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Great Whitewater Rafting, Riverside Overnight Camping, and Fabulous Meals on The Lower New River
 To really escape the pressures of the real world, try a two-day overnight trip. Two full days of whitewater rafting fun, plus riverside overnight camping under the stars, is certain to relax the soul and recharge the batteries. This is a traditional 2-day camping trip done to ACE’s exacting standards of service and comfort.
Let’s get right to the point…not everybody likes sleeping outdoors. With an ACE whitewater overnight, it’s truly “roughing it easy.” We own our private riverside campsite so we can provide you with lots of comforts you might not expect on a rafting/camping adventure.
You’ll spend the night in a large spacious tent, permanently set up on a platform. That guarantees that you’ll stay dry and not entertain any unwanted woodland critters. Your tents are well spaced to give you privacy and that wonderful feeling of being in the great outdoors.
The campsite has a permanent camp kitchen, with grills and picnic tables…all under roof. No eating out in the rain…no sand in your scrambled eggs. On many trips the guides bring along their musical instruments and play a little mountain music after dinner. And there’s always a roaring campfire.
The ladies especially appreciate the sanitary facilities. No need to visit the woods when nature calls. Guys, you’re welcome to visit the woods instead of the facilities if it adds to your outdoor experience.
A big problem on most overnight rafting trips is that your gear and food needs to be carried along on your first day on the river. Since our campsite is only a short distance from the ACE Adventure Resort, we can drive your gear to the campsite while you’re enjoying your first day on the river. That means that you can bring more gear (since you don’t have to pack it for the river), and that your gear will be dry when you get to the campsite.
Your 2-day adventure starts with the frisky, beginner-friendly rapids of the Upper New River. The rapids are interspersed with calm pools, perfect for swimming in the New’s warm (75 degrees) summertime water. Your guide will be rowing the raft so you can either help paddle or just kick back and enjoy a relaxing float. The more adventurous members of the group can choose to do Day 1 in a “rubber ducky.” These sporty 1 or 2-person inflatable kayaks let you drive your own boat and explore the river under the watchful eyes of your guides. Ducks are easy to paddle and really increase the fun factor in the Upper New’s Class II and III rapids. Remember, the choice is yours…relax in the raft or go for it in a ducky.You can check out the Upper New River Video to see what it's all about.
In mid-afternoon, the trip arrives at the campsite and the guides get busy cooking a delicious dinner. Steak, grilled salmon and veggie entrees are always on the menu. Salads and desert complete the feast. Soft drinks, wine and beer are available and you can always bring your own beverages…we’ll keep ‘em cold for you.
After dinner, it’s time to gather around the campfire for games and river stories from the guides. This is also a great time for a little exploring. The historic ghost town of Thurmond is about a half-hour hike and the guides will be happy to go along with you and explain the gorge’s unique and compelling history.
After a night under the stars, you’ll awake to a huge breakfast and get ready for another day on the New River. This time, it’ll be the magnificent Lower New River with 24 named Class III to V whitewater rapids. That means 5 to 6 hours on the water including a hot grilled lunch served at another of our private camp sites. If you need a hot shower and other amenities when you return to ACE you can reserve a Deluxe Lodging option at ACE Adventure Resort.
Folks who take our overnight trips are among the happiest customers we have and many return for our Fall Gauley River Classic Riverside Overnight Rafting Trip. Join us this summer and you’ll see why.
2 Days and 1 Night running Whitewater on the Lower New River in a Premier Raft
 Day 1: Enjoy the frisky, beginner-friendly, class II-III rapids on the Upper New. Choose either rafts or duckies to make your trip unique. In the evening, relax riverside with a hot grilled dinner, starlit skies and campfire tales of the days events.
Day 2: Awake to the relaxing sounds of the river, and get ready to fuel up with a hot breakfast that will prepare you for a big day of whitewater.
The Lower section of the New is filled with big hits and loads of fun for you to share with your group and new found friends. 14' rafts maneuver through the rapids easily. Hike up to jump rock and test your diving skills West Virginia style. This trip takes out under the massive New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
The two day combination of rafts and duckies give you the ultimate whitewater experience from mild to wild all in one trip!
The Season for Lower New Rafting
 Different seasons provide very diverse river experiences as the dynamics of the river and the rapids themselves are transformed. Spring rafting is a thrill ride with typically higher water levels, making the waves, holes, and rapids even more powerful. March - May offers the biggest whitewater of the season, while summer months offer fun, excitement and warmer temperatures. Great whitewater remains a constant in September and October as fall is fabulous in the New River Gorge.
What To Wear And Bring
 Spring
Pile, wool, or acrylic sweater
Wool or rubber gloves, ski cap
Nylon windbreaker
NO COTTON!
Towel, dry set of clothes (for after the trip)
Wetsuits and neoprene booties are strongly recommended for spring New River trips. Wetsuits are available for rent at ACE.
Summer
Swimsuit, t-shirt, ball cap
Old sneakers or river shoes
Sunscreen, glasses strap
Light nylon windbreaker
Towel, dry set of clothes (for after the trip)
Gourmet Meals
 Lunch - Day 1 and 2:
Hot Grilled: May be hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, chicken patties and all the fixings.
Deli Style: May be turkey, ham, cheeses and all the fixings for sandwiches.
Sides: PB&J, assorted salads (pasta, seafood, and potato), baked beans, chips & salsa, veggies & dip, hummus, trail mix, fresh fruit, cookies & desserts. Drinks may include water and lemonade.
Dinner - Day 1:
Steak and vegetarian options, with sides of potatoes, salad, corn on the cob, and various desserts. Beverages include soft drinks as well as lemonade, and water, and a limited amount of beer. Guest are allowed to bring a cooler with extra beverages.
Breakfast - Day 2:
Hot grilled breakfast includes eggs, sausage, and bacon, fresh fruit, muffins, and danishes. Beverages include milk, juice, coffee, and other hot beverages.
Rapids of The New River
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