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Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers:
Call us toll free at 800.950.2585 if you don't see the answer to your question!
Why should I raft with NARR?
Just one word: FUN!
North American has been in business since 1975 and is one of the oldest and largest outfitters in West Virginia. What does that mean to you? Behind the scenes, our guides and support staff – among the most highly trained and experienced in the industry – pull out all the stops so you can relax and enjoy the important things: friends, family, and having a good time.
Whether you come for the whitewater, fishing, ropes courses, climbing, paintball or camping -- our skill, experience, state-of-the-art equipment and attention to detail mean you can just focus on the FUN!
How many people are in a raft?
Typically there are 8 guests and 1 guide in each of our rafts. There are some larger and smaller rafts for varying river conditions.
Do I need enough people in my party to fill a raft?
No. Even if you come by yourself, you can go rafting with other guests.
What time do the trips leave?
Full-day trips on the Lower New River begin departing at 8:00am with trips leaving every 30-45 minutes based on reservations.
Lower New Overnights depart at 10:15am
Upper New Trips depart at 8:40am or 9:45am
Upper New Overnight trips depart at 9:15am
Full-day trips on the Gauley River begin departing at 6:30am with trips leaving every 30–45 minutes based on reservations.
Gauley Full River Trip departs at 7:00am
Gauley Overnights depart at 10:15am
Fishing Trips depart at 6:30am
Kayak Classes depart at 8:30am
You should arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your trip time.
Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming is not necessary, due to the fact that you will be wearing a life jacket, however; if you have a fear of water, rafting is not recommended.
What is the water temperature?
On the New River the water temperature ranges from 40 degrees in early April to 55 by May. The summer months average 70 degrees. The Gauley River in September and October averages between 40 and 55 degrees.
What should I wear?
Always bring a swimsuit. In the spring and fall, bring wool (or other synthetic) socks, gloves, hats, and be prepared to wear a wetsuit. In the summer, a T-shirt, shorts or swimming trunks, and sun block. Footwear for all seasons should be old tennis shoes or a sandal with a heel strap (NO FLIP FLOPS!) We also rent wetsuit booties for $5.
What happens if it rains?
We raft rain or shine. You're going to get wet anyway!
What's for lunch?
Our typical lunch includes sandwiches, salad, vegetables w/dip, cookies, and drinks. Lunch is included on all trips with the exception of our Express Trip.
Will I fall out of the raft?
There is a possibility that you may fall out of the boat. You will have a complete safety instruction talk-up before your trip and your guide will give you full instructions as to the correct things to do when, and if, you should happen to fall out.
What's included in camping fees?
Camping fees provide reserved camping space and access to all campground amenities. Guests should bring their own camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag, lantern, campstove and other utility items. Tent rental is available.
Can I bring my own firewood?
No. Guests at NARR must use firewood from our Camp Store due to the destructive nature of the Emerald Ash Borer. Learn more here.
Is it ok to bring my pet camping with me?
Your pet will be more comfortable and safe at home, or with a careful sitter. We can, however, provide you with information on a nearby kennel.
What is your refund policy?
New River: Of the required fee, $20 per person per day plus tax is nonrefundable. You may receive a refund of the remainder of your payment only with notification at least 14 days prior to trip date. There are no refunds on cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice.
Gauley River: Of the required fee, $30 per person per day plus tax is nonrefundable. You may receive a refund of the remainder of your payment only with notification at least 30 days prior to trip date. There are no refunds on cancellations with less than 30 days’ notice. You may, however, make substitutions of your group members at any time. Please inform all members of your party of this policy to avoid confusion.
How do I get to Hico, West Virginia?
Check out driving directions here>>
Do you have free, wireless internet access?
Yes. Our restaurant, the High Country Cafe is WiFi-enabled.
Are photos and videos available?
Photos are taken of each raft on the river and are available for purchase in the Outfitters Store immediately after your trip. Videos are available on most trips, and will be shown approximately 30 minutes after your trip. To guarantee that your trip is shot, you can purchase a minimum of 3 videos in advance.
What if I want to purchase a photo or video later?
If you regret not getting that photo after your trip, click here to search the archives and purchase photos of your adventure. You will be leaving the NARR website to order from Leisure Sports Photography.
To order a video of your trip, call 1-800-950-2585 with your trip date/time, river section, group name and choice of format: DVD or VHS.
Which trip is best for me?
See Rapid Class descriptions and suggested trips below:
| EASY/BEGINNER: CLASS I-II |
Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft (duckie) is an option.
Best for young children and tentative adults.
Suggested Trips:
Upper New River (minimum age 5)
2-Day Upper New Overnight |
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| BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE: CLASS III |
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming.
Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.
Suggested Trips:
Upper New River
Lower New River (minimum age 12)
2-Day Lower New Overnight |
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| INTERMEDIATE: CLASS III-IV |
Rivers with Class I - III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher, difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim".
Best for athletic, adventurous first-timers, or those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV.
Suggested Trips:
Lower New River
2-Day Lower New Overnight
Spring/Summer Gauley (minimum age 14) |
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| INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED: CLASS IV+ |
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid can be tiring.
Best for those with Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV, or for athletic, adventurous first-timers.
Suggested Trips:
Lower New River
Spring/Summer Gauley
Lower Gauley River (minimum age 14)
2-Day Reverse Gauley Overnight (minimum age 16)
Lower New River High Adventure
Lower Gauley High Adventure |
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| ADVANCED: CLASS V |
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be avoided. Falling out of the raft means a difficult and potentially lengthy"swim".
Best for experienced rafters seeking a challenge.
Suggested Trips:
Upper Gauley River (minimum age 16)
Full Gauley River
2-Day Gauley Overnight
Lower New River High Adventure
Lower Gauley High Adventure
Upper Gauley High Adventure |
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| UNRUNNABLE: CLASS VI |
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. If attempted and successful, luck deserves the largest portion of credit.
Not commercially runnable. |
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