The 10 Best West Virginia Rafting Tours

1.National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 513 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Spend about six hours rafting the Lower New River through New River Gorge National Park. Guides such as Samuel, Crock, Richard, and Nick lead small groups through Class III and IV rapids, with a riverside buffet lunch on 9 AM trips. Gear is included, while wetsuits and water shoes cost extra.

“White water rafting with 2 newbies and 2 people who had not been in 20 years. Best experience ever!! Instructions were precise, guide Eli was very knowledgeable and the trip down the Lower New River was absolutely breathtaking. One of the best days ever! We will be back. Soon. Highly recommended company!”

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2.Lower New River Whitewater Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 183 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $153

Paddle the Lower New River with a professional guide from Adventures on the Gorge. After a 30-minute bus ride and safety briefing, you’ll face class I-V rapids, enjoy a riverside deli lunch, and pause to swim or float before finishing near the New River Gorge Bridge.

“Amazing! The whole experience was phenomenal. Awesome guides. Nice riverside lunch. Even the bus ride was pleasant. When can I return?!?”

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3.Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $85Best value

Spend about five hours rafting the Upper New River with a professional guide such as Heather, Allison, Cassie, or Trent. Expect Class I and II rapids, swimming, rock jumping, coal-mining history, wildlife, and lunch on the morning trip. Ages 5 and up are welcome.

“Had a great time swimming and jumping off the rocks with my grandkids! Our tour guide, Cassie M., was wonderful! She was knowledgeable and fun and the perfect person for our group. I would highly recommend (and ask for Cassie)!”

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4.Lower Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $163

Join Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing for a six-hour Lower Gauley rafting trip. You’ll ride a bus to the river, learn from a professional guide such as Tri, tackle Class III to V rapids, eat a grilled riverside lunch, and return with drinks.

“Had a wonderful trip down the Lower Gauley. Our guide, Tri, was outstanding and gave clear instructions throughout the trip, and entertained with many great stories from his rafting experience. Everyone we dealt with from Advertures on the Gorge was very friendly and helpful. The lunch was delicious. I highly recommend using Adventures on the Gorge for a rafting trip. They were extremely well run, professional, and courteous. It was just a perfect trip and day.”

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5.Lower Gauley Fall Rafting Special in WV

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $120

Spend about six hours rafting 16 miles of West Virginia’s Lower Gauley with a private guide, catered buffet lunch, and Class III and IV rapids. The six-week fall season brings a rare chance to explore history-filled river terrain. Guides such as Isaiah, Croc, Rich, and Steve are known for skill and humor.

“Well run rapids tour with a really fun number of rapids. A smaller business than some of the others but they were well equipped and the guides knowledgeable and entertaining”

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6.Half Day New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Run 8 to 12 miles through New River Gorge National Park in about four hours, tackling 15 rapids rated up to Class V with a trained guide. You will pass the New River Gorge Bridge, get wet, and return to ACE Adventure Resort without a lunch stop or extra river activities.

“Don’t bring anything on the river with them unless in waterproof case. Eat before you go. Be prepared to get wet.”

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7.New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, WV – Lower New Full Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Spend about six hours rafting 8 to 12 miles through New River Gorge National Park with a professional guide. You’ll tackle more than 15 rapids up to Class V, try river surfing, jump from a rock, swim an easy rapid, and stop for lunch. Guides such as Rachel, Chris, and Marcus may vary by trip.

“Great day rafting on the lower New. Rachel, and all of the guides, were great and very knowledgeable about the area and the rapids. We had a great day!”

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8.Extreme Class V Whitewater Rafting on the Gauley River WV (Fall Only)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $132

Join West Virginia Adventures for a six-hour Gauley River run built for experienced rafters. Expect immediate Class IV and V rapids, the drop at Sweets Falls, expert guides such as Tristan, Mason, or Nathan, and a catered riverside lunch.

“The trip was amazing! Such a fun trip to do with family and friends! Our guide was very attentive. Would definitely do again.”

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9.Fall Upper Gauley Full Day Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $143

Take on the Fall Upper Gauley from ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill. You’ll paddle 12 miles through more than 50 class III to V rapids, including a 14-foot cascading waterfall. A professional guide rides in every raft, with lunch included. Strong fitness and prior rafting experience are required.

“We had a great time with our guide "old" Dalton rafting the Upper New. We did the family tour as our kids were with us but even us adults had a blast. There were others in our group that didn't even have kids with them. Dalton made it fun fRead more”

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10.Full Day Fall Lower Gauley Rafting in West Virginia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $121

Paddle 10 miles of the Lower Gauley with professional guides, transport, safety gear, and a hot riverside lunch. The trip suits ages 12 and up, including beginners ready for serious whitewater. Susan, a guide with more than 30 years of experience, has led this section.

“Our guide down the lower new river, Matty G not only provided entertainment but safely brought us through a very exciting experience. So fun!!”

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