Beneath the summer sunshine and craggy Appalachian peaks, the rivers are running. It’s the season for exploring the best of our mountain waterways. From wide flatwater family fun to raging whitewater rapids, River Right is your guide to water play in the mountains. In following pages you’ll find profiles of featured river outfitters, as well as popular riverside destinations and events.
Check for updates and discounts online on our online River Right Database of outfitters.
The New Known as the second-oldest river in the world, the New shows its wild side as it runs through West Virginia, as it drops 240 feet over one 14-mile stretch and cuts its way through a 1,000-foot-deep sandstone gorge. The New’s Class I to V rapids make it one of the most popular runs in the country. The mild Upper New is perfect for beginner fun with float and fishing trips, while the Middle New beefs up the excitement with Class II and III rapids. The famed Lower New delivers stomach-dropping excitement with class IV-V rapids through the heart of the gorge and underneath the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
The Gauley Every fall, hardcore kayakers and rafters wait for a chance to run the mighty Gauley. Ranked one of the best whitewater runs in the world, the Gauley is a combination of heart-stopping excitement and breathtaking scenery. It boasts more Class IV and V rapids than any other eastern river and offers one of the most intense experiences in commercial rafting.
The Cheat North of these two rough and tumble rivers, lies the boulder-strewn canyon of the Cheat. Snowmelt and spring rain give the Cheat more than 30 technical rapids in the class III to IV range.
You have been diagnosed with an acute case of summer-itis. ACE’s 1,500-acre resort in the heart of the New River Gorge is the perfect destination to leave the stresses of your 9-5 work day in your rearview mirror. Our therapeutic suggestion is ACE’s Surf and Soar Package that combines ACE’s two most popular activities—whitewater rafting and the Zip-Line Canopy Tour—an unforgettable remedy for what ails you. Day one, spend a full day rafting on the rapids on the New River Gorge. You won’t think about surfing the net as you surf your way down some of the best whitewater in North America. On day two, get suited up in a harness and prepare to soar birdlike through the lush greenery along the canyon rim. Check your pulse as you get ready for “The Plunge” at line six, a guest favorite. The only real decision you have to make is whether you want to commune with nature while camping out under the stars or pamper yourself in a comfortable cabin with an outdoor hot tub. After a few days at ACE, you should be feeling reenergized and reju- venated. If you suffer a relapse, repeat the above treatment or extend by several more adventures. You might need another cycle of Mother Nature’s medicine before you are good as new.
ACE orders: 1 800-787-3982
Enjoy river trips with family and friends on the Shenandoah, Potomac and Savage Rivers; as well as on Antietam Creek, biking on the historic C&O Canal Towpath; hiking near Harpers Ferry and a climbing wall and team building. Our speciality paddling trips include popular favorites like Paddle and Wine to Tarara Winery, Boat and Brewery Tours, Antietam and Brunch, Potomac History and Nature tours and much more.
Our Paddle Sports Store is one of the largest in the DC area and includes brands like Wilderness Systems, Perception and Dagger kayaks, Wenonah Canoes, gear, clothing and more.
When we say we offer FUN FOR ALL AGES, we really mean it! The tykes as young as 5 years old can go on our warm and gentle tube float trips. River rafting on the entry level Shenandoah and Potomac River sections start at age 7 years old and grandparents can do all these trips with their kids and grandkids. Need a kayak or canoe for a half day, day or multi-day trip? We have you covered! How about a bike rental for an easy pedal along the C&O Canal by historic Harpers Ferry. We have that covered for you too!
Explore your DC metro adventure backyard with us. 301-695-5177 • 888-I-GO-PLAY
In addition to its mountaintop campus at Wisp Resort, ASCI manages the Fork Run Recreation Area, a 550-acre forest with rock climbing, boul- dering, mountain biking, hiking and geo-caching. ASCI’s specialty is a guided climb and rappel at Fork Run’s “Ledges and Boulders.”
ASCI recently announced they will proudly host the 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships. Awarded International Canoe Federation, the site in the scenic mountains of Western Maryland was chosen over competing bids from Vienna, Austria, and Krakow, Poland. The upcoming event will give ASCI and the entire area on the international attention, as they prepare to welcome the world’s best boaters to the whitewater park for thrilling competitive action. This event will mark the 25th anniversary of the Slalom World Championships being held on the Savage River, also in Garrett County. It will also return world champion- ship whitewater canoe and kayak slalom racing to the United States for the first time since the 1989 event.
301-387-3250 • 877-300-2724
From their private put-in, BTI offers guided whitewater rafting and kayaking trips on class I-III sections of the scenic Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers—perfect for beginner and intermediate water adven- turers seeking a thrill. Experienced raft guides talk about not only the wildlife of the area, but the stories that made BTI and the surrounding area. Then after an afternoon of riding the rapids or floating the flats, it’s time for tasting at BTI’s wine bar, which features selections from local Virginia wineries.
BTI Whitewater believes outdoor adventure provides the ideal setting for team building, since it improves interpersonal communication away from the usual indoor work environment. With adventure trips, the out- fitter offers the perfect opportunities for families to spend time together and local businesses to gather for work picnics, retreats, or team build- ing. Package deals are available for large groups.
BTI started as a tubing company in 1994 and has since grown into a full outfitter that includes everything from guided fishing, guided hiking tours, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and their main attraction, whitewa- ter rafting on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
1-877-RAFT-BTI
Our mission is to provide you with the highest quality outdoor adventure in the world. We offer expert guides, pristine wilderness, top-of-the-line equipment, and the best lunches on the river to guarantee you a safe, thrilling, and memorable experience. From exploring hidden caves, to languid river cruises, to high-adventure rafting, you will explore the best natural secrets of the Appalachian Mountains.
River and Earth Adventures is dedicated to world-class adventure, eco-education, and healthy, sustainable living. Your adventure is your time to connect with friends and family, while challenging yourself in the most breathtaking natural areas of the Appalachians.
Join us for a variety of adventures! Offerings include rafting, cave exploration, guided hikes, kayak, canoe, and tube rentals, kayak instruction, steep creeks, gem mining, rock climbing, and merit badges. We specialize in custom trips featuring local and organic foods.
It’s easy to set up your adventure! Give us a call at 1-866-411-RAFT and we’ll chat about your budget, comfort level and experience, and we’ll help you find the adventure that is perfect for you and your family.
With River and Earth Adventures, you have friends in the High Country!
Family time is precious and valuable. The Dillsboro River Company understands families and their busy schedules. DRC operates rafting and tubing float trips on the Tuckasegee River, conveniently located only 15 minutes from both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The dam-controlled flows of the Tuck ensure your family can enjoy consistent, fun water levels.
You have a variety of options on your river trip with DRC. You can float the 5 1/2 miles in rafts for 4- 5 people, inflatable kayaks for 1 or 2 people, sit-on-top kayaks for more adventurous types, or inner tubes for that lazy afternoon float. Choose a guided trip if you want to sit back and relax while your professional guide leads your family down the river. Even though the rapids are smaller, DRC provides the service and care one might find on larger, more difficult rafting trips. A stable self-bailing raft matched with professional guides, a light snack, and the best swimming spot on the river ensure a fun time for all.
Recognized as the second oldest river in the world, the New River in Giles County is unequaled in its ability to provide a superb family vaca- tion setting, along with top quality fishing. The smooth flowing class I rapids are ideal for beginners in tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. When you combine this along with towering cliffs and abundant wildlife sightings, right in the middle of a world class Smallmouth fishery, you have the perfect vacation experience. Private riverside retreats with lodging and full amenities as well as a number of experienced outfitters can arrange guided or unguided float trips for a variety of adventures.
Next month, come to Giles County on July 2 for New River Fest (newriverfest.com). Big events at the annual river celebration include the 1st annual New River Fishing Tournament, the Canoe and Kayak Race, and an Archery Shoot. A kids casting competition, stand-up paddleboarding, fly casting and tying, pony rides, and canoeing, kayak- ing, and tubing are just a few more of the activities you can expect to enjoy at the event, along with high-energy bluegrass from Larry Keel and Natural Bridge. Athletes should come early for the RideRiverRun Triathlon & Relay (rideriverrun.com), which features a 21-mile bike ride, 3.7-mile run, and a 6.5-mile canoe leg on the New through the best of Giles County’s scenic countryside.
