Travel south to reach the biggest and baddest whitewater in the East. You'll be glad you did. The moment you arrive in Fayetteville, you’ll know you’re in the epicenter of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia Whitewater. Nestled in the heart of the Southern West Virginia’s Appalachian Highlands, ACE's New River basecamp is easy to get to but hard to leave. Share a border with the stunning New River Gorge National River, directly under the world famous New River Gorge Bridge (site of an annual B.A.S.E. and bungee jumping festival). It takes about five and a half hours to get here from Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, MD. The excitement and natural beauty of our rivers and canyons will propel you into an unforgettable and unmatched rafting adventure on America's Best Whitewater. Trips are provided by ACE.

West Virginia Whitewater Rafting on the New River

The New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in North America. At least 65 million years in its present course, the New River was once part of an immense lake that covered much of the New River Gorge area. The river shares the geological aspect of the Nile, flowing south to north, with its headwaters in the Blue Ridge Mts. of North Carolina. As the river flows through Virginia into West Virginia, it picks up several warm water tributaries, making it an unusually warm water river (temperatures range from 55 Degrees in April to 80 degrees in August).

Today the 53 miles of this ancient river are preserved as the New River Gorge National River under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The river flows through a rugged canyon up to 1300 feet in depth. The canyon is majestic, where a fast growing deciduous forest hides the old coal towns that once flourished along the banks of the New River. In 1978 the National Park Service declared the New River a National River and has since sought to preserve and protect it. Rafted commercially for the first time in 1969, the New River continues to provide thrills for all ages and has become known as the "Grand Canyon" of the eastern U.S.. The rapids on the New are classified from Class I to Class V, with I being least difficult and VI being most difficult.

#7 Traditional Upper New

Class I - Class III. The Upper New is a scenic section of river with easy to moderate whitewater action. Perfect for families with younger children, it is a great introduction to rafting. Negotiate rapids like "Silo" and "The Ledges" in our 16-foot (holds 9-10 people) rafts or inflatable kayaks called duckies while you enjoy the majestic beauty this upper canyon has to offer. Learn about local history, play games, and enjoy a great riverside lunch. Skilled professionals guide every trip. (Minimum age is 6 for rafts & 10 to paddle a ducky. 6 to 9 year olds can ride with an adult in a double ducky.)

Lower New

Paddle America's oldest river canyon, that has been designated a National Treasure administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and is ranked #5 in the Nation and #10 in the World. An excellent intermediate level rafting trip, the Lower New, Class III to Class V, is our most popular Southern WV trip with over 20 legendary big water rapids. When all this water funnels down between the 1000 ft. canyon walls of the New River Gorge, it creates the biggest, wildest and most unusual whitewater rafting east of the Rocky Mountains. This section provides challenges for adventurous novice and intermediate rafters, as well as those with lots of whitewater experience. The first half of the trip offers easier class II & III rapids that allow rafters time to learn to follow guide commands and paddle as a group. Jump Rock allows everyone to get out of the raft alongside the river and jump off of an (approx) 15-20 ft rock into the pool below. After lunch the Lower New alternates from exciting Class IV-V rapids to pools perfect for swimming, allowing paddlers to take a break and enjoy the natural beauty that unfolds within the gorge. Upper and Lower Railroad, the Keeneys, Miller's Folly, and Double Z are among the many rapids that lie in wait on the second half of the trip. You will always be assured of a different and unique adventure no matter when you choose to raft, as no two trips are ever the same.

#4 Traditional Lower New

Although this trip runs the same section as the High Adventure trip, we use larger, heavier and more stable rafts to give a more conservative ride. This allows us to take kids as young as 11 when accompanied by a parent. Because the larger boats carry 9-10 guests, we can offer you a lower price on this trip. The Lower New Traditional trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration. Both beginner and expert rafters enjoy the magnificent canyon scenery, encounters with wildlife, and glimpses of the many thriving towns that once lived along the river. This trip is good for those that are rafting for the first time and are not sure what to expect. (Minimum age is 11.)

Programs offered on the New River:

One Day Trips
Choose:
• #7 Traditional Upper New Raft
• #6 Upper New Ducky
• #4 Traditional Lower New Raft.

Some trips include a riverside lunch and complimentary cold beverages after your trip. Depending on water levels the lunch will either be Hot Grilled or Deli Style along with various sides and deserts. After the trip, enjoy a hot shower, shop at the Outfitter’s Store, check out the various lake & resort amenities, and dine at the Lakeside Dining Hall or the Lost Paddle Lounge.

#38 Traditional Upper New Overnight

Day 1 choose either rafts or duckies and enjoy a beginner-friendly day on the Upper New. Hot grilled or deli style lunch will be provided during the trip. That evening relax riverside with a grilled dinner, campfire tales, and camping under the starry skies. Day 2 will start with a hot grilled breakfast. Then you will continue your trip down the New River and you can choose the same water craft as day one or you may choose to switch. Hot grilled or deli style lunch will be provided during the trip and cold beverages will be waiting for you afterwards.

Camping
--info coming soon--

Trip Length
Trips are usually 6 to 8 hours on the water, depending upon the water levels.