We've designed our own light, agile, 14-foot rafts to maximize your Lower New River whitewater rafting experience

Trip Description

The Trip That Made the New River Famous

Each year, around 120,000 rafters run Whitewater on the Lower New River. Unfortunately, many of these folks don’t get to experience all the thrills that this magnificent river offers. That’s because they’re not riding in the right boat. Almost 20 years ago, ACE pioneered the use of light, agile, 14-foot rafts…perfect for the rollercoaster waves and big drops of the Lower New. Until then, everyone rode in heavier, less maneuverable 16-foot rafts. Sadly, most companies still use these boats for most of their trips. They charge you more to ride in a smaller raft…if they offer them at all.

Here at ACE, you’ll never pay more to ride in the best boats on the river. Your raft won’t be overcrowded and you’ll get the ride you paid for…that’s our guarantee to you!

There’s a reason why the New is the East’s most popular whitewater run. Here you’ll find some of the country’s best rafting action. In just over 13 miles, you’ll run 24 named rapids including many Class IV and V giants. Although the New is among the country’s biggest rivers, it’s a “drop/pool” run with calm recovery pools below each major rapid. This makes the New a very safe run and the perfect river for first-timers to see what rafting is all about. If you want a drier view of the New River Gorge you can check out our Full Day New River Gorge Climbing Trip.

Our High Adventure Lower New trip is a full day of fun, including 5 to 6 hours on the water and a stop for lunch. And what a lunch it is!  Because we own riverside property, on most trips we can offer permanent lunch sites including grills, covered picnic tables and even sanitary facilities. ACE rafters enjoy hot grilled lunches in a spacious, comfortable setting…a far cry from eating a cold sandwich while perched on a rock.

The New is one of the only rivers in the East with reliable water flows throughout the year. In the spring, the New is huge, often having two or three times the flow of the famous Grand Canyon!  This is the time when true rafting aficionados come out to play. Quite often in March, April and May, the river is running so fast that we actually get run the best section twice in one day.  (See the Premier Lower New Double Dare trip.) Combine the New’s huge volume with ACE’s light, maneuverable boats and you have an unbeatable combination.

As summer arrives, the New begins to drop to its lower warm-weather levels. Unlike most rivers that dry up in the heat of summer, the New gives you a fun ride throughout the season. Summertime trips mean a more relaxed pace, with lots of time for swimming and playing in the New’s 70-degree plus water. For maximum fun in the summer, consider the Team Extreme Lower New format.
As summer turns to fall, the New drops to its lowest levels of the year. It’s still runable and it’s still tons of fun. The slower pace lets us enjoy the spectacular scenery as the New’s 1000-foot deep canyon explodes with its Fall colors.

Whatever the season, ACE’s High Adventure trip is simply head and shoulders above the competition.  Smaller boats mean a better ride. More experienced guides mean a safer, more entertaining trip. Hot grilled lunches make the whole day special.

Vacations are precious. If you’re going to spend part of yours on the river, you owe it to yourself to go first-class.  Especially since, at ACE, going first-class doesn’t cost a penny more!

Trip Format

The Lower New River in a Premier 14' Raft

The lower section of the New River offers moderate to difficult rapids as a high volume of water constricts through the narrow gorge. The first half of the trip offers easier class II & III rapids that allows 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. 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. Experience the sense of a true outdoor adventure vacation as you encounter huge holes, roller coaster waves and house-size boulders plus some of the most stunning views in West Virginia. This trip is appropriate for first time rafters, age fourteen and up, as well as experienced paddlers.

High Adventure trips use 14-foot boats. This boat will accommodate up to 6+ people, plus the guide. The 14' raft trips are for those wanting a bigger ride than the 16' boat. This high adventure raft is a good trip for first time rafters that are adventurous and in good physical shape.

The Season

The Season

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

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)

Lunch

Gourmet Lunch

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.

River Map

Rapids Of The New River