White water rafting trips on the New River

Big, fast, playful and fun, the Lower New River is a whitewater roller coaster ride of towering, crashing waves. With more than 25 Class II to Class IV rapids, including thumpers like The Keeneys, Upper and Lower Railroad, Greyhound Bus-Stopper, and Double-Z, the Lower New offers enough thrills and adventure for any enthusiast. One of the oldest rivers in the world, the "New" cuts its bed from the rugged West Virginia hills, winding through the 1,000 foot gorge known far and wide as The Grand Canyon of the East - a breathtaking sight in her spring, summer, or fall colors. Historic mining ghost towns pepper the gorge's walls. Calm pools between rapids give you a chance to take a swim, and to enjoy the awesome scenery and the abundance of wildlife... from beaver to cardinal flowers to whitetail deer. With friends from home or from the office, for one day or more, this is a memorable adventure for both the experienced and beginners.

Lower New River Rapid Rating: Class II-IV See trips available on the Lower New

Upper New River Rapid Rating: Class I-III See trips available on the Upper New

The New River begins in North Carolina and measures 320 miles from the north fork. Flowing through North Carolina and Virginia, the new joins the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River (at Gauley Bridge, WV) that flows into the Ohio River (at Point Pleasant, WV) that flows into the Mississippi River (at Cairo, IL) that flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

Within the 50-mile stretch of the New River Gorge National River, the river is divided into two distinct sections, the Upper and Lower New River. At the southern end of the park, the Upper New, the river is more placid than its lower counterpart. Intermediate canoeists encounter a few challenging Class III rapids and beginning boaters enjoy Class I to III rapids for a leisurely float with excellent fishing opportunities. North of Thurmond, the Lower New, the river’s famous whitewater (more than 25 Class II to Class IV rapids) begins in earnest.