The 10 Best West Virginia Rafting Tours

1.National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 513 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $99 a head Our pick

Spend about six hours rafting the Lower New River through New River Gorge National Park. Guides such as Samuel, Crock, Richard, Nick, and Kristen lead the run, explain each rapid, and keep the mood relaxed. Your $99 fare includes gear, a professional guide, and lunch on 9 AM trips. Expect forests, cliffs, wildlife, and a few wet surprises.

“Kelly and Nick were awesome river guides! They made sure we had a great time and were very knowledgeable.”

See dates →Read our full review

2.Lower New River Whitewater Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 183 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $153 a head

Spend about five hours rafting the Lower New River with a professional guide, safety gear, transport, lunch, and drinks included. After smaller rapids, you will tackle class IV-V whitewater, pause for a riverside deli lunch, then continue beneath the New River Gorge Bridge with time to swim or jump from rocks when water levels allow.

“Tour guides are amazing! They make the experience awesome by offering historical knowledge along the trip.”

See dates →Read our full review

3.Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $85 a head Cheapest seat

Raft the Upper New River with an experienced guide from West Virginia Adventures. This five-hour trip suits ages 5 and up, with Class I and II rapids, time to swim and play, national park scenery, and lunch on morning departures. Guides such as Cassie, Heather, Allison, Trent, and Will are praised for their river skills and family-friendly approach.

“We were looking for a gentle beginner experience. This trip was perfect. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable. They took time to point out local history, wildlife, and taught us about the river. They genuinely seemed to enjoy guiding. Scenery was gorgeous, rapids were fun, but not overwhelming for kids or beginners. A great way to spend and afternoon on the river.”

See dates →Read our full review

4.Lower Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $163 a head

Spend about six hours rafting West Virginia’s Lower Gauley with a professional guide, beginning with Class I to III rapids before tackling bigger Class IV and V water. Tri is one named guide praised for clear instruction and good stories. Lunch, drinks, helmet, paddle, and PFD are included, while wetsuits and photos cost extra.

“Had a wonderful trip down the Lower Gauley. Our guide, Tri, was outstanding and gave clear instructions throughout the trip, and entertained with many great stories from his rafting experience. Everyone we dealt with from Advertures on the Gorge was very friendly and helpful. The lunch was delicious. I highly recommend using Adventures on the Gorge for a rafting trip. They were extremely well run, professional, and courteous. It was just a perfect trip and day.”

See dates →Read our full review

5.Lower Gauley Fall Rafting Special in WV

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $120 a head

Join West Virginia Adventures for a seasonal 16-mile Lower Gauley rafting trip with a private raft, professional guide, safety gear, and buffet lunch. The six-hour outing runs for only six weeks each fall and includes Class III and IV rapids, swimming spots, and stories about Native American history, Civil War battles, Summersville Dam, and the flooded village of Gad. Guides such as Isaiah, Croc, Rich, and Steve are known for skill and humor.

See dates →Read our full review

6.Half Day New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll raft 8 to 12 miles through New River Gorge National Park in about four hours, running 15 rapids rated up to Class V. A professional guide leads the boat, and transportation to and from the river is included. Guides named in guest feedback include Brodie, Tommy, and Kenedi. Expect big scenery, cold water, and a thoroughly wet ride.

“Wanted to take a weekend trip with my best friend through Virginia and West Virginia. We decided to do the white water rafting on New River through ACE. The experience was incredibly fun, the guides were incredibly friendly and personable, and everything was orderly and fun! The River was clean, refreshing, and had plenty of fun drop-offs that splashed you and made it more adventurous. Will be doing the Gauley River rafting in the fall with them since this was so amazing!”

See dates →Read our full review

7.New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, WV – Lower New Full Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Join ACE Adventure Resort for a six-hour Lower New River run through New River Gorge National Park. A professional guide such as Rachel, Chris, or Marcus leads your raft through 15-plus rapids, with time for river surfing, jump rock, and an easy swim. Lunch and river transport are included. Minimum age is 12.

“The entire trip was amazing, with incredible staff from check-in to departure. The safety briefs were professional, the guide on our raft(Marcus) was super, terrific instructor, we had people in our raft from 19-65, and he took care of them all. Go do this trip!”

See dates →Read our full review

8.Extreme Class V Whitewater Rafting on the Gauley River WV (Fall Only)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $132 a head

You’ll tackle the Gauley River’s Class IV and V rapids with an expert guide, including the steep drop at Sweets Falls. The six-hour trip starts in Hico at 9 a.m., includes rafting gear and a riverside buffet, and suits fit adults 16 and older with prior rafting or serious outdoor experience.

See dates →Read our full review

9.Full Day Fall Lower Gauley Rafting in West Virginia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $121 a head

You’ll raft 10 miles of West Virginia’s Lower Gauley with professional guides, handling 50 class III to V rapids on a full-day trip for ages 12 and up. ACE Adventure Resort supplies helmets, PFDs, transport, and a hot riverside lunch. Susan guided one 9:15 trip in 2023, but guide assignments vary.

See dates →Read our full review

10.Fall Upper Gauley Full Day Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $143 a head

Start at ACE Adventure Resort at 8:00 a.m. for a demanding 12-mile Upper Gauley run. You will paddle through more than 50 class III to V rapids, including a 14-foot cascading waterfall, with a professional guide, safety gear, and hot riverside lunch. Minimum age is 15, and strong fitness is required.

See dates →Read our full review