National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV
Overview
Real deal guided whitewater rafting through the spectacular New River Gorge National Park. Another notch on your bucket list - or become a whitewater frequent paddler! Class III/IV rapids provide excitement and a trip you will never forget. Amazing scenery, high adventure, no experience required, trips run March through October each year. Day trips meet at 9 AM and include a riverside catered lunch break at the halfway point. Short on time? Try the Afternoon Express run, meeting 3 PM daily.
What's Included
- Lunch 9 AM Trips Only
- Personal flotation device (life vest), helmet, paddle.
- Local taxes
- Professional guide in your raft
- Gratuities
- DVD/video/photos (available to purchase)
- Wetsuits, paddle jackets, water shoes also available to rent.
Meeting Location
286 Sunday Road
Hico, WV 25854, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Rafting excitement in New River Gorge National Park with our highly experienced guides. Class III/IV rapids. Amazing scenery, includes catered lunch break on the river at the halfway point (no lunch on afternoon express trips).
You will start the day by checking in at our BaseCamp, and meeting the Trip Leader and your Guide. We will answer any questions or concerns you have, and outfit everyone in your party with a paddle, PFD (flotation/lifejacket), and helmet. On the short bus ride to the river, we will go over safety instructions, get you ready for what to expect, and usually keep you laughing.
At the river, you will get into the raft with your group and your Guide and, after a few practice strokes, you will get the rush of your first rapid! The scenery through the national forest is spectacular, from remnants of old coal mining operations tucked into majestic mountains and rock formations, to birds of prey, water birds, and even bald eagles.
You will complete your river adventure under the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single-span arch bridge in the world when it was built. The bridge is 3000 feet long, 876 feet above the river, and the 3rd tallest bridge in the US.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Advise guide of any relevant medical conditions prior to trip start. Consult your physician about medical concerns prior to rafting.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Recommended for ages 11 and up
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Call to discuss disability or service animal accommodation.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18198P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 554 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Lunch. 9 AM Trips Only.
- Personal flotation device (life vest), helmet, paddle.
- Local taxes.
- Professional guide in your raft.
- Gratuities.
- DVD/video/photos (available to purchase).
- Wetsuits, paddle jackets, water shoes also available to rent.
The minimum age to participate is 11. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV is as follows:
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Advise guide of any relevant medical conditions prior to trip start. Consult your physician about medical concerns prior to rafting.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lunch9 AM Trips Only
- Personal flotation device (life vest), helmet, paddle.
- Local taxes
- Professional guide in your raft
- Gratuities
- DVD/video/photos (available to purchase)
- Wetsuits, paddle jackets, water shoes also available to rent.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Advise guide of any relevant medical conditions prior to trip start. Consult your physician about medical concerns prior to rafting.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Recommended for ages 11 and up
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Call to discuss disability or service animal accommodation.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
