending on local precipitation and water released by the Army Corps of Engineers from the Summersville Dam.

Water Releases

The boating culminates with the official “Gauley Season,” a 22-day schedule of releases for whitewater enthusiasts in September and October. The Gauley attracts more than 60,000 paddlers each year with world-famous rapids such as “Insignificant,” “Pillow Rock” and “Sweet’s Falls.”

Alongside the river, hikers, anglers and hunters enjoy the lush forest. The Monongahela National Forest is known for abundant wild life. The area is home to many rare and threatened plants, such as Virginia spiraea.

Wildlife watchers can find deer and even bear along the 26-mile corridor that stretches from the Summersville Dam to the Gauley’s confluence with the Kanawha River. Other animals that make their home in the area include 10 threatened species of mammals, birds, insects, fish and amphibians.

 

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Virginia White Water Rafting

June 7th, 2010 ernie Posted in Virginia No Comments »

Virginia White Water RaftingThere are lots of locations for tourists to consider for Virginia White Water Rafting

Gauley White Water Rafting

Thousands of adventure thrill seekers of all ages will go down the spectacular New River Gorge, and the world class Gauley River Canyon, every year. The New & Gauley River Adventures are some of the best in the wild wonderful mountain areas of West Virginia.

New River or Gauley River offers a variety of river rafting trips for paddlers of all skill levels, beginner to expert, young or old, mild or wild. Gauley rafting river whitewater adventures range from a 2 hour rafting express trip, to full day lower New River rafting , Gauley River rafting or a multi day extended vacation. There are several companies that provide whitewater rafting tours and excursions along the Gauley river in West Virginia. They offer a variety of vacation packages ranging from half day trips to multi day camping and whitewater adventure tours.

The fun doesn’t stop at river’s edge, either. Year-round, complete vacation packages for individuals, groups or families can include, guided fishing trips, horseback riding / sleigh rides in winter, kayaking, hiking, biking , rock climbing instruction, 4 x 4 back road tours, snow shoeing, all along the Gauley river. After your adventure settle in for a relaxing evening at a campground or one of the many cozy cabins or cottages in the area.

World class staff , guides, shuttle drivers and adventure consultants, are friendly, highly skilled outdoor professionals, committed to safety, service and hospitality. Small wonder so many returning guests come back every year for White Water Rafting and outdoor adventure in the mountains of Mountains of Wild Wonderful West Virginia

Virginia White Water Rafting – Rivers

Some of these rivers run through several different states, so you may see some of the same rivers in different posts

West Virginia’s rivers offer the widest range of whitewater experiences available anywhere, from gently rippling streams for the new rafting enthusiast to explosive rapids for the more adventuresome outdoor expert. Each set of rapids  has its own unique beauty and poses its own unique challenges for the rafting enthusiasts.

The New River

The New River is one of  the longest commercially raftable river in the East, offering everything from gentle float trips for the entire family to thunderous whitewater for those that want more of a thrill and challenge. The Upper New is scenic and relaxing, with just enough whitewater action to keep you hopping. The Lower New is powerful and intense, with a tremendous succession of Class IV and V rapids that have earned it consistent rankings as one of the ten best in the world.

The Gauley River

The Gauley River is another  one of the most challenging rivers in the world. The Upper Gauley is highly technical. Hence it requires a great deal of skill  from skilled guides as well as rafters to negotiate its narrow chutes and machine-gun rapids. As a result it ranks in the top five in the world for whitewater adventure. The Lower Gauley is a complete, all-in-one white water rafting experience. It features numerous big Class IV and V rapids interspersed by broad pools and tremendous scenery.

The Cheat River

The Cheat River, in northern West Virginia, is powered by the largest unrestricted watershed in the East. It offers a full range of rafting including numerous highly technical Class IV and V rapids in a wilderness canyon.  Enjoy the scenery and the outdoor majestic views. The Narrows is a spectacular natural feature along the Cheat.

The Tygart River

The Tygart River is a tributary of the Cheat that offers adventurous rafting in the spring, when water levels are highest. A full range of river sports in the summer and fall. It is often combined with the Cheat into package trips.

The Potomac River

The Potomac River offers exciting rafting in eastern West Virginia during April, May and September. When large controlled releases are made from the Jennings Randolph Dam upstream. Year-round, the Potomac also is one of the best fishing rivers in the East.

The Shenandoah River

The Shenandoah River joins the Potomac at historic Harper’s Ferry, W.Va. It provides rafting and other river-sports opportunities to residents of nearby East Coast metropolitan area.

Other Virginia White Water Rivers

Several other West Virginia streams are favorites for specialized activities. Including the Meadow River, Big Sandy Creek and the Bluestone River. The Lower Meadow, with its succession of big drops and narrow chutes, is a particular favorite of kayakers. They are looking for the ultimate in action and excitement. Big Sandy Creek is another favorite of kayakers. Especially when spring rainfall creates a series of falls that challenge the world’s best. The Bluestone is known for canoeing, float trips and great fishing.

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