White Water Raft the New River Gorge an Adventure Vacation
White Water Raft the New River Gorge
We have all vacationed near beaches, at theme parks and many other laid back, relaxing vacation spots, how about an adventure for a change? White water rafting adventures have been gaining in popularity in recent years with the number of adventure and thrill seekers looking to step out of the office and into the wilderness. Rivers that were inaccessible are now suddenly a popular tourist destination and the adventure industry is booming.
As our lives grow more hectic, they also get predictable and more humdrum. No time for adventures in real life, so make your vacation one to remember with your own white water rafting adventure. One great spot to take the plunge so to speak is in the New River Gorge in West Virginia. It snakes through mountains and canyons on a 1000 foot elevation change as it dissects West Virginia and the Allegheny Mountains.
The New River Gorge National River boast 53 miles of free flowing river.
The southern most of the river is primarily long pools and relatively easy rapids. If you are looking for a challenge as an experienced white water rafter, then head to the North, or lower gorge as this section is known for its huge rapids all the way up to a class 5 with large boulders and crosscurrents.
Whatever your experience level it is always important to prepare for your journey as with any adventure. Be sure to know what is expected of you and always bring extra supplies as you will get wet.
There a variety of licensed guides that offer tours on the New River as well as the Gauley River. Your trip includes a trained guide, instruction, equipment, transportation to the river and meals. You can choose to do a short trip or even take a few days and try your hand at a real adventure!
The primary season is April through October though trips are offered almost year round.
With all adventure trips, there is of course some risk involved including white water rafting. Considering the safety issue you may be asked to sign a liability waiver, though West Virgina’s outfitters do take precautions and follow strict guidelines. If you follow the rules and are smart about what you do, you will be one of the thousands of people that comes back home with nothing but great stories to tell.
Restrictions in age do apply to adventure trips down the New River 12-14 years is the age limit for the Lower New River for good reason. As far as what to bring, bathing suits and river shoes are recommended as well as warm clothes for when you get off the river including perhaps a hat as 40% of your body heat is lost through your head. Also sunscreen and sunglass are highly recommended as water tends to reflect the sun.
Follow the rules, bring extra supplies and plan for the most exciting adventure yet on the New River in West Virginia.
