White Water Rafting Experience – West Virginia, USA is the only white water rafting in West Virginia that attracts both professionals and beginners each year.
In West Virginia you will have the opportunity to venture into the Gauley River and New River, offering the best white water rafting on the East Coast, up to Class IV and Class V rapids. From the moment you start, the front of your raft enters under the water and then appears again, releasing a few drops of water towards you, to start this journey on the right foot.
The New River crosses Virginia, pass over the border into West Virginia and makes its way through the gorges of the Allegheny Mountains, where it meets the Gauley River. Although Upper New River has quite peaceful and calm areas, perfect for a family walk, where children will be safe and you practice rafting to advance to a new level or learn from scratch.
There are guided tours in The Upper New River on a raft that allows you to enjoy the scenery through the New River Gorge, without the need to worry about aggressive rapids. Normally, at the top, it is possible to find the longest and fastest waters, even Class III rapids. However, in the lower or southern part of the New River, the most aggressive rapids are established.
On the other hand, the Upper Gauley is in the top 5 of the best rivers to ferry in the world. It is the most defying river for rafting in the world, as it drops down over 335 feet in less 13 miles, its action without scale, and it reaches Class IV and even Class V rapids. But, although the excitement and adrenaline are like never before, it is only recommended for professionals and people with superior abilities and knowledge, since they are quite aggressive waters.
Most people return to West Virginia for a new adventure after the first glimpse, because of the diversity of sections that can be found in different parts of the rivers. If you decide to go back, your skills would have improved, and that way you can enjoy this experience more.
This trip is a unique experience that will stay with you for the next days, weeks, years and the rest of your life. That feeling when you turn and turn the raft while dodging rocks, you jump in the water, you feel the speed; without a doubt, it is a wild journey that will always stay with you and that you will want to repeat every year.
When to go
From April to October is the most recommended time to go. September, when the water releases from Summersville Dam start, is considered the beginning of the wild-water season.
How long
You can go for half-day, full-day, or multiday trips.
Planning
Fayetteville, in West Virginia, is your best base for white-water adventure and outfitters. But book well in advance because trips get booked up. Be prepared to get hooked on the thrill. More than 200,000 people rafted or paddled on West Virginia rivers in 2006.
Inside Information
Do not wear cotton because it becomes heavy once it gets wet. And you’re going to get wet.
Websites
- www.naar.com
- www.goextreme.com
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