Raft

Shenandoah or Potomac River Whitewater Rafting

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DESCRIPTION


Harpers Ferry White Water Rafting - Spring and Fall trips offer an exciting, heart pounding experience. Summer trips provide a more mild, family friendly adventure, typically due to lower water levels. The Shenandoah is always a great option for beginner to intermediate paddlers. This popular trip will guide you through the splashing white water of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and is located where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia come together. River Riders has the expertise, guides, and equipment to meet all your outdoor adventure needs. Come play, only an hour away from both Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD!

Shenandoah River Spring White Water Rafting 2011

Running Bull Falls on Earth Day 2011

 

Shenandoah White Water Rafting Slideshow

 

 

Spring and Fall Whitewater Rafting on the Shenandoah River
white water rafting on the Shenandoah River in Harpers Ferry

Spring and Fall Shenandoah River trips provide a wonderful experience for beginner to intermediate paddlers looking to enjoy class I-III white water and breathtaking 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 quality rafts through the section of water where the states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia come together. Spring and Fall water levels allow for a more exciting experience for adventure seekers ages 6-8 years (50 lbs) and up.

 

This popular family adventure journeys down the last reaches of the Shenandoah River, including slow water solitude and whitewater action. As you paddle through flat water you can watch for ospreys, great blue herons, and bald eagles, while enjoying the beauty of the Blue Ridge. Be ready for thrills and spills as you charge over “Bull Falls” and whoosh through “Bull’s Tail”, before heading through the Shenandoahs 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 cliffs of Maryland and Loudon Heights, where you join the mighty Potomac. Once you're 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+)

White Water Kayaking offers more adventurous guests in good physical condition a more exciting trip. Paddling our single person, inflatable kayaks called Duckies make the trip more physically challenging and put you one on one with the white water!

 

Summer Whitewater Rafting on the Potomac River
white water rafting on the Shenandoah River in Harpers Ferry

When Shenandoah River summer 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. The Needles Section of the Potomac River (class I-III) makes for a more enjoyable experience and is also 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 in the sun.  All weekend departures and 10 am weekday departures include a delicious picnic style cookout after the trip. Juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, a side, and a drink! Memorial Day through Labor Day.

 

The Needles Section passes through 4 National Parks including the C&O Canal National Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Appalachian National Scenic Trail, providing an 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'll experience the woosh of “The Dam”, the bubbling of “The Needles Rapid”, 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!

White Water Kayaking offers more adventurous guests in good physical condition a more exciting trip. Paddling our single person, inflatable kayaks called Duckies make the trip more physically challenging and put you one on one with the white water!

More White Water Rafting Information for all Guided Trips:
Rafts, paddles, PFD (Personal Floatation Device), beverage, and shuttle to and from the river are provided. A hamburger and hot dog picnic style lunch is included with summer season (Memorial Day-Labor Day)10 am weekday departures, and all weekend departures. 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 is required, however, participants should have no fear of water activities. Remember, YOU WILL GET WET, so dress appropriately! Reservations are required. On most busy weekends our photographer takes photos of our trips that will be available to purchase. Groups of 10 or more can hire our photographer for your trip with advance notice.

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 which provides a beautiful view of the Maryland Heights Rock face. 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.
 

DATES

Daily, March through November

RATES

Full Day of Fun!

Peddle/Paddle Shenandoah White Water Rafting & Biking
$89-Weekday
$99-Weekend (includes picnic)

Shenandoah White Water Rafting & Harpers Ferry Zipline Canopy Tour
$143-Weekday
$153-Saturday (includes picnic)
$148-Sunday (includes picnic)

Adventure Park Pass & Shenandoah White Water Rafting
$108 -Weekday
$113 - Sunday (includes picnic)
$118 - Saturday (includes picnic)

Preseason/Postseason
$55-Weekday
$65-Saturday
$60-Sunday

Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
$64 - Weekday 10 AM departure (includes picnic)
$55 - Weekday 2 PM departure
$74 - Saturday (includes picnic)
$69 - Sunday (includes picnic)

(Please add a $2.00 per person user fee and 6% sales tax to all trip prices.)
**Holiday = Saturday pricing for the Friday, Saturday, and Sundays of Memorial Day (Monday as well), 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends.
 

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

DISCOUNTS

Groups of 12-24 discount $6 per person

Groups of 25+ discount $8 per person

Children 12 and under discount $6 (weekdays & Sun AM [except holidays])

Additional midweek discounts available for larger (50+ guests) youth and camp groups.
 

DIRECTIONS

Harpers Ferry, WV

TESTIMONIALS

"I wanted to share with you our deep appreciation for the guiding you offered to our group last week. Taking 30 8th graders on an outdoor adventure can be a risky business, but because of your professionalism, your vigilance, and your experience, we all felt completely safe (which allowed us to have a terrific time on the river and on the trail).

Thank you for contributing to such a positive experience for our students, and we look forward to seeing you again next spring.
Take care,"
Tony Shawe
St. John's Episcopal School

 

"My husband Gordon and I wanted to say again how much we enjoyed our whitewater trip on Sunday. Our guide Isaac was fabulous. We were disappointed when we went to get our group picture and he had already ridden off on his skateboard! So, we took the best thing -----BEN!! What a hoot he was... We also enjoyed the ride back with Nick's witty stories!!!! And who could forget Shane and his wild man, untamed look. For a stay-at-home mom, this was truly an exciting day. You all have a first-class operation... We are ready for our next adventure!!! We will definitely return next year, kids in tow…"
Teresa and Gordon S

 

"I wanted to thank you for the accommodations you made for us. The kids had a great time (adults too!). The rafting was excellent. I will make sure I encourage other Scouting organizations to consider using your company. The dinner was well received as well. The boys were very excited about the trip, and the enthusiasm continued when we returned to Brunswick Family Campground and found that a Girl Scout troop was setting up next to us. That created an entirely different set of problems for us!"
Mike, Front Royal, VA

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Campgrounds, Hotels, B&B's and other Things to Do

THINGS TO BRING

Guide Gratuities are not included.
Gratuities can be added to any group's invoice for convenience.*Valid only on advanced reservations and must be mentioned at the time of reservation.

Group Leader Information lists all of our meal options, available from $10.97 per person (on-site) (Minimum 10 guests)

LIABILITY WAIVER

Liability Waiver

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