Harpers Ferry rafting - During the Spring and Fall come share a scenic, heart pounding trip and in the Summer experience a more family friendly mild beginner level adventure - whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia come together. River Riders has the expertise, guides, and equipment to meet all your outdoor adventure needs, near Washington, DC and Baltimore - only an hour away.

Summer Whitewater Rafting on the Potomac River

When Shenandoah River levels reach below approximately 1.5 ft USGS River Gauge we change our white water rafting route to a more suitable section of the Potomac River for summer trips. Summer water levels make for a more enjoyable experience on the Needles section of the Potomac River (class I-III), part of the Potomac National Heritage Trail. This trip includes more time for swimming and historical information as its laid back pace and mild rapids make for a leisurely day of fun in the sun. The Needles section of the Potomac passes through 4 National Parks including the C&O Canal National Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Appalachian National Scenic Trail, providing opportunity to view notable historical sites and learn fun fact information. Your guides will lead your raft to the best swimming and surfing spots for extra splashing and playing in the waves of the Potomac. During your trip you experience the woosh of “The Dam”, the bubbling of “The Needles Rapid”, as well as the bite of “Wake Up Call” and the all time favorite wave train, “White Horse”.
This trip is suitable for children 30 lbs and up.
Guests looking for a more thrilling adventure should consider trying our self guided or guide assisted white water rafting on the Potomac River, and take the fun of guiding into their own hands!
More adventurous guests in good physical condition should consider choosing our Duckies, inflatable kayaks, instead of rafts for their craft of choice on the river when the water levels begin to drop on the Shenandoah River for the season. White Water Kayaking This option allows for a more exciting experience, one on one with the white water thrills.

Spring Whitewater Rafting on the Shenandoah River

The springtime Shenandoah River is a wonderful trip option for beginner to intermediate paddlers looking to enjoy class I-III white water and breath taking West Virginia scenery. This 7 mile excursion includes whirling white water rapids with intermittent calm water, perfect for swimming and splashing. Our expert guides will pilot our quality rafts through this section of water where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia come together. Spring water levels allow for a more exciting experience for adventure seekers ages 6-8 years (50 lbs) and up.
This most popular family adventure journeys down the last reaches of the Shenandoah River including slow water solitude and whitewater action. While paddling through flat water you can watch for ospreys, great blue herons, and bald eagles, and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge. But be ready for thrills and spills as you charge over “Bull Falls” and whoosh through “Bull’s Tail”, before heading through the Shenandoah’s mile-long “Staircase” rapid. Also, take in the history and scenery of the Shenandoah River as you float past Harpers Ferry National Historic Park between the soaring cliffs of Maryland and Loudon Heights, where you join the mighty Potomac. On the Potomac watch out for the snarl of the “Mad Dog” and hold onto your booties as you ride the wild “White Horse.” This beautiful and exciting trip is for everyone: beginners to seasoned guests! (Class I-III - sometimes Class I-II+)
More adventurous guests in good physical condition should consider choosing our Duckies, inflatable kayaks, instead of rafts for their craft of choice on the river when the water levels begin to drop on the Shenandoah River for the season.White Water Kayaking This option allows for a more exciting experience, one on one with the white water thrills.

More White Water Rafting Information for all Guided Trips:
Rafts, paddles, life jackets, beverage and shuttle to and from the river are provided. Rafts accommodate as many as seven guests, although the number of participants in each raft may vary due to water levels and size of group members. No previous rafting experience required, however, participants should have no fear of water activities. And remember, YOU WILL GET WET! Reservations are required.
On most busy weekends our photographer takes pictures of your trip that will be available for viewing & purchase! Groups of 10 or more can hire our photographer for your trip on weekdays.
We have several special trips available on Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day or by request for groups of 10 or more. They include a 9 am departure wildlife viewing trip which has a $5 per person discount. Another option is the 3 pm cook out rafting trip which has a hamburger and hotdog picnic afterwards under our pavilion. A third option is the Sunset rafting trip with a 5 pm departure time. The sun is setting close to the end of the trip and this is a much more personal trip as many of the other river users have gone home for the day at this point.

Check out our Pedal & Paddle Rafting Package.

Our prices can't be beat (and neither can our service). We will match any competitors advertised prices.*