Call 1-800-701-0809 to Plan Your New River Whitewater Adventure
Info on Gauley River Rafting Trips
About the New River
Despite its name, the river is considered by some geologists to be possibly one of the oldest rivers in the world, between 10 million and 360 million years old. According to locals, it is considered to be the oldest in North America and the second oldest river in the world with the Nile River being the oldest. The New River flows in a generally south to north course, which is against the southwest to northeast topology of the Appalachian Mountains which may indicate the river was here long before the mountains.
The 14-mile stretch of the New River between the town of Thurmond, WV and Fayette Station, WV,is now known as the New River Gorge National River, a nationally protected area that drops almost 250 feet through a narrow canyon that is nearly 1500 feet deep and lined with sheer rock faces and several abandoned mines.
Here's a map of the most popular Rafting Area of the New River.
Rafting Trips on the New River
The rapids on the New are more evenly spaced than those on the Upper Gauley, allowing you some time to recuperate as you float between the rapids. As with the Gauley, the New is commonly run in sections: the Upper, which runs from Hinton to Thurmond, is considerably calmer and ideal for novices and families, including the kids and grandma and grandpa--heck bring along aunt Betty, too! Below Thurmond, the river flows into the New River Gorge, which boils with a series of Class III, IV and V rapids before passing under the amazing span of the New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville. At 3,030 feet long and 876 feet high, it is the 3rd largest arch bridge in the world and the highest vehicular bridge in the Americas.
Bridge Day
Bridge Day is the largest extreme sports event in the world and is held on the third Saturday in October every year in Fayette County, West Virginia (WV), USA. Hundreds of BASE jumpers and nearly 80,000 spectators are expected to attend this year's Bridge Day on Saturday, October 16, 2010. The New River Gorge Bridge, 876' tall and the world's second longest single arch bridge, serves as the launch point for six hours (9am-3pm EST) of safe, legal BASE jumps. Learn more about Bridge Day.
What We Do
There are dozens of whitewater rafting outfitters in our area and with good reason. This part of WV offers the best whitewater in the eastern United States. Navigating the rivers, however, can be easier than navigating the plethora of options when it comes to picking the appropriate outfitter for the trip you want. While we don't own or operate a whitewater outfitter, we are life-long residents with a long history of involvement in the travel and tourism industry and can help you navigate the outfitter gauntlet so that you come up with the perfect outfitter for your perfect whitewater rafting trip.
Call us today at 1-800-701-0809 or send us a note via email and tell us what kind of trip you want. Let Us Help You With Your West Virginia Whitewater Rafting Vacation. We're here for you and our whitewater rafting planning services are completely free of charge!
Let Us Help You With Your West Virginia Adventure Vacation
For a great place to stay while you're rafting, try these West Virginia cabins, Carnifex Ferry Cottages.