West Virginia 2008 Official State Travel Guide - (Page 54) REPORTS WHITE WATER RAFTING by Robin Boyd Wild West Virginia Rafting fun through the New River Gorge Rapid CLASSES Rapids are rated by their difficulty level: CLASS I: No special paddling skills required. CLASS II: Basic - Moderate CLASS III-IV: Experienced CLASS V-VI: Advanced - Expert h. ADVENTURES in Rafting As cool water sprays your face, you just dig your paddle in a little deeper. he raft pops up for a quick moment and you catch your breath. Then, to your amazement, the boat levels itself and glides over a section of powerful rapids almost effortlessly. You breathe in the fresh air and take a look around at what has been called the “Grand Canyon of the East” – West Virginia’s magnificent New River Gorge. T New River Rafting trips in the New River Gorge near Fayetteville range from the more familyoriented Upper New, with 12 miles of mild rapids, to the more serious Class III-V rapids of the Lower New. Lower New River trips float beneath the majestic arch of the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge, the second-longest steel single-arch bridge in the world and the second-highest bridge in the United States. Many whitewater outfitters offer overnight camping options and trips that combine rafting with mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Some also include luxury cabins (with fireplaces, grills and hot tubs) where you can kick back, unwind and rest up for the next day’s adventures. sports and draws whitewater enthusiasts to celebrate outdoor fun on and near the Gauley River, including kayaking, rock climbing and BASE jumping. Songer Whitewater offers rafting trips on the New and Gauley rivers along with ATV and motorcycle treks through the New River Gorge area. Rapid FUN For more information on whitewater rafting and a variety of other riversports throughout West Virginia, visit www.WVriversports.com. Fayette Station, New River Gorge Cheat & Tygart Rivers The mighty Cheat River Canyon in northern West Virginia serves up 13 miles of serious rapids. Even with dropping 30-50 feet per mile, there are many long calm pools as well. For families and first-timers, the Cheat Narrows offers smaller rapids for a fun-filled roller coaster ride. Many Cheat River outfitters also offer trips on the nearby Tygart River for all levels of rafters. h. Gauley River In Southern West Virginia, the Gauley River is known around the world for its adrenaline-pumping whitewater rapids. The Lower Gauley trip includes 12 miles of Class III-V rapids while the more hardcore Upper Gauley boasts 14 miles of Class IV-V+ rapids, including the legendary Sweets Falls, Pillow Rock and Iron Ring. Gauley Fest, a three-day festival held each fall, showcases whitewater paddle Valley Falls, along the Tygart River e. 54 1 - 8 0 0 - C A L L W VA http://www.WVriversports.com
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