Comments on: Whitewater rafting in West Virginia

Question: Whitewater rafting in West Virginia

Huron90 — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:23:21 -0800

Does anyone have a recommendation for white water rafting excursions in West Virginia. Planning for the upcoming summer, with 2 parents and 4 teens, all beginners, but thrill seekers.

By: nicwolff

nicwolff — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:05:57 -0800

The Summersville Dam just above the upper put-in on the Gauley River does scheduled releases in September, sending a huge bubble of whitewater down towards the New River Gorge and turning the Gauley into a Class IV/V ride. On Sep 21-23 they release extra water for Gauley Fest.

Also, on Oct 19 there's Bridge Day when people can legally BASE jump from the New River Gorge Bridge which is pretty exciting to watch from 875 feet below!

By: TDIpod

TDIpod — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:06:29 -0800

North fork of the south branch of the Potomac, near Seneca Rocks , is relatively small, but a good run towards Petersburg. Easy access if you are doing this yourself. And there are lots of other outdoor activities nearby.
For big water & guided service go to the New River Gorge.

By: OmieWise

OmieWise — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:12:42 -0800

The New is a lot of fun, but I think the Cheat is more scenic and a better trip.

By: craven_morhead

craven_morhead — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:14:09 -0800

The Yough is also very fun; it's in MD, but just barely.

By: Flamingo

Flamingo — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:16:53 -0800

A few years ago, I took a trip with a group using Wildwater Expeditions (Lower Gauley with camping, I believe) and had a great time.

By: stevis23

stevis23 — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:56:33 -0800

I've done Lower Gauley (during the release) and New River with an outfit called Class VI. I was very happy with them since they worked out my concerns with my insulin pump swiftly and smartly. Your special needs may vary.

By: jon1270

jon1270 — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:28:14 -0800

I've also done the upper New with Class VI, and had a great experience. Class VI was created a few years ago as a merger of 2 older rafting companies, one of which was called Mountain River Tours, and I did the upper New with them too, back in the mid '80's. They do the Gauley as well, but I haven't taken that trip. Evidently the Gauley is more exciting and physically demanding.

By: ImproviseOrDie

ImproviseOrDie — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:21:00 -0800

Seconding Wildwater on the New out of Thurmond WV.