Travel Blog

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

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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