New River Gorge: Private Whitewater Rafting & Hotel Pickup

Six Hours on the New River: Class III and IV Rapids in West Virginia's Deepest Gorge

You're picked up at your hotel and driven to New River Gorge National Park, where you spend 6 hours paddling Class III and IV rapids with a professional guide who handles safety and navigation. Gear (life vest, helmet, paddle) is provided. After rafting, you have 2 hours free time before the driver returns you to your hotel. No separate bookings needed for transport or equipment.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitewater rafting and scenic tour

• Meet driver at hotel
• Travel 60 minutes to New River Gorge
• Raft Class III and IV rapids for 6 hours
• Enjoy 2 hours free time walking
• Return 60 minutes to hotel

The experience

"How rough do these rapids get?" The question comes up before you even leave the hotel, and the answer is honest: Class III and IV, which means you'll feel the river pushing back. The New River Gorge is one of the oldest rivers in North America, and it carved the deepest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, so you're not on some tame float. Your driver picks you up at the hotel after a 60-minute drive through West Virginia's landscape, and by the time you're in the raft with your professional guide, you're already thinking about what's ahead.

The 6-hour whitewater rafting adventure on the New River takes you through 70,000 acres of protected park where the water moves fast and the scenery doesn't let up. You'll navigate Class III and IV rapids while the gorge walls rise around you: forests, cliffs, wetlands, and rimrock habitats that shelter endangered mammals, rare birds, and amphibians most people never see. The guide handles the big decisions, but you're doing the work: paddling through the churn, reading the current, feeling the raft respond. Between the rapids, there's time to spot native fish, mussels, crayfish, and the occasional turtle or heron. It's not a sightseeing tour where you sit still. It's a day where you're part of the river.

After you come off the water, you get 2 hours of free time to walk around, dry off, grab food if there's a spot nearby, or just sit and let your shoulders stop shaking. Then the same driver takes you back to your hotel. The whole day (transportation, guide, life vest, helmet, paddle, everything) is included, which means you're not figuring out logistics or wondering what you forgot to book. The tour runs in all weather, so bring a wetsuit or layers depending on the season. The river doesn't close.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and drop-off.
• 60-minute drive each way to New River Gorge National Park.
• 6-hour guided whitewater rafting adventure with a professional local guide.
• life vest, helmet, and paddle.
• 2 hours of free time after rafting.
• modern, air-conditioned private transportation.
• all safety equipment and instruction.

Options for this experience

8 options

Driver-Only TourUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English · 07:30No guide, with a fixed 7:30 AM pickup: private transportation only. No guide and no entry tickets. Available on Tuesdays with a fixed 7:30 AM pick-up. Pickup is included.

Private tour for seven passengersUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00Private transfer including private transportation to and from your hotel, plus a private guide to enjoy the company of in National Park Whitewater in New River Gorge. Pickup is included.

Private tour for six passengersUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00For six passengers: private transportation to and from your hotel, and a private guide to enjoy the company of in National Park Whitewater in New River Gorge. Pickup is included.

See 5 more options

Private tour for five passengersUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00For five passengers: private transportation to and from your hotel, and a private guide to enjoy the company of in National Park Whitewater in New River Gorge. Pickup is included.

Private tour for four passengersUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00For four passengers: private transportation to and from your hotel, and a private guide to enjoy the company of in National Park Whitewater in New River Gorge. Pickup is included.

Private tour for three passengersUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00Private transfer including private transportation to and from your hotel, plus a private guide to enjoy the company of in National Park Whitewater in New River Gorge. Pickup is included.

Private tour for two passengersUp to 2 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00For two passengers: a private guide to enjoy the company of in National Park Whitewater in New River Gorge, with private transportation to and from your hotel. Pickup is included.

Private tour for one passengerUp to 1 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00Private guide, who you can enjoy the company of in National Park Whitewater in New River Gorge, plus private transportation to and from your hotel. Pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30 and 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by taxiGo Limo Airport Service

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water without arranging your own transport, gear, or guide. The private pickup means you leave from your hotel and return there, and everything you need to raft Class III and IV rapids is already in the boat.

Top questions

How long is the drive from the hotel to New River Gorge?

About 60 minutes each way through West Virginia.

What class of rapids will I be paddling?

Class III and IV rapids, which require moderate paddling effort and involve significant whitewater.

Is all the gear included?

Yes, life vest, helmet, and paddle are provided. You bring your own clothes and wetsuit if needed.

What happens during the 2 hours of free time?

Your guide drops you at a convenient location where you can walk around, rest, or grab food before the return drive.

Do I need to be in good shape to do this?

Moderate physical fitness is recommended. If you have medical concerns, consult your physician before booking and let your guide know on the day.

Does the tour run if the weather is bad?

Yes, it operates in all weather. Dress appropriately for rain or cold depending on the season.

Is there a minimum age for children?

Specialized infant seats are available, so families with young children can participate.

How many people will be in my raft?

This is a private tour, so it's your group and your guide in the raft.