White water rafting in West Virginia is the signature sport of outdoor junkies and why not? There are so many terrific areas and West Virginia rafting specials that the opportunities seem endless! West Virginia rafting can be enjoyed by many skill levels and ages though there are restrictions for younger people. One thing you'll notice when researching white water rafting in West Virginia is the number of West Virginia tours and guides that want your money. This isn't to say whether these guides are good or bad but it can be confusing when choosing where you want to go.

With white water rafting West Virginia visitors should first choose where they're vacations will lead them unless the trip is strictly geared toward rafting. Incredible white water rafting specials may be hard to pass up, and if traveling to the area where they're offered is convenient for you, and the rafting guides are experienced and have a good reputation, go for it. When it comes to white water rafting West Virginia resorts do often provide discounts for certain local rafting trips that can be excellent value for money. Some resorts do offer discounts on West Virginia skiing passes, green fees for West Virginia golf and many other excursions and West Virginia tours.

There are a number of wonderful areas throughout the state exhibiting excellent West Virginia rafting conditions. There are almost 2,000 miles of mountains rivers and stream carving through the Appalachian Mountains and valley regions. The mere history, beauty and accessibility in white water rafting West Virginia offers is amazing. It's these factors that make rafting one of the most popular things to do in the state.

West Virginia Map

The main areas for white water rafting in West Virginia are all close together.;the farthest point east in Harpers Ferry, north central West Virginia and southwest West Virginia. The three main rivers are the Cheat, the New and the Gauley. There are several other rivers that offer good west Virginia rafting conditions including northern part of the Potomac, the Tygart, the Meadow, the Shenandoah, Big Sandy Creek and the Bluestone.

The New River courses underneath the beautiful New River Gorge Bridge and is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East." The New River is set in a breathtaking canyon and is a mile wide dropping more than 200 feet over the course of fourteen miles, affording the best white water river on the eastern front. The landmark white water rafting West Virginia visitors will experience vary from class I through to class V rapids.

The Gauley River is separated into the upper and lower. The upper offers class III to V higher rapids that plunge in steep, blustering chutes and rocky, demanding avenues that require continuous maneuvering. Only experienced rafters over sixteen years old ride this part of the river. The lower Gauley River extends for twelve long miles of dynamic rapids. The two river areas combined offer almost thirty miles of whitewater rapids and beautiful scenery for an exciting and memorable excursion.

The Cheat River is another great area to take advantage of West Virginia rafting specials. It spans from calm areas all the way raging, frothy channels. This stretch offers class III to class V and is only recommended for rafters with experience. The river canyon is brimming with boulders creating a technical ride of a lifetime. The entire rafting route spans twelve miles and roughly thirty turbulent rapids best ridden from April through June. No matter which level of rafting you can tackle these the rivers in West Virginia afford experiences for everyone. For those looking for heart-stopping adventure, white water rafting in West Virginia is not to be missed during a holiday in the state.