West Virginia River Rafting Guide

FINISH LINE: The New River flows beneath the New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia. (courtesy, NPS)

For those seeking continuous action, with back-to-back Class IV-V rapids (Class VI is considered unrunnable), West Virginia offers America's best whitewater experience. Rivers such as the New, the Gauley, the Tygart, the Cheat, and the Upper Youghiogheny rank among the most challenging and thrilling river runs in the world. The upper section of the Gauley is a solid Class V, with huge waves and very high water volumes during the September-October dam release. The Tygart boasts Glens Falls, the most powerful, runnable rapid in the Appalachians. The Upper Yough—a challenging technical run from top to bottom—is the steepest waterway east of the Rockies.

What makes West Virginia rivers unique are their steep drops, nonstop rapids, and narrow passages, which require the utmost in boat-handling skill by the guide and careful coordination by the team of paddlers. During the spring runoff and late-season dam releases, rafters will encounter some of the most powerful water flows in the country. All of these factors put a premium on river skills and safety. It is essential to have first-class equipment (preferably a self-bailing raft), and expert boat guides to run these rivers at high water levels.

Having fairly short runs—no more than 15 miles or so—most West Virginia rivers are rafted on a day-trip basis only. Although some outfitters offer overnight river tours, these generally consist of a double run on the same river, or a two-river combination with overnight accommodation in a lodge. Since the West Virginia rafting industry is so competitive, prices have remained quite reasonable, considering the quality of the whitewater.

Excerpted from Ultimate Adventure Sourcebook, by Paul McNenamin

Rafting Rivers in West Virginia