Each year, around 120,000 rafters run 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.

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 Double Lower New trip below.) 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 format, explained below.

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!