"Rafting in West Virginia" Top 5 Page for this destination West Virginia by Fullmoonfever

West Virginia Travel Guide: 1,243 reviews and 2,591 photos

Great River!

My Rafting Page!

This is my West Virginia page, but I call it my "Rafting Page" because almost all of my tips have to do with rafting.

One thing I started doing about 15 years ago is rafting. My first trip was on the Youghiogheny River in PA. My in-laws use to live about 25 miles away.

Over the years I have also gone rafting on the Cheat River in northern West Virginia. About 7 years ago I took my first trip on the Gauley, and that's the only place I go now. It's a world famous river in rafting circles. The best time to go is in early September, this time of year is called "Gauley season" due to the draw down of Summersville Lake for the winter rains and snows. The water is at its wildest and highest with lots of class 4 and 5 rapids. I will upload some pics later, so check back soon.

The outfitter I use is Appalachian WildWaters. I have found they offer excellent service and the guides are first class.

One detail I want to mention is that this is considered an advanced river experience not meant for novice and there is a minimum age requirement and previous rafting is recommended.

There are many accommodations in the area, but we usually camp. There are 2 state parks within a 20 miles radius of the river and from my experience they are never crowded in September.

It can be cool, especially early in the morning, so I suggest scheduling a later trip time, say 10 or 11 am, instead of the 7 or 8 am trips. They schedule trips an 1/2 hour apart, so the river does not fell crowded.

Another river in the same area is the New River which is just north of the Gauley, and offers a great trip and also is a milder ride. This is a good river for families that want to take younger children along.

So if your thinking about rafting I definitely recommend going to one of the West Virginia rivers, established rafting outfitters, experienced guides, and what's better than being in those green mountains floating down a wild natural river!!!!!!!!

Jump Rock!!

About half way down there's a rock that everyone (that wants to) can get out of the raft and jump off. These are a few people in our party jumping.

The cost includes transportation to and from the river, lunch and all required safety gear. When its too cool you can rent wet suits, which cost 10 Dollars.

Sweets Falls

Sweet's Falls

This is a 10 foot water fall at the half way point on the trip. If you enlarge the pic you will see a raft at the bottom of the falls. This pic doesn't really show the falls drop-off that well because I took it upstream. Rafts carry 7 to 9 people

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great white water rafting!!
Cons:None!!!!!!!
In a nutshell:West Virgina has a lot to offer the outdoorsman

Last visit to West Virginia: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Dec 14, 2008
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Reviews (8)

New River Bridge Photo National Park Service - West Virginia

New River Bridge Things to Do (2)

While you are in the area, you should check out the New River Bridge on SR 19 north of Beckley. The bridge is the... more travel advice

Reserve Things to Do (2)

If you go, you should call and reserve a spot for you and your party. If just one or two people are going, you might not... more travel advice

Public transport Transportation (2)

There is no public transportation in this area of West Virginia. To get to the outfitters, you need to fly into... more travel advice

Don't drink to much the night before. Favorites (3)

Don't drink much the night before your trip. If you have a hang-over being on this river is the worst place to be. You... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Night Time

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Comments (41)

marvelous_girl Mar 10, 2010 at 10:03 AM Report Abuse

i liked ur tip about night life.... hahaha
Faiza-Ifrah Oct 23, 2009 at 6:22 PM Report Abuse

while coming back from Boone, NC, we stayed for a full day in WW. my husband and son were bent upon a whitewater short trip. it took us much argumenting to prevent that happening. there is always a next time they said :-)
angiebabe Dec 10, 2008 at 3:35 PM Report Abuse

My visit was too short and brief a few years back but it was lovely and almost exciting to be in West Virginia mountain mama country!
barbskie Jun 4, 2008 at 3:01 PM Report Abuse

Great area! just heard about this from a friend in Virginia. your general tips are very helpful to new visitors. about the nightlife thing, i think it's alright. i must be very exhausted from the day's activities especially paddling ;D cheers!
agapotravel Dec 27, 2007 at 6:53 PM Report Abuse

Did you visit Blackwater Falls while in WV? Some VTers are telling me I must go there since I am a waterfall lover! :-)
nicolaitan Dec 3, 2007 at 1:21 PM Report Abuse

appreciate the birthday greetings - 65 and counting. Slowly. Thanks. N.
nickandchris Nov 19, 2007 at 9:07 AM Report Abuse

Looks a stimulating ride.....
janetanne Sep 30, 2007 at 8:15 AM Report Abuse

Yes, but when you really know what's going on , you may not be able to go on!:):)
Hexepatty Apr 12, 2007 at 4:41 PM Report Abuse

Holy crap - folks that don't give a rats ass sure give a hoot about saying how much they don't give a rats ass! Can't believe it's still going on!
keida84 Mar 11, 2007 at 9:12 AM Report Abuse

nice page on West Virginia, I am hoping you will do a page on Chicoteague. Kat