After a long and chilly winter, the roaring rapids of West Virginia rivers are ready to set the stage for an epic, adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting trip. Between world-class rafting spots and local outfitters, Almost Heaven has everything you’d ever want to make a splash in your memory book.
This spring, plan the ultimate whitewater rafting trip to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and share your adventure on social media using #AlmostHeaven!
Choose a Local Outfitter
Southern West Virginia is an outdoor lover’s playground. Be led by a local outfitter and prepare for your epic whitewater rafting trip on the New and Gauley Rivers!
ACE Adventure Resort is located on 1,500 wooded acres adjacent to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. While ACE Adventure Resort offers incredible whitewater trips, this outfitter also offers scenic zipline tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, lodging & camping and even a waterpark.
Nearby Adventures on the Gorge combines industry expertise with a deep enthusiasm for adventure, mapping out a getaway that will lead you to some of your favorite memories. Try horseback riding, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, an adventure park, and world-class whitewater rafting.
New and Gauley River Adventures offers some of the best whitewater fun for rafters of all ages. This four-season outfitter offers various trips and family fun packages.
What to Expect
There’s no need to sweat it if you’re new to the activity. Prior to hitting the river, you will learn several tips and tricks on how to navigate the rapids. You’ll be fitted with a helmet, personal flotation device, and paddle. A seasoned guide will also ride along with you the entire trip, maneuvering the raft and giving you pointers along the way.
Aside from a steady sequence of adrenaline rushes and excitement, you’ll likely have multiple opportunities to swim in the water and picnic along the riverside.
What to Bring
The space for belongings is limited as you will be sharing the raft with 8-10 other fellow rafters. Consider bringing the following with you to ensure a safe, enjoyable trip:
- Sunscreen and aloe vera
- Dry clothes
- Water shoes/old sneakers
- Swimsuit/swimming trunks
- Inexpensive polarized sunglasses
- Water
- Snacks
- Hat
- Waterproof bag/phone case
- Dry towel
Find Your Speed
Upper Gauley
With the most lively rapids on the Gauley River, nicknamed the “Beast of the East,” the Upper Gauley will ensure you have the thrill of your life. Here, you’ll find Class III-IV rapids, so this section of the river is recommended for highly experienced rafters. The surrounding landscape is impressive, so stop somewhere along the way, unpack your lunch and enjoy the view.
Lower Gauley
If you’re an adventurer new to whitewater rafting, the Lower Gauley is the perfect place to start. While traversing the Class II-IV rapids, you’ll still experience a few big hits and wave trains. Choose from various rafting options, from full-day trips to overnight stays and immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery.
More Gauley Adventures
Enjoy the Gauley River with unique rafting experiences like the Gauley Marathon or Deluxe Gauley River Overnight at Adventures on the Gorge. Gear up to raft all 26 miles of the Gauley River in one day, or indulge in a luxury overnight camping experience complete with platform tents and wood-fired hot tubs. Wanting to test the waters before going full throttle? Try ACE Adventure‘s Reverse Gauley Trip, where you raft along the Lower Gauley before testing out the more difficult Upper Gauley the next day.
Dine 
There are so many outstanding restaurants near the Gauley River from which to choose. For a tasty breakfast, stop by Cathedral Cafe and try one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches and fluffy cinnamon rolls. Secret Sandwich Society has some of the best sandwiches in the state. Go for the Hoover, a tasty fried chicken sandwich served with your choice of side. For dinner, the Vault on Main in Summersville is calling your name! Pick up a Belgian-style IPA or stout at Bridge Brew Works, a small brewery in Fayetteville, to close the day.
Stay for a While
State Parks
After an adventure-filled day of rafting, relax at a West Virginia State Park. Enjoy panoramic views of the New River Gorge at the Hawk’s Nest State Park Lodge, which features a nature center, outdoor swimming pool, scenic overlooks, fishing, jet boat tours and more. Babcock State Park, just a 20-minute drive south of the New River Gorge, offers three types of cabins: Vacation, Legacy and Economy.
Camping
Pitch a tent at one of the various campsites near the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Cozy up at the Gauley Tailwaters Campground, a first-come-first-serve primitive campground located directly next to the Gauley River. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins are nearby, offering RV camping, tent camping, yurts and cabins. Enjoy the swimming pool, beach, mini golf, mining sluice, outdoor movie theater, basketball court and playgrounds during your stay.
Cabins and Unique Rentals
Country Road Cabins is a dreamy escape in the forests near Fayetteville, offering a variety of unique and comfortable stays. Get cozy at the Holly Rock Treehouse, Moonshiner Glamping Dome or Tropical Sun Luxury Tent—any of these cabins will give you the perfect glimpse of Mountain State paradise. Reserve a stay in the modern Gauley River Treehouse near Summersville for an upscale escape up high in the trees. For a boutique vacation rental, check out Lafayette Flats in downtown Fayetteville.
There are plenty of other water activities for you to try out in Almost Heaven. Request your FREE West Virginia Vacation Guide to learn more!
See What’s Happenin’ on the Rapids of #AlmostHeaven
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This article: Plan Your Spring Whitewater Rafting Adventure in West Virginia has been curated from our friends at Visit West Virginia and the original in it's entirety can be found here: https://wvtourism.com/plan-your-spring-whitewater-rafting-adventure-in-west-virginia/
