New River Gorge Insider

Guides to New River Gorge National Park · Fayetteville, WV

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Best Whitewater Rafting
at New River Gorge

Four outfitters, two rivers, every skill level — what you need to know before booking

The New River is the primary reason most people drive to Fayetteville. The upper section — long calm pools broken by Class I–III rapids — is one of the best family rafting days in the East. The lower section cuts through a 1,000-foot gorge on Class IV–V water that serious paddlers come back for every year. Here are the outfitters worth booking.

Top PickAges 6+ UpperFull-Day Trips
1

ACE Adventure Resort

Est. 1987Experience
Both RiversUpper & Lower New
All GearIncluded
~5 MinFrom Fayetteville

ACE is the most comprehensive operation at New River Gorge — not just a rafting company but a full outdoor resort with lodging, a restaurant, zip lines, a climbing wall, and the five-acre spring-fed water park with inflatables and Wet Willie waterslides. Both Upper and Lower New River guided trips run daily in season, with all equipment and wet suits included. Riverside lunch is served on full-day runs.

Minimum age is typically 6 on the Upper New; confirm the current requirement for your trip date when booking.

For a first-timer, the Upper New with ACE is what a family rafting day should look like.

Location & Logistics

  • 1 ACE Drive, Oak Hill, WV 25901 — ~5 min from downtown Fayetteville
  • Zip lines, climbing wall, water park, and Ace's Hole restaurant on property
  • Book at aceraft.com — summer weekend dates fill weeks in advance
  • Full-day trips include all gear, guide, and riverside lunch
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Top RatedSince 1968Gorge-Side
2

Adventures on the Gorge

50+ YearsOn the New
New & GauleyMulti-River
Gorge-SideOn the Rim
~8 MinFrom Fayetteville

Adventures on the Gorge is the oldest outfitter at NRG and consistently the highest-rated. The campus sits right on the gorge rim and includes the Swiftwater Café, a climbing wall, and guided trips on both the New and Gauley Rivers. The guides here have serious tenure; the guest-to-guide ratios are good.

Both Upper and Lower New trips are available, along with Gauley River runs in September and October. For groups who want a top-tier guided experience on any skill level, Adventures on the Gorge is the standard comparison for every other outfitter in the area.

Location & Logistics

  • 1 Ames Heights Rd, Lansing, WV 25862 — ~8 min from downtown Fayetteville
  • Swiftwater Café on property — good spot for a meal before or after your trip
  • Book at adventuresonthegorge.com
  • Swiftwater Café on property for meals before and after trips
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Downtown Bungalow
Adventure Haven
Gorge Getaway

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Family FavoriteSmall GroupsHighly Rated
3

Cantrell Ultimate Rafting

Small GroupsGuide Ratio
Both SectionsUpper & Lower
Family-FirstFocus
~10 MinFrom Fayetteville

Cantrell runs a tighter operation than the large resort outfitters — smaller group sizes, guides who know repeat guests by name, and a strong reputation for being good with families and first-timers. If the priority is a day where the guide is genuinely paying attention to your group rather than managing a crowd, Cantrell is the pick.

Both Upper and Lower New trips are available. Cantrell tends to book out for peak summer weekends, so booking in advance matters here as much as at the larger operations.

Location & Logistics

  • Fayetteville area, WV — ~10 min from downtown
  • Book at cantrellrafting.com
  • Particularly well-reviewed for family groups and first-timers
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Gauley ExpertsMulti-RiverSince 1977
4

New & Gauley River Adventures

Est. 1977Experience
New & GauleyBoth Rivers
Bridge-SideLocation
gauley.comBook Online

NGRA has been running the New and Gauley Rivers longer than most outfitters in the area have existed. They’re the right choice when the target is the Gauley specifically — the most powerful and technical river in the NRG region, running through a narrow canyon when the Summersville Dam releases in September and October. Serious paddlers put Gauley season on the calendar well in advance.

New River trips run throughout the summer season for all skill levels. NGRA is located 1 mile north of Fayetteville, right near the New River Gorge Bridge — one of the best vantage points in the area.

Location & Logistics

  • P.O. Box 44, Lansing, WV 25862 — 1 mile north of Fayetteville
  • Book at gauley.com or call 800-759-7238
  • Gauley season: late September through October
  • Close proximity to the New River Gorge Bridge and Grandview overlook
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Rafting at New River Gorge — FAQ

What is the difference between the Upper and Lower New River?

The Upper New River runs Class I–III rapids with long calm stretches between runs — appropriate for families and first-timers, with a minimum age typically around 6 or 7 depending on the outfitter. The Lower New River drops through the deep gorge on Class IV–V whitewater, requiring solid physical fitness and a minimum age of around 12. If the trip includes anyone under 12 or with no whitewater experience, the Upper is the right choice. Book both if the group has mixed experience levels — some outfitters can accommodate split groups.

When is the best time to go rafting at New River Gorge?

April through October. Spring (April–May) runs higher and faster water after snowmelt — experienced paddlers enjoy this; first-timers may find it intense. June through August is peak family season with warm water and consistent flows. Fall is excellent on both rivers, and September–October adds Gauley season for those who want a serious whitewater challenge on a different river entirely. Water is coldest in spring — wet suits are standard.

Do I need prior rafting experience?

No. All outfitters listed here run fully guided trips with equipment provided. The Upper New is designed for beginners. The Lower New requires physical fitness and the ability to follow guide instructions but not prior paddling experience. Guides will cover everything before the trip departs. Swimming ability is recommended for all participants.

How far in advance should I book?

For summer weekends (June–August): 2–4 weeks minimum. Holiday weekends (July 4th, Labor Day) and fall foliage weekends (late September–October) can fill 6–8 weeks out. Weekday trips have more availability but still book at least a week ahead to secure your preferred time. All outfitters book online.

What should I bring on a rafting trip?

Clothes that can get wet — no cotton, which stays cold and heavy. Water shoes or old sneakers (sandals with straps are acceptable; flip-flops are not). Sunscreen. A light jacket for spring trips. Leave phones in the car or bring a dry bag if you want photos on the water. All safety equipment — helmet, PFD, paddle — is provided by the outfitter. Lunch is included on most full-day runs.