New River Gorge Family Rafting: Class I-II Rapids & Lunch

Gentle rapids and a packed lunch: what family rafting actually looks like on the New River

You float the Upper New River with your family through national park scenery, navigating Class I-II rapids with a professional guide who handles safety and personalization. Lunch is included on the riverbank, all gear is provided, and kids ages 5 and up can join. The trip runs mornings only and takes a few hours, leaving your afternoon free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Family rafting on Upper New River

• Check in at BaseCamp
• Meet your Guide
• Receive paddle, PFD, and helmet
• Take bus to river
• Review safety instructions
• Board raft with Guide
• Float down river through rapids
• Enjoy national park scenery
• Stop for buffet-style lunch
• Swim and play in water
• Return from river

The experience

You'd think a family rafting trip would be either too tame to matter or too rough for the kids. The Upper New River in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park splits the difference in a way that actually works. Class I and II rapids mean there's real water moving under the raft (enough that you feel it, enough that the kids stay engaged), but nothing that tips you sideways or leaves anyone gripping the rope in actual fear. The guide reads the group as you go, so if your five-year-old is loving it, you can lean into the slightly bigger drops. If someone's had enough bounce, you float the calmer sections and watch for bald eagles instead.

The day starts at BaseCamp, where you get fitted with a helmet, life vest, and paddle. The bus ride to the river is short, and your guide uses it to run through safety stuff without making it sound like a lecture. They're good at that part. Once you're in the raft and pushing off, the scenery hits different. You're moving through national park terrain, past old coal mining structures tucked into the mountainside, rock formations that look like they've been there forever, and the occasional freight train that still runs through the gorge. The water is cold enough to be refreshing but not shocking. If anyone wants to jump in and float a gentle rapid or just cool off, the guide will let you know where it's safe.

The 9 AM trips include a lunch break right on the riverbank: buffet-style, so you're not eating the same sandwich everyone else is. If someone in your group has dietary needs, you tell them 48 hours ahead and they work with it. Bigger kids or teenagers who want more of a challenge can ask about inflatable kayaks for part of the trip, which turns it into a different kind of teamwork with a parent. The whole thing runs in all weather, so bring layers and clothes that can get wet. It's not a long day (you're back by early afternoon), but it's the kind of morning that kids still talk about weeks later because they actually did something, not just looked at something.

What’s included

• Your trip includes a professional guide in your raft, personal flotation device and helmet for everyone, paddle, and lunch on the riverbank (9 AM trips only).
• Local taxes are covered.
• You'll need to bring clothes that can get wet and dress for the weather.

Options for this experience

2 options

Day trip at 9:00am with lunchGuide in English · Available from 1 Apr 2027Lunch on the river: a tasty buffet with build-your-own sandwiches, fresh fruit, sides, snacks and dessert.

Express New Family FloatGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by West Virginia Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want the kids to actually paddle and play in the water rather than just sit and watch, and you'd rather not spend the morning figuring out gear, safety briefings, and which rapids are safe for their age. The guide handles all of that and adjusts the pace as you go.

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Top questions

What age can kids start rafting on the New River?

Ages 5 and up are welcome on this family trip. The Class I-II rapids and guide experience are designed around younger paddlers.

Is lunch really included?

Yes, but only on the 9 AM departures. It's buffet-style on the riverbank. Let them know about dietary needs 48 hours ahead.

What if my kid gets scared in the water?

The guide personalizes the trip based on your group's comfort level. You can float calmer sections, and the rapids are gentle enough that most kids find them fun rather than frightening.

Do I need to bring my own life vest and helmet?

No. Personal flotation device, helmet, and paddle are all provided.

Can we swim or jump in the river?

Yes. The guide will point out safe spots where you can float or swim in gentle rapids if you want to cool off.

What if the weather is bad?

The trip operates in all weather. Dress in layers and wear clothes that can get wet.

Can teenagers do something more challenging?

Yes. Let the outfitter know, and they can provide inflatable kayaks for part of the trip so older kids can paddle alongside the raft.

How long is the whole trip?

It's a half-day experience. You check in at BaseCamp, ride to the river, raft for a few hours with a lunch break, and return by early afternoon.