The perfect family adventure in the great outdoors, ACE's Upper New River Rafting Trips are beginner-friendly and fun for all ages.

Trip Format

Mild and Scenic Rafting for the Whole Family

Kids of all ages love the playful waves and beginner-friendly rapids of the Upper New river. This is family rafting on the lighter side. Kids from 6 to 86 can enjoy a true outdoor adventure together. Not only will you enjoy the whitewater, but you’ll marvel at the pristine beauty of the New’s magnificent 1,400-foot canyon.

Even if you’ve never rafted before, you and your family will enjoy rafting in complete confidence. Each raft is piloted by an experienced professional Guide.

Your Guide can also share a wealth of knowledge of the history and geology of the New River gorge. The New was formed over 300 million years ago and that makes it the world’s second oldest river. More recently, over 20 towns dotted the New’s banks, serving the many coal mines along the river. The leisurely pace of the Upper New trip lets you take in the history and geology as well as the beauty of the gorge.

This is an all-day trip, 5 to 6 hours on the water, and includes a riverside picnic lunch. The pace is unhurried and there’s always time for you and your family to go swimming and play in the warm (75 degrees) water of the Summertime New River.

Since this trip is so popular with family groups including folks both young and old, a great deal of thought has gone into finding ways to make it fun for all paddlers. What’s exciting for the older kids may be too adventurous for the grandparents. What looks like fun to a 10-year old might look dangerous to the parents. Fortunately, the Upper New features rapids that are fun but not intimidating. In fact, the New is wide enough…and your Guide is skilled enough…to actually run the boat around the rapids if that’s what the guests prefer.

If you have young children in your group, or you’d just prefer a more mellow rafting experience, you won’t be disappointed on the Upper New River.  You can combine this day of whitewater with couple days of Rock Climbing, and take a Clinic to Learn the Ropes.  You're also invited to enjoy ACE's Lake before heading back to one of our Deluxe Cabins.

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 hamburges, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, chicken patties and all the fixings.

Deli Style: May be turkey, ham, cheeses and all the fixings for sandwiches.

Both Will Have: 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