Friday, October 3, 2025
59.9 F
Beckley
More

    Whitewater rafters on New River can enjoy gentle options, outfitter says

    A duo paddles a gentle rapid on the New River in an inflatable kayak. Photo courtesy River Expeditions.

    A whitewater-rafting trip on the New River may be the most exciting adventure many people experience, but one outfitter is ensuring guests have the opportunity to enjoy its lighter aspect.

    Advertisement

    Entry-level float trips can provide beginners and families with children as young as six an ideal introduction to the river — affordable excursions that don't require technical know-how or confrontations with big waves, says Heather Johnson of River Expeditions.

    These low impact or "soft" adventures for multi-generational families allow guests to explore the wonders of the national parkland of the New River Gorge in West Virginia without the stress, she says.

    Fireside at River Expeditions

    "We're not about pushing people into anxiety-provoking situations on technical rapids," Johnson says.

    Advertisement

    "We don't send guests out on the big water without considering that they may not want that kind of adventure."

    Kids raft for half price every day at River Expeditions regardless of the level of adventure, Johnson said, which is another reason low-impact trips are so popular.

    Far from churning waves on the lower river, beginners also have the option to use "duckies," small inflatable kayaks that allow them to commune more intimately with nature as they glide along miles of gentle river.

    In addition to rafting, guests of River Expedition also are provided access to zipline tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, and a paintball field on a 100-acre resort and basecamp at Fayetteville near the rim of the New River Gorge.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    The basecamp center also includes a dining hall, outfitters shop, meeting facilities, and an outdoor pool and hot tub as well as the saloon and grill, and students are welcome to stay in their choice of campgrounds as well as dozens of basecamp rustic and deluxe cabins.

    For more information on introductory rafting packages or for general information on River Expeditions, call 800-463-9873 or visit their .


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    David Sibray
    David Sibray
    Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Duck, goose, waterfowl hunting season in West Virginia open October 4

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will...

    Autumn colors continue to unfold across 'Almost Heaven,' West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn is sweeping across 'Almost Heaven,'...

    Once controversial, Mountaineer war memorial hides at the West Virginia capitol

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Motorists driving along Kanawha Boulevard past...

    West Virginia tourism tops record $9 billion in annual economic impact

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The W.Va. Department of Tourism today...

    West Virginia officials to open scenic new elk viewing platform on October 1

    LOGAN, W.Va. — West Virginia officials will host a...

    Topics

    Duck, goose, waterfowl hunting season in West Virginia open October 4

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will...

    Autumn colors continue to unfold across 'Almost Heaven,' West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn is sweeping across 'Almost Heaven,'...

    Once controversial, Mountaineer war memorial hides at the West Virginia capitol

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Motorists driving along Kanawha Boulevard past...

    West Virginia tourism tops record $9 billion in annual economic impact

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The W.Va. Department of Tourism today...

    Which are the five most haunted towns in West Virginia, wild and wonderful?

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Which are the five most haunted...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories