

Calm Waters, Big Fun on the Upper New River
The Upper New River is the perfect first rafting adventure for families and groups with kids as young as six! This full-day trip takes you through the fun, splashy, and scenic waters of the New River Gorge National Park, with Class I-III rapids that are exciting yet beginner-friendly.
Your adventure starts at Adventures on the Gorge, where expert guides will gear you up before heading to the river. You'll raft in single or double inflatable kayaks (rafts available upon request), giving you plenty of freedom to paddle, play, and explore! Between rapids, enjoy swimming, river games, and breathtaking views before stopping for a riverside lunch prepared by your guides.
And here’s the best part—kids aged 6-11 raft FREE with each paying adult, Sunday-Friday! It’s the ultimate family-friendly adventure that’s as fun as it is unforgettable!
- Full day trip
- Ages 6+
- Children ages 6-11 raft for free with each paying adult (excludes Saturday)
- Includes lunch
- Class I-III rapids
- A perfect first rafting trip for kids
- Prices start at $139
FAQs
- What More Is There to Know About the New River? What More Is There to Know About the New River? Did you know the New River is said to be the second-oldest river in the world? Over millions of years, its white water has carved the New River Gorge and left us with large shelf drops and boulders–a perfect combination of waves and hydraulics that make for world-class rafting. The Lower New River provides adventurous rafting, while the Upper New River is typically more tame.
- What’s Included What’s Included Transportation is covered from the resort to the river and back again. We’ll also provide all your rafting equipment (helmet, personal flotation device or PFD, paddle, and boat), plus a riverside lunch served by our guides.
- What Do I Bring? What Do I Bring? Bring any medication you need throughout the day, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes to keep at the resort to change into after your trip. Guides carry small, waterproof bags to stow necessary medications. Depending on the time of year and the weather, you may also want a synthetic layer. If necessary, wetsuits and splash jackets are available for rent. Call us to book those, too.
- What Is the Trip Time? What Is the Trip Time? This is a Full Day Trip. Depending on the day’s water level, you’ll spend between 4-6 hours on the water, plus shuttle time to and from the river. Trip length and intensity vary based on water levels, which change throughout the season.
- What Kind of Boat & Where Will the Guide Be? What Kind of Boat & Where Will the Guide Be? We typically take inflatable kayaks on the Upper New. They are one or two-person rafts shaped like kayaks. With an inflatable kayak, you’ll get to experience a more personal whitewater rafting challenge on a craft that’s stable, fun, and easy to maneuver. Our inflatable kayaks are self-bailing, which means water that splashes in will drain out on its own. Our standard, 16-foot rafts are available upon request or when the water is high. These comfortably seat eight rafters and one river guide. River guides will be either in rafts or in inflatable kayaks to lead the pack, and they’re experts at working with beginner rafters and families with small children. Learn more about our guides.
- What Are the Requirements and Limits? What Are the Requirements and Limits? The minimum age for this trip is 6 years old. Our PFDs have a maximum chest capacity of 56 inches. All adventurers on the trip should be able to swim.
- How Much Are Group Reservations? How Much Are Group Reservations? Custom quotes are available for groups of over 15. Call us to learn more!
- What Safety Precautions Are There? What Safety Precautions Are There? Our trip leaders and river guides will talk through specific guidelines and requirements on site before you head for the water.