West Virginia Rafting - New River & Gauley River

West Virginia rafting, especially on the New River offers rafting trips appropriate for families and a wide range of rafting enthusiasts from early spring until late fall; with rapids ranging from class I-III on the Upper New, and class II-V on the Lower New River Gorge.

The New River Gorge, and the Gauley River are within a one-day drive of half the US population. The aptly named company "Adventures on the Gorge" (an amalgamation of Class VI, Songer, Rivermen, and Mountain River Tours), has claimed the perfect location within view of the New River Gorge bridge. The family friendly and scenic atmosphere of this ideal location offers the perfect family getaway with diverse activities "on the gorge".

West Virginia rafting offers terrific choices, from family rafting adventures on the Upper New River to the famous whitewater challenges of the Lower New River Gorge , Lower Gauley and world class Upper Gauley River sections.

Over 2,000 miles of rivers and streams flowing out of the lush Appalachian Mountains make West Virginia rafting on the Gauley River and the New River the ultimate year round playground for whitewater rafters.

Inflatable Kayak on the Upper New River

Upper New River

Characterized by wide sections of river and shoaly rapids over gentle gradients, the Upper New is the easiest section of water we run commercially, with rapids up to moderate class III (if the water is high). We take ‘em as young as 6 on the Upper New, often in inflatable kayaks called duckies. Who likes it? Families with young children.

  • Trip Length: 1 Day
  • Minimum Age: 6
  • Season: March-October
  • Intensity Level: Mild-Moderate
Lower New River Rafting

Lower New River

is the trip that built the West Virginia whitewater industry, especially in the warm southeastern summer months. 40 years after the first Mountain River Tours raft put in at Thurmond, this is still our flagship run. It's got everything you could possibly want from whitewater rafting—stunning scenery, pounding whitewater, relaxing swim time between rapids and rich WV coal history lining the banks the entire way.

  • Trip Length: 1 Day
  • Minimum Age: 12
  • Season: March-October
  • Intensity Level: Hard
Overnight on the New River

New River Overnight

Take the first day to warm up on the gentle Upper New River—possibly in a duckie—camp and eat a first-class meal riverside, and then try your luck on the raucous Lower New on day 2.

  • Trip Length: 2 Days
  • Minimum Age: 12
  • Season: March-August
  • Intensity Level: Hard
Upper Gauley River Rafting

Upper Gauley River

The Upper G earns its rep as one of the premier 1-day raft runs in the world. It drops 335 feet in 10 miles and includes 5 of the most classic rapids on Earth, including Pillow Rock, which many call the best 10 seconds in whitewater. We’ll take physically-fit first-time rafters, but for most people, we recommend you try something else out first, like the Lower Gauley.

  • Trip Length: 1 Day
  • Minimum Age: 15
  • Season: September-October
  • Intensity Level: Advanced
Adventures on the Gorge

Lower Gauley River

The Lower Gauley is 17 miles long and is the epitome of scenic gorges. Though the fall UPPER Gauley is often called the premier whitewater run in the region, the Lower has 2 of the 3 biggest Gauley hits. Who likes it? First-time rafters with a sense of adventure and experienced boaters, too, for all the big waves!

  • Trip Length: 1 Day
  • Minimum Age: 15
  • Season: September-October
  • Intensity Level: Hard
Gauley River overnight

Gauley River Overnight

If you love whitewater rafting, there's no better two-day whitewater rafting trip anywhere than at Adventures On the Gorge, on the Gauley River. We've gone the extra mile for our guests on this overnight, combining the adventure and excitement of the Gauley with a facility and campsite that this spectacular trip deserves: the Canyon Doors Camp. And the gourmet riverside dining? You won't believe your taste buds.

  • Trip Length: 2 Days
  • Minimum Age: 15
  • Season: September-October
  • Intensity Level: Advanced
Canopy Zip Line Tour

TreeTops Canopy Tour

What do you get when you combine 10 zip lines up to 730 feet long, 5 sky bridges and a rappel? You get TreeTops, one of the premier canopy tours in the U.S.!

  • Trip Length: 3 Hours
  • Minimum Age: 10 (90-260 lbs.)
  • Season: January-December
  • Intensity Level: Mild

Gravity Zip Lines

This is the maximum-thrill zip line course that will have zipping ABOVE the trees from mountain ridge to mountain ridge at heights up to 200 feet. Gravity also has the Beast of the East, the 3150-foot Adrena-Line! Speeds of over 50 mph!

  • Trip Length: 3 Hours
  • Minimum Age: 12 (90-260 lbs.)
  • Season: March-October
  • Intensity Level: Moderate

TimberTrek Aerial Adventure Park

Designed for us specifically by Swiss mountain guides, this system of challenging obstacles, bridges, swings and zip lines between tree platforms is the cutting edge of aerial adventure! Over two miles of steel cable, and countless boardfeet of lumber comprise 5 courses of varying difficulty levels from tame to insane.

  • Trip Length: 3 Hours
  • Minimum Age: 7
  • Season: March-October
  • Intensity Level: Mild-Moderate

Deluxe Cabins On The Gorge

Cabins on the Gorge are deluxe West Virginia rentals with private hot tubs at the New River Gorge. Within walking distance of award-winning restaurants & the rest of our resort. Choose 2, 3 or 4-bedroom cabins.

  • Trip Length: 2 Nights Min.
  • Minimum Age:
  • Season: January-December
  • Intensity Level:

Cabins and Lodging Options

Tired of roughing it and want to relax in comfort after a day of fishing, rafting, rock climbing or other adventures? The Sportsmen rental cabin was designed for no frills comfort. Our Sportsmen rental cabins are equipped with the basics for someone who wants to be outdoors, but sleep in comfort inside. These 24 x 16 ft. cabins are equipped with beds, bathroom and fridge - all the comforts you need after a day of playing in West Virginia.


Our deluxe 1-bedroom Outback Cabins are mini-cabins with a view—they sit on the rim of Mill Creek Canyon within walking distance of all AOTG restaurants, stores and hiking trails. These shiny new cabins have an open kitchen-living room and hot tubs. Perfect for romantic getaways!

  • Trip Length: 2 Nights Min.
  • Minimum Age:
  • Season: January-December
  • Intensity Level:

Sportsman Cabins

Tired of roughing it and want to relax in comfort after a day of fishing, rafting, rock climbing or other adventures? The Sportsmen rental cabin was designed for no frills comfort. Our Sportsmen rental cabins are equipped with the basics for someone who wants to be outdoors, but sleep in comfort inside. These 24 x 16 ft. cabins are equipped with beds, bathroom and fridge - all the comforts you need after a day of playing in West Virginia.

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  • Season: March-October
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Sunnyside Suites

Imagine combining a cabin in the forest, complete with a deck, wooded views and walking proximity to the activities and restaurants of our Adventures on the Gorge resort... with a comfy hotel room that has a kitchenette and a great bathroom. You'd get Sunnyside Suites, a fantastic lodging option that puts you in the middle of the action... with the feel of seclusion.

  • Trip Length: 2 Nights Min.
  • Minimum Age:
  • Season: January-December
  • Intensity Level:

Smokey's Steakhouse

A premium restaurant with an unbelievable view of the New River Gorge. Featured on Food Network's "The Best Of" show, Smokey's On The Gorge combines a unique, casual atmosphere with some of the best food you'll ever eat.

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    • Season: March-October
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    Chetty's Pub

    Chetty's specializes in Appalachian-style pub food, and our wings have a huge local following. Affordable dining in a casual setting at the New River Gorge. One of three exceptional dining options at Adventures On the Gorge, this cozy, casual eatery is located on the second floor of the Adventure Center, right in the heart of our Canyon Rim campus. It's our only year-round restaurant, so come in and enjoy the atmosphere.

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    • Minimum Age:
    • Season: January-December
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