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The Ultimate Overnight Whitewater Rafting Vacation on The Lower New River
To really escape the pressures of the real world, try a two-day overnight trip. Two full days of paddling fun, plus riverside camping under the stars, is certain to relax the soul and recharge the batteries. This is a classic overnight whitewater rafting 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 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 overnight spot has a permanent camp kitchen, with grills and picnic tables…all under a 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 overnights is that your gear and food needs to be carried along on your first day on the river. Since our whitewater overnight site 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 Lower New River. That means that you can bring more gear (since you don’t have to pack it for the river), and that your stuff 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 see what the first day will be like by checking out our Upper New Video.
If you are looking for a bit more adventure you can always try our Premier Big Water Canyon Overnight.
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 river. This time, it’ll be the magnificent Lower New River with 24 named Class III to V rapids. That means 5 to 6 hours on the water including a hot grilled lunch served at another of our private camp sites. Our Lower New Video will give you an idea of what to expect on you second day.
When you get back to ACE Adventure Resort you can clean up in a cozy Deluxe Lodging Option.
Folks who take our overnight whitewater rafting trips are among the happiest customers we have. Join us this summer and you’ll see why.
The Season for Whitewater Rafting on the Lower New
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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