2. Adventures on the Gorge
Lansing • www. adventuresonthegorge. com
Photo by Adventures on the Gorge.
With roots stemming from Mountain River Tours, Adventures on the Gorge, the second commercial rafting company to be founded in West Virginia, is an adventure resort that offers a variety of whitewater rafting options for every level of rafter. Guests can choose from day trips on the Upper and Lower New River and Upper and Lower Gauley, a full-day Glade Creek Raft and Hike, a half-day Rapid Run on the Lower, the Gauley Reverse, the Gauley River Marathon, a two-hour River Dash & Sunset River Dash, a two-day Dueling Rivers excursion and overnight rafting trips. Schedule plenty of time to explore all the other adventures available on-site, including the Treetops Zip Line Canopy Tour, Timbertrek Adventure Park, Bridge Walk and Canyon Falls Swimming Pool, the resort’ s crown jewel, which boasts waterfalls, a splash park and a view of the New River Gorge. A variety of lodging accommodations and restaurants on-site make it easy to stay and play in Almost Heaven a little longer.
3. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures
Parsons • www. blackwateroutdoors. com
4. Cantrell Ultimate Rafting
Fayetteville • www. cantrellultimaterafting. com
As West Virginia’ s only boutique rafting company, Cantrell Ultimate Rafting is big enough to offer quality equipment and supervision but small enough to provide specialized attention to each rafter. Cantrell offers trips down the New and Gauley rivers for beginners, intermediates and advanced rafters. The Gauley River Marathon allows experienced rafters to run both sections of the Gauley on the same day, the Lower New River Express is great for those who don’ t have a full day to spend on the water, and the Adult Saturday run on the Upper New River is great for children and beginners. Cantrell also offers several lodging packages for families and couples. The base camp is the closest to the Lower New River and the site of the Grill & Pub, popular for its homemade stuffed rolls and special sauces. Live entertainment is available on the weekends from April-October. Tent and RV camping, rustic bungalows and cabins round out accommodations.
5. Cheat River Outfitters
Albright • www. cheatriveroutfitters. com
Located in Albright, the Cheat Canyon section is a West Virginia springtime Class III-V whitewater run that covers more than 13 miles of water. With names like Decision, Big Nasty, Tear Drop, Coliseum, Fossil Falls and Swimmers Rapid, the canyon is filled with intense whitewater action. The canyon is an excellent whitewater experience in the spring because the heavy seasonal rains and snow melts create higher water levels. Trips can also be planned in the summer and fall, depending on the water level. The Cheat Narrows in the spring and summer, also dependent on the water, creates two opportunities for riders. The spring trip is more exciting due to the high water level. However, summer is perfect for younger riders and families. The Upper Yough is the most adventurous run with non-stop Class IV-V rapids.
6. New and Gauley River Adventures
Lansing • www. gauley. com
Photo by Blackwater Outdoor Adventures.
The closest outfitter to Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park and Elkins, this family-owned business has more than 35 years of experience. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures specializes in a five-mile stretch of whitewater rafting on the Cheat River in Tucker County. Visitors can expect Class II-III rapids. With a deluxe and express package, Blackwater has options for both those with a few short hours to play and those looking to spend a full day on the river. A slower pace of life can be found in a tube, kayak or canoe on the river during floating tours. Bring your gear and stay longer— a bath house and hot showers await on seven acres on the banks of the Cheat.
Photo by Whitewater Photography.
New and Gauley River Adventures is a family-owned outfitter that has been guiding guests down the New and Gauley rivers for more than 30 years. New and Gauley offers a rafting
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