opportunity for everyone, from trips with families with small
children on the Upper New, trips with families with older
children on the Lower New, more adventurous rafting on
the Lower Gauley and extreme thrill-chasing on the Upper
Gauley. Overnight trips are also available with the Gauley
River Overnight and the New River Full Canyon Overnight
packages. New and Gauley also offers horseback riding, fish-
ing, mountain biking and snowshoeing. On-site accommoda-
tions are available for guests, from campsites and rustic mini
cabins to the more luxurious lodging options, including the
riverside cottages and restored farmhouse.
7. River Expeditions
Oak Hill • https://raftinginfo.com
In the heart of historic Harpers Ferry, River Riders has un-
covered a wealth of whitewater adventure that draws enthu-
siasts from the surrounding areas of Maryland, Virginia and
Washington, D.C. Guests can participate in guided whitewater
rafting trips, self-guided trips, whitewater kayaking trips and
tubing excursions. With an all-day pass, water enthusiasts can
pick one guided trip and one self-guided trip and spend the
day on the water. The most daring of these activities might be
the solo whitewater tubing experience, which lasts about two
hours and features Class I-III rapids. When it’s time to dry
off, take advantage of River Riders’ canopy tours and aerial
adventures, which provide a bird’s eye-view of the area. For
an extra adrenaline rush, race your friends on the MegaZip
or free fall with the Quick Jump.
9. Tygart River Outfitters
Volga • www.tygartriveroutfitters.com
Photo by RaftingInfo.com.
In 2008, four whitewater rafting companies combined to
create River Expeditions, and since then, the owners have
continued to grow the outfitter with a keen eye on quality for
their guests. Today, River Expeditions provides family-class
trips, which serve as a great introduction to rafting; adven-
ture-class trips, which are more challenging and breath-tak-
ing; and world-class trips, which are the most technical and
difficult runs offered. Guests are guided down the New and
Gauley rivers with a variety of trips to choose from, including
the Summer Gauley River, Dueling Rivers, Riverside Overnight
Trips, Multi-Day Rafting Trips, the Lower/Upper Gauley River
Reverse and the New River Express Rafting Trip. With on-
site accommodations and additional activities available, plan-
ning a weekend getaway is easy. Choose from tent camping,
RV sites, bunk-style cabins, safari tents and leisure, deluxe
and luxury cabins.
8. River Riders Family Adventure Resort
Harpers Ferry • www.riverriders.com
Photo by Albert Rubio.
Tygart River Outfitters is a family owned and operated raft-
ing outfitter that guides guests through Class II-III rapids via
rafts and tubes down the Buckhannon, Tygart and Middle
Fork rivers twice a day Friday-Sunday. Unique to Tygart River
Outfitters is the moonlight tubing trip, during which guests
launch their rafts or duckies at the historic covered bridge
in Philippi and paddle three miles downstream to the public
dock. Guides instruct riders on how to navigate the water by
using the moonlight. After an adventurous day on the water,
try your hand at gem mining in the river. You’ll use a strainer
and bucket just like old-time prospectors.
10. West Virginia Adventure
Glen Jean • www.trywva.com
Photo by TryWVAPhoto.
West Virginia Adventure has a rafting trip for all ages. For
children as young as 5, the Upper New Family Day Trip is a
great introduction to rafting and includes Class I-II rapids and
plenty of time for swimming and playing. The Lower New and
Lower Gauley trips, consisting of Class III-IV rapids, is appro-
priate for children 11 and older, and the extreme Upper Gauley
trip with its Class V rapids is for anyone 16 and older who has
previous whitewater experience. Other special trips include the
Upper and Lower New River Overnight, the Upper Gauley Ex-
treme, the Double Upper Gauley and the Gauley Marathon
in the fall. On-site camping is available and includes a bath
house and fire rings, and studio cabins are also available for
rent. West Virginia Adventures is a pet-friendly destination.
WWW.WVEXECUTIVE.COM
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