International Scale of River Difficulty
The breakdown below is a general guideline for trips offered by NARR.
• 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 Raft
Upper New Daring Ducks
Upper New Overnight
• • 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 Raft
Upper New Daring Ducks
Lower New
Rapid Run
Double Dare Lower New
Big Water Canyon Overnight
• 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
Rapid Run
Double Dare Lower New
Big Water Canyon Overnight
Spring & Summer Gauley
• • 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:
Double Dare Lower New
Big Water Canyon Overnight
Spring & Summer Gauley
Lower Gauley
• 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/Lower 2 Day Reverse Adventure
Reverse Riverside Overnight
Upper Gauley
Double Upper Gauley
Riverside Overnight
Gauley Marathon
Marathon Riverside Overnight
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. Not commercially runnable.
Note: Classification of rapids are difficult and change with different river levels, weather conditions and experience. All rapids should be taken serious - a Class I or II rapid has potential hazards just like a Class V rapid. A lifejacket (PFD) and helmet must be worn at all times even in pools or relatively calm water.
