The oldest river on the continent flows through New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. In addition to being the oldest river, New River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the Eastern United States.
Whether you enjoy a lazy day floating along a quiet stretch of water or getting drenched from the spray of frothy rapids, New River offers both while flowing 53 miles through the park, from Bluestone Dam to Hawks Nest Lake.
According to Park Staff:
The upper (southern) part of the river consists primarily of long pools, and relatively easy rapids up to Class III. It is a big powerful river, but very beautiful, always runnable, and providing excellent fishing and camping. There are a number of different river access points, and trips can run from several hours to several days.
The lower (northern) section of river is often referred to as "the Lower Gorge." In a state that is justifiably renowned for colossal rapids, the Lower Gorge has some of the biggest of the big with rapids ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V. The rapids are imposing and forceful, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents, crosscurrents, and hydraulics. Some rapids contain hazardous undercut rocks.
You can float the river on your own or reserve a spot with a commercial river guide. Below is a list of commercial outfitters licensed by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources:
ACE Adventure Resort
800-787-3982
www.aceraft.com
Adventures On The Gorge
855-379-8738
www.adventuresonthegorge.com
Cantrell Ultimate Rafting
304-877-8235
www.cantrellultimaterafting.com
New and Gauley River Adventures
800-759-7238
www.gauley.com
River Expeditions
800-463-9873
www.raftinginfo.com
West Virginia Adventures
800-292-0880
www.trywva.com
Not sure if river rafting or a guided tour is for you? This blog post by fueledbywanderlust.com details a New River rafting trip, providing their own personal experience and advice.
If you choose to paddle New River in your own private vessel, the map below shows different river access points which will allow you to spend anywhere from a day to several days on the water.
Before launching, you should understand the risks of rafting/paddling and be prepared for any contingency. As such, it’s a good idea to monitor the river levels as well as understand the International Scale of Difficulty defining different classes, from I to VI. The Draft New River Guide and Map will help you plan and prepare for a river trip while providing suggested routes.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a water safety page for swimmers and boaters. This page provides information on what to wear, what to pack, what to avoid, and proper boating etiquette.
- By Rebecca Latson - May 3rd, 2026 5:57am
