FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Old-time river rafters know that nothing compares to a sunset whitewater journey through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The long shadows and warm evening breezes make for a transcendent romantic experience.
Thanks to increased travel to the new national park, the Adventures on the Gorge resort and rafting outfitter is rekindling its sunset excursions on the New River, according to Roger Wilson, CEO of the iconic company near the New River Gorge Bridge.
Adventures on the Gorge has introduced lower New River “Sunset Dinner Trip” on Fridays and Sundays this summer from June 2 through Sept. 3, according to Wilson.
"With the national park in place, we felt it was time to bring the old trips back. It's a remarkable time to see the river. Any old-time rafter will tell you that evening is one of the best times to raft there," Wilson said.
The trips depart at 4 p.m. and include two to three hours running the famed river’s rapids and gentle stretches that run through the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Along the way, rafting groups stop for a riverside dinner featuring an appetizer, salad, pasta dish, and bread pudding. The trip finishes with evening views of the New River Gorge Bridge before departing the river.
As the sun begins to set, guests raft beneath the New River Gorge Bridge just in time to catch the sunset.
“This adults-only river trip will be a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds, and we think it will be an incredibly popular way for our guests to cap a day of adventure in the New River Gorge,” Wilson said.
Prices start at $126-146 per person, and the trip includes transportation to and from the river, helmet, personal flotation devices, paddle, and raft and guide services. The minimum age for rafters is 18.
Established in 2007, Adventures on the Gorge was one of the world’s first adventure resorts. Located on more than 250 acres adjacent to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, it offers more than two dozen outdoor adventures including whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers as well as aerial adventures, rock climbing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-855-379-8738.
Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
