New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting: Full Day Class V Rapids

Fifteen Rapids and a 1,000-Foot Canyon in One Day

You spend a full day running Class V rapids through a thousand-foot canyon with a professional guide steering the raft. The day includes 15+ rapids, time to jump and swim, a riverside lunch, and transport to and from the river. You finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge, the iconic arch that marks the end of the Lower New section.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day whitewater rafting adventure

• Travel to New River Gorge
• Meet professional rafting guide
• Raft 8-12 miles on river
• Run over 15 rapids up to Class V
• Surf in river holes
• Jump off jump rock
• Swim an easy rapid (optional)
• Enjoy lunch included
• Finish beneath New River Gorge Bridge
• Return transportation provided

The experience

The raft is already moving when you push off from the put-in, and within minutes the canyon walls rise up around you: sandstone cliffs climbing a thousand feet on either side. The New River Gorge whitewater rafting trip runs 8 to 12 miles depending on water levels that day, and you'll hit over 15 rapids, some rated Class V, which means the current is fast, the drops are real, and your guide knows exactly where to position the boat so you're not swimming unless you choose to. The river itself is the second oldest in the world, and it cuts through terrain that was just designated a National Park, so between the adrenaline and the geology, there's a lot happening at once.

A professional guide steers the raft through each rapid, calling out when to paddle hard and when to hold on. The day includes time to surf the river style in one of the holes (a pocket of whitewater where the current loops back on itself), and there's a jump rock if you want to dive in. Most people do. You'll also get the option to swim an easier rapid if you're comfortable in the water, or you can stay in the boat and watch. Lunch happens riverside, included with the trip, and the whole thing wraps up beneath the New River Gorge Bridge, the single-arch expansion bridge that's become the unofficial symbol of the region. Wildlife sightings are common along the way (eagles, deer, sometimes muskrats), though you're usually too focused on the next rapid to notice until someone points them out.

Transport to and from the river is part of the package, so you don't have to figure out logistics or drive yourself to the put-in soaking wet at the end of the day. The minimum age is 12, and while the trip is physically demanding, it's designed to work for different fitness levels: the guide adjusts the pace and intensity based on the group. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. You will get wet.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your raft.
• all entry fees and taxes.
• complimentary riverside lunch.
• transportation to and from the river.
• access to 15+ Class V and lower-rated rapids across 8 to 12 miles of the New River Gorge.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Jul 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

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.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ACE Adventure Resort | Whitewater Rafting West Virginia

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day of serious whitewater in one of the deepest canyons on the East Coast without arranging your own transport or meals: the included guide, lunch, and shuttle mean you show up ready to paddle and leave without logistics to handle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the actual rafting time?

The trip covers 8 to 12 miles depending on water levels that day. A full day typically means you're on the water for several hours, with lunch and transport included in the total time.

What's the difference between Class V rapids and the easier ones?

Class V rapids have fast currents and significant drops. They require skill to navigate safely. The trip includes rapids at this level, but your guide controls the raft's position and tells you when to paddle. Easier rapids are also part of the run.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a complimentary riverside lunch is provided as part of the full day trip.

Do I need rafting experience?

No. A trained professional guide is in every raft and handles navigation. The trip is designed for different fitness levels, though it is physically active.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. You can jump off jump rock, surf in one of the river holes, and swim an easier rapid if you choose to. Swimming is optional.

What's the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years old.

Is transport included?

Yes, transportation to and from the river is included in the full day package.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and water shoes or sneakers that can get wet. You will get wet during the trip.