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Experience a 26-mile, two-day whitewater rafting and kayaking journey on West Virginia’s New River, featuring both calm upper sections and thrilling Class V rapids, with an overnight riverside campout and guided meals.
Experience a 26-mile, two-day whitewater rafting and kayaking journey on West Virginia’s New River, featuring both calm upper sections and thrilling Class V rapids, with an overnight riverside campout and guided meals.
Book with New & Gauley River Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by New & Gauley River Adventures · Lansing, West Virginia
Flowing through the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia’s New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent, carving a deep canyon that offers some of the most thrilling whitewater experiences in the eastern United States. The New River Full Canyon Overnight Trip is a unique two-day journey covering 26 miles of river, blending serene landscapes with adrenaline-pumping rapids. This guided trip begins in Lansing, WV, where adventurers embark on a remarkable passage through scenic wilderness framed by steep limestone cliffs and dense mixed forests. The river’s Upper Section offers Class I to III rapids that let paddlers settle into the rhythm of the water while soaking in striking geological formations and verdant riverbanks. Day one’s pace allows room for newcomers to inflatable kayaking or simply enjoy the peaceful current, making it accessible for families and beginners 12 years and older. After a full day on the water, you’ll camp riverside beneath a broad, starry sky. Dinner prepared by your guides highlights local flavors, providing a satisfying end to the first day. Waking to the sound of flowing water, breakfast fuels you for the second day’s stretch where the Lower Section unleashes Class III to Class V whitewater challenges. Here, the river’s pulse intensifies with thrilling rapids threading through narrow gorges. The tandem inclusion of milder and more demanding river sections transforms this trip into an all-encompassing whitewater experience. Every day includes deli-style lunches on the riverbanks, creating moments to rest alongside the water amid the canyon’s tranquil beauty. This trip stands out in the New River Gorge region because it bridges easy-going paddling and powerful rapids with an overnight camping element that truly connects you to the outdoors. It’s not just a rafting trip; it’s a full immersion into one of West Virginia’s premier outdoor playgrounds. The guides’ expertise ensures safety and enriches your understanding of the area’s ecology and river dynamics. The New River itself is a National River Park, established in 1978 to protect this extraordinary natural corridor, and it remains a crown jewel for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced paddler chasing Class V thrills or a family seeking an accessible river trip with spectacular scenery and camping under the stars, the New River Full Canyon Overnight Trip delivers a rare blend of adventure and relaxation in the heart of Appalachia’s rugged wilderness.
The trip is suitable for guests aged 12 and older.
Yes, both days include deli-style lunches on the river, plus dinner and breakfast prepared by guides during the overnight camp.
No prior experience is necessary; guides provide instruction and assist throughout the trip.
Trips depend on water levels; guides will adjust plans for safety and optimal experience, potentially switching to inflatable kayaking or modifying routes.
Bring waterproof gear, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and any personal items you need for overnight camping.
Guides provide communal camping gear, but you should confirm specifics when booking.
New & Gauley River Adventures is a full-service outdoor outfitter based in southern West Virginia that organizes whitewater rafting, horseback trail rides, overnight lodging, and primitive camping along the Gauley and New rivers. The operator runs a wide range of trips—from family-friendly Upper New River floats and half‑day Lower New River runs to adrenaline-fueled Upper Gauley Class V excursions including Double Upper options and the Full Gauley Marathon. Multi-day options include two‑day Upper Gauley expeditions and New River full canyon overnight trips. Lodging choices at base camp range from cozy Base Camp Cabins and Riverside Cottage in historic Thurmond to wilderness cabin and fire tower overnight stays, plus campsite reservations at Meadow River. Additional seasonal offerings include sleigh and carriage rides and guided trail rides for riders of all skill levels. Safety and local river knowledge are central: the outfitter operates on scheduled dam‑released Lower Gauley flows and runs established Class I–V routes on the New and Gauley rivers. Equipment and trip formats are tailored to skill level and group composition, with day and half‑day options for families, youth groups, and seasoned rafters. The business’s long presence in the region, varied trip roster, and combination of lodging and river-based adventures make it an efficient one-stop experience for visitors seeking convenience, reliability, and authentic Appalachian river trips. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the operation emphasizes memorable, professionally run river and trail experiences. Repeat guests praise attentive communication, customizable itineraries, and a local commitment to safety, conservation, and guest comfort every season.
Book with New & Gauley River Adventures