Rafting in West Virginia

The World's Best Whitewater.
This Is That Place.

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The Better Family Vacation.
This Is That Place.

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This Is That Place

You've Found The New River Gorge

And this is more than a website.

It’s a map to your time off. The New River Gorge is a place for families. For groups. For couples. There's adventure to be found here. Relaxation, too. You've found an outdoor playground.

So read all of the sections. Call up and ask questions. Plan your trip to the New River Gorge. Chat with us. But above all, come here and visit. Because this is that place.

The World's Best Whitewater

There was a time in your life when adventure meant something.

You know, back before commitment and responsibility took over? Weekends made up a vital part of your existence. Vacations were the stuff of legend. That feeling still exists in the New River Gorge, on the world’s best whitewater rafting. Come find it.

The Bridge

Around here, it's known as the big bridge. It was the biggest arch bridge in the world at one time. We still celebrate it that way.

It's the center of the vacation compass around here, also known as the New River Gorge Bridge. So go climb next to it. Paddle under it. Enjoy one of the trails near it. Walk through it! (That one's new.) When you see it, you'll know- it is something to celebrate.

Stay

Here's what makes or breaks a vacation: lodging. We can help you find the perfect place for you. A secluded cabin in the forest. A Bed and Breakfast with a big front porch. A hotel within walking walking distance to town. Make your stay as important as your adventure. Do your lodging up right.

Eat

The New River Gorge has as many choices for dining in and dining out as there are appetites. From gourmet meals to simple fair, from on-the-go eats to slow roasted wild game barbecue, you can find plenty of good eating for everyone here in the gorge. Theis is the place to let your vacation eat, drink, and be merry!

Events

Bridge Day is West Virginia's largest one day festival. The reason? It's also the world's largest extreme sports festival. And watching people rappel and BASE jump of of one of the largest bridges in the world is a very big experience. And with the lure of whitewater rafting continually calling, there's never a shortage of things happening around the New River Gorge.

Brush Up On Your Water Safety Smarts at New River Gorge Water Safety Weekend

2012/05/16

One of the best ways to combat the summer heat here in WV: water. Whether its swimming, boating, rafting, or just chilling out by one of our lakes or rivers, a good knowledge of water safety is very important to having a fun and safe summer.

The National Park Service knows the benefits of people being conscious of water safety. They perform rescues every year, helping people who weren’t exercising safety on the water. In order to help educate people about the benefits of water safety, the NPS is sponsoring the New River Gorge Water Safety Weekend, May 26-28.

Rafting in the New River Gorge

The Program

In order to accommodate as many people as possible, the Park Service will host the Water Safety Program in two different locations each day. The locations and times are as follows:

Sandstone Visitor Center

This program will be conducted each day from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. It features exhibits and information about water safety and guests can visit for as long as they like.

Sandstone Falls

This program is offered on Saturday and Monday from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Boardwalk at Sandstone Falls. It will also feature exhibits and information about water safety.

Canyon Rim Visitor Center

This program is offered Sunday from 1:00 -  4:00 pm at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. It will feature exhibits and information about water safety.

National Park Service rangers will conduct all the programs. Water safety is a very important topic and presentations such as these are a wonderful tool for educating the public on safer ways to have summer fun.

Water Safety Festival

There will also be a water safety festival the same weekend. It will take place at the “The Pitts” boat launch area on Bluestone Lake on Sunday from 1:00 -  4:00 pm. Lessons on watercraft safety and boat rides will be available.

Park Rangers, in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers, will be conducting life jacket fittings and demonstrating many of the different styles of life jackets.  They will also have several different water safety devices on display and will conduct water rescue demonstrations. And you won’t want to miss the throw bag contest.

If you plan on spending a lot of time around the water this summer, try to make it out to one of the programs or the festival. It never hurts to gain a little more knowledge and it might even save a life.

Do you take to the water like a fish here in WV? Tell us about it in the comments.

Read more about Brush Up On Your Water Safety Smarts at New River Gorge Water Safety Weekend

More Than White Water Rafting Ever Thought About Being

The New River Gorge. This Is That Place.