New

Location: South-central West Virginia (about 40 miles southeast of Charleston; about 180 miles southwest of Pittsburgh; about 225 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.).

Length of trips: Lower section 17 miles in six to eight hours; upper section 15 miles in six to eight hours.

Season: April through October. The water flow usually peaks in spring.

Weather: Temperatures in early spring can be capricious, dropping as low as the 30s or 40s (F). Daytime highs average in the 70s in late spring and the high 80s in summer, then cool off in autumn. Although it can be steamy in August, the cool water creates the effect of an air-conditioned room. Springtime tends to be rainy, while summer and fall are dry.

Lodging: Campgrounds, hotels, and B&Bs in Beckley, Fayetteville, Oak Hill, and Summersville.

Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class I to V on lower section; Class I, II, and III on upper section. Warm water.

Special features:

  • Appalachian hardwood forest in a rugged, uninhabited river gorge. Sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the East.
  • Good hiking.
  • Wildflowers in spring.
  • Rhododendrons bloom around Memorial Day.
  • Swimming in summer, when the water level drops.
  • Sensational autumn colors.
  • White-tailed deer, beavers, hawks, American woodcocks, wild turkeys, songbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers.
  • One of the best rivers in the eastern United States for catching smallmouth bass.
  • The upper section is suitable for seniors in good physical condition, the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water, and families. Check with your outfitter about age limits for children.
  • The lower section is suitable for intermediate and experienced river runners.

Nearby excursions:

  • New River Gorge Overlook.
  • Hawks Nest State Park.
  • Gauley River National Recreation Area.
  • Beckley—Exhibition Coal Mine, Tamarack Arts Center, and Grandview.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • West Virginia Bureau of Commerce and Tourism, 2101 Washington Street East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0317; +1 304 558 2200 or 800 225 5982, fax +1 304 558 2279. Try to book at least three or four weeks in advance.

For more information:

  • New River Gorge National River, P.O. Box 246, Glen Jean, West Virginia 25846-0246; +1 304 465 0508, fax +1 304 465 0591.
  • Story on New River rafting in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, September/October 1992. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
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