River Spotlight: The New River Gorge

A classic among Eastern U.S. boaters, the New River Gorge just doesn't get old. This Class IV river is an extremely popular rafting destination. As a matter of fact, it is an extremely popular any-kind-of-whitewater-boat destination. That includes rafts, kayaks, canoes, tandem kayaks and canoes, squirt boats, creek boats, play boats, catarafts, riverboards, and even those big ball thingies that people run in like gerbils.

This high volume river can be run practically year-round and has something to offer paddlers at all river levels. At lower flows you will find great play situations. At higher flows you get to enjoy big water thrills (and spills).

Of course it is running too high (13 feet) for any sane and normal paddler to attempt at this time. It is not recommended to paddle this beast of a river over a gauge reading of 12 feet although it has been paddled at much higher levels. Check out the New River Gorge Scouting Report for all of the details to get you down this beauty safely.