Posts Tagged ‘whitewater rafting’

Secrets to Planning Your Southern WV Vacation

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

February is here.  Do you have the winter blues?  If so, a good pick me up is to start to plan your summer vacation.

And we can help, especially if that vacation is in southern West Virginia.

Summer in WV ( New River )

Planning this far in advance almost ensures that the dates you choose are probably available for lodging, rafting or any other of the activities you can participate in here in the Mountain State.

There are a number of ways to find information about southern West Virginia.  But there’s one thing we are sure of;  your first move should be to talk with us.

Our website contains information about a variety of activities, events and lodging possibilities. If you’re not web savvy, we also have talented people you can reach by phone – 800-847-4898 – to help you find the information you are seeking.

 

Here are other recommendations on how to plan a great vacation here in southern WV.

 

Lodging

There are a few decisions that you need to make first on your own before choosing lodging.  Location, budget, and dates of your stay will be the first things to determine. When you have figured out these few variables, there are many different sources to help you find the ideal place.

There are plenty of hotels, cabins, B&Bs, and campgrounds in the area.  These choices are a bit different in style, location, and amenities. Starting your planning now allows you to really review each option and figure out what will work for your group.

Activities

Southern WV is one of the top areas in the nation for outdoor recreation opportunities. From rafting to rock climbing, ATVs to zip lines , there is enough adventure here to last a lifetime.  Before you pick activities, there are a couple of things you need to do.

* Look at the age and adventure level of your group. Even if it ranges from mild to wild, you can design an agenda that can accommodate both groups.

* Most available activities in this area are listed on our website. Researching them, and even calling and talking to people at the various outfitters, will help you determine what’s going to work for your group.

Just remember one of the most important aspects to ensuring your vacation goes off without a hitch is proper planning. When you take the time to do a bit of research and make your reservations early, chances are good you’ll have planned the perfect vacation.

So get to day-dreaming and figure out how you’re going to enjoy summer in Southern WV!

Bridge Day Highlights

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

A massive structure like the New River Gorge Bridge deserves a massive festival, and Bridge Day

New River Gorge Bridge - Ed Goody Photography

does not disappoint. From the 450 BASE jumpers to the 200+ vendors to the 300 or so rappellers, this southern West Virginia festival goes big in every category.  It was even planned to take advantage of the 100 different colors of peak fall foliage.  It’s no wonder more than 80,000 people show up to enjoy this fall favorite.

The New River Gorge is world-renowned for its beauty and plethora of outdoor adventures. Bridge Day is just the icing on this wonderful cake, adding some extra frosting via rappelling, high lining and BASE jumping. These are some of the activities going on for the adventure-seeking crowd; below is a list of activities for other Bridge Day visitors.

* Try the Local Cuisine – The Taste of Bridge Day is a local fundraiser and takes place at Adventures on the Gorge on Friday, October 14.  Come out and experience some of the area’s best food from local restaurants and caterers.

* Bridge Day Car Show – If you have a special ride or you’re just a motorhead, this display of automobiles is worth taking in. Located right off Rt. 19 at the Quality Inn, it goes on from 10 am to 4 pm.
* Whitewater Rafting – Want to enjoy a view of the bridge, see some jumpers and have a little adventure of your own?  Book a Lower New River rafting trip and enjoy both.
* Downtown Fayetteville – Don’t forget that Fayetteville offers a bunch of Bridge Day activities too. From the pancake breakfast at the American Legion at 6am to the Chili and Cornbread Cookoff, live music and Cornhole Tournament going on from 1pm until 6pm, Fayetteville is a great stop after your day on the Bridge winds down.

If you’re here for Bridge Day and curious as to what else may be going on, just find yourself a local and ask. You’ll get the lowdown on all the other great activities that may be happening.

No matter what you do, just enjoy the beauty of southern West Virginia in the fall.  It is one of the best times to be here.

Why Southern WV is the Best Place For Your Family Reunion

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Families, no matter where they are from, are diverse. There are older members, younger members, wild members, calm members, go-getters, and slow-movers.  It is this diversity that makes families fun and unique.

But diversity can also present a challenge when trying to organize a family get-together. All kinds of

Family Time in WV

people can make it hard to find activities to satisfy everyone.

So when it comes to things to do, Southern WV is hard to beat. Whether you’re into high-adventure sports or relaxing leisure activities, this area provides great opportunities for all.
Let’s look at how the diversity of this area makes it a great place for a family reunion.

Getting The Family Together

Depending on the size and make-up of your group, getting everyone together can often be tough. Southern West Virginia has many large campgrounds and cabin rentals.  If some of the family likes to camp and others don’t, many of the cabins are extremely close to campgrounds. There  are also many hotels in the area.

Some of the adventure resorts in the area even have both campgrounds and cabins located on their property. Keeping the group together and everyone comfortable is an easy task if you let the resort professionals help you through the process.

Keep The Family Entertained

Even if Aunt Barb thinks everyone in the family would love a group outing to look at the world’s biggest rubberband ball, chances are you’re never going to get everyone in a large group to do everything together.  So having a plethora of things to do makes it much easier to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a list of just some of the activities families can do (together or on their own) in southern West Virginia.

* Rafting
* Hiking
* Mountain Biking
* Rock Climbing
* Fishing
* ATV riding
* Zip lining
* Swimming
* Boating
* Horseback Riding
* Caving
* Paintball
* Golf
* Antiquing

(And no, the world’s largest rubberband ball is not here in southern WV.  But we do have the longest steel arch bridge in the western hemisphere.)

Look To Resorts for Convenience

One of the best options to consider is a package that includes lodging, activities, and meals.  Many area resorts are now packaging all of these options together to make planning easy.  Some even provide discounts depending on group numbers and length of stay.

So when you start planning your family reunion, remember southern West Virginia. You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.

When was your last WV reunion?

Beyond the Bridge – 14 Must-Try West Virginia Adventures

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Since the New River Gorge Bridge was completed in 1977, it has been a marvel admired by millions.  1977 was a time even before whitewater rafting was a  popular tourism

Ranger Led Hike - Enjoying the View

activity.  The completion of the Bridge was a very significant step in the progress of southern West Virginia becoming a substantial outdoor vacation destination.

The present day New River Gorge area is abundant with a multitude of outdoor activities to keep the adventurous (and even the not so adventurous) vacationer busy.  Even if you’ve vacationed in this area for years, you may be surprised to find new activities popping up all the time.  Below is a list of adventures that can be enjoyed all within a 20 minute drive of the New River Gorge Bridge.

  •   Whitewater Rafting- Some rafting companies offer packages that include many other adventures.
  •   Canoeing and Kayaking- Our rivers have sections that will allow the most novice or expert paddler to enjoy themselves.
  •    Rock Climbing- Either on your own or a guided tour, this area offers climbing for any level of experience.
  •    Mountain Biking- Trails from beginner to advanced, the Gorge will test the mettle of even the best bikers.  Lots of outfitters even offer bike rentals.
  •   Hiking- There are trails for all ages and fitness levels.
  •   ATV Riding- We have some of the most beautiful riding scenery you’ll find anywhere in the United States
  •   Horseback Rides- A wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the Gorge.
  •   Heritage Tourism - There are a multitude of historical areas to explore in southern West Virginia.
  •   Fishing- From floating the rivers to boating the lakes, the area fishing spots won’t disappoint.
  •   Boating- There are lots of beautiful lakes to enjoy here.
  •   Zip lines- They’ve popped up everywhere in the Gorge; you’ve gotta give zip lining a try.
  •   Camping – From state parks to private campgrounds, you can find an area that best fits your camping style
  •   Skydiving- Get a birds-eye view of the Gorge while trying not to scream.
  •   Bi-plane rides- See the description above.

While many of these activities can be done on your own,  most can also be arranged with a guide.  Many companies are activity specific and specialize in making sure their guests have an enjoyable, safe experience.

So what are you going to try?

Going Rafting? Tips for your Trip . . .

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

So you’ve planned a rafting adventure, but you’re uncertain about what to wear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.  We can help.  

Rafters stopped for lunch and watching the action

Here’s a list of necessities and comfort items that you should think about bringing, depending upon the season.

Appropriate Clothing

In the summer, this means wearing swimming trunks or a bathing suit.  It’s fine to wear cotton fabrics at this time of year, but some synthetic fabrics are actually much cooler and comfortable when wet.

When rafting in the spring or fall, think about renting a wetsuit if you don’t have one. Synthetic materials, such as those found in polar fleece or even a wool sweater, will serve to help keep you comfortable. Cotton is to be avoided due to its inability to dry quickly or help retain body heat. Also, a water proof rain jacket can mean the difference between being comfortable or cold. Most outfitters also rent these if you don’t have one.

Footwear

Anything from your old lawn mowing tennis shoes to a slip-on water shoe will work, but try to avoid flip flops or sandals that don’t have a heel strap.  Trust us, you’ll lose these on the river.

You can combat colder water with a neoprene bootie or a thick pair of wool or synthetic socks with your shoes or sandals.

Other tips:

Wear sunscreen, even if the weather is going to be cool.
Sunglasses should be secured with a strap; otherwise there’s a good chance you’ll lose them in the river.
A hat  is always a good idea.  In colder months, a synthetic beanie is your best bet.
In cold weather, gloves are a must.  Look for a thin synthetic or neoprene pair.
If you have longer hair, you’ll most likely want to pull it back while rafting.

Most guides have a dry bag or box where you can store items, such as the rain jacket or an extra synthetic shirt.. Also, don’t forget to bring any necessary medications and mention any pertinent medical conditions (no matter how minor they may seem to you) to your Trip Leader and your specific guide.

What else should you bring?  An enthusiastic attitude and the idea that you will enjoy yourself. Our whitewater is some of the best in the country and no matter what stretch of which river you are on, it all flows through some beautiful scenery.

So don’t forget to look up from the water every now and then and enjoy this part of West Virginia.

Will I Get Wet On My Rafting Trip? And Other Common Questions

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Going on an outdoor adventure can cause some anxiousness.  That’s especially the case if you’re trying something new or are elected to be the one in charge of planning. For many of us whitewater rafting is old-hand, but if you’re new to the sport, you probably have questions . . .  a lot of them.  So here’s a little Q & A that can help you navigate the waters:

Will I get wet on my rafting trip?

Yes! You will get wet while rafting . . .

We start out with this one since we get it so often, believe it or not. The answer is yes.  Most trips offer chances to swim in calmer areas, so getting wet is part of the fun. You’ll also get splashed in larger rapids and possibly by other patrons.

What are the age limits?

The rivers in Southern West Virginia have some easier sections and some that are perfect for thrill-seekers. Because of the way the rivers are broken up there are trips with minimum ages 6, 12, and 16 and up.

What should we wear?

Your wardrobe for the day should always be geared toward the water and air temperatures. For spring and late fall trips, rent a wet suit from your rafting company and stay away from cotton.  In summer, a swimming suit,  shorts and a t-shirt are fine.   Also remember to wear shoes that will stay on your feet, sandals with straps, water shoes or light weight tennis shoes will work just fine. No flip flops or you may be coming back barefoot. Don’t forget the sunscreen and if you wear glasses be sure and bring a strap to tighten them on.  PDF’s (personal flotation devices) and helmets will be provided by your whitewater rafting outfitter.

What are the chances I’ll fall out?

This is a tough one. While the object is to stay in the raft, some people love getting to “swim”. Much of your training will cover what to do if this happens.  As long as you pay attention to your guide, your swimming episode (IF you have one) will probably turn into something you’ll love telling your friends about.

What do the rapid classes mean?

Classes are a way to rank the rapids from easy to harder to navigate. Class I is  a small, easy rapid  and Class V rapids are big, adrenaline inducing and require a good navigator – it can get a little  crazy but it’s always  fun.  Class III and up will definitely get your heart pumping!

Have any other rafting questions for us?

We’ll see you on the river.

It’s Time! Spring = Whitewater Season

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Early rainfalls have created a great opening for whitewater rafting season.  Some outfitters started running trips as early as March!  But April was, officially,  the beginning of 7 months full of

Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia

whitewater fun and adventure.

This year’s Spring rainfall has been incredible so rafters can expect to go farther faster with great runs and holes full of excitement.

The whitewater outfitters in southern WV  have added even more adventure options this year – enabling you to not only plan a trip to raft but also add ziplining, horseback riding, or even skydiving to your itinerary.

Looking for adventure this Spring?  Well look no further.  Southern WV has professional outdoor adventure outfitters who can plan your raft trip, book your lodging, schedule your add on adventures and even help you plan your meals.

So what are you waiting for . . .

The Top 50 Reasons To Go White Water Rafting In West Virginia

Monday, July 12th, 2010

1.    It’s hot outside.
2.    Rafting is the summer tradition in West Virginia (if you make it one).

New River Rafting

3.    Guides are ridiculously funny.
4.    White water brings people closer together.
5.    There’s no better way to see a gorge than from the river.
6.    Rapids are like roller coasters, but wetter.
7.    It’s really hot outside.
8.    You get great pictures of yourself doing something awesome.
9.    You’ll make memories.
10.     Butterflies in your stomach and a smile on your face.
11.     Amazing scenery.
12.     White water is the best way in the world to get back in touch with nature.
13.     Sometimes you watch the show, and sometimes you are the show.
14.     You can’t really wear the T-shirt unless you’ve been down the river.
15.     Amazing riverside lunch.
16.     Learning to surf West Virginia style (they really do surf rafts).
17.     It’s really incredibly hot outside.
18.     Swimming in the pools in between rapids.
19.     Paddling through the rapids in between pools.
20.     Getting smacked in the face with a wave is the river’s way of saying hi.
21.     You can push family members out of the raft.
22.     The family section of the New River (the Upper New) is perfect for kids.

Family Duckie Trip on Upper New River

23.     It’s also perfect for scaredy-cats.
24.     Summer rafting on the Gauley River is a sure fire way to have the whole place to yourselves.
25.     It’s really incredibly, insanely hot outside.
26.     Rafting is like being on a lake; a very narrow lake with huge waves.
27.     If you fall out of the raft, you’ll have a story to tell forever.
28.     If you stay in the raft, you’ll have a story to tell forever.
29.     Dinner tastes better after a rafting trip.
30.     You’ll meet people who are just as much fun as you are.
31.     Rafting leads to other stuff, like ATV rides, bike trips, and canopy tours.
32.     It will become an addiction (a good one).
33.     Rapids with names like “Scramble Like A Rat” and “Lost Paddle”.
34.     Your bus driver will be the most interesting person you meet all year.
35.     It’s really incredibly, insanely, ridiculously hot outside.
36.     You can show off that back flip at Jump Rock.
37.     It’s a scientific fact that there is no better way to make kids go to bed early than a day of white water rafting.
38.     You can show off those new river shorts/bathing suit.
39.     You’ll laugh harder than you have in a long, long time.
40.     Rapids on white water rivers make you feel alive.
41.     You can see deer, bald eagles, fish, and all kinds of other cool wildlife.
42.     It’s a great place to re-learn what poison ivy looks like and how to avoid it.
43.     Rafting lets you learn about the natural world and have fun at the same time.
44.     White water rivers are great places to challenge yourself.
45.     There’s no feeling on earth like paddling off the lip of a horizon line into a rapid.
46.     Rafting makes your vacation time really count.
47.     Your kids will think you’re the coolest person in the world (for a while).
48.     Best. Vacation. Ever.
49. It’s really, incredibly, insanely, ridiculously, stupendously hot outside.
50.     White water rafting is the best way in the universe to cool off.

The 5 Best Reasons To Spend Spring In The Mountains

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

If you ever needed a reminder about how great life is, do this:   Come to southern West Virginia in the spring.

Pinnacle Rock in "Spring Green"

Because this is hands-down, without-a-doubt the best time to be in the mountains.

Here are 5 reasons why:

•    The Green: The green that pops up during springtime isn’t just green.  It’s spring green.  So special they designed a crayon color for it.  And you can’t see it anywhere else like this.  Heck, even if you could, nowhere has the background of the ancient mountains to really draw it out.  Spring green in southern WV is truly like no other color on earth.

•    All The Other Colors: What isn’t green is every other color that’s bright, new, or refreshing.  The redbuds burst.  The forsythias pop.  The mountains reinvigorate all of your color sensibilities, and make you feel alive and awake in a way that a museum masterpiece never could.

•    The White Water :  Okay, okay… white water rafting isn’t for everyone.  Only 93% of you.  We understand.  If you think the mountains are pretty while driving down the road in the spring, wait until you see them from a wild river like the New or the Gauley.  Even if you don’t go to a wild section of a wild river, i.e. you like family floating more than white knuckle white water, it doesn’t matter.  Spring doesn’t care, and neither do we, as long as you’re having fun.

•    All The Other Adventures :  We like to say that, if you can do it outside, you can do it in West Virginia.  So spring is our chance to rediscover all that wildness and excitement.  Even if excitement is mushroom hunting instead of rock climbing, or antiquing instead of, say, ATV riding.  It doesn’t really matter how you define adventure, as long as you’re doing something that makes you feel adventurous.

•   The People:  You didn’t think we’d leave out the key ingredient, did you?  Mountaineers haven’t exactly been holed up all winter (we’re always free, remember?)  Still, spring unleashes a whole bunch of happiness in the Mountain State, and we’re going to celebrate it.  Our yards get the attention we’ve dreamed about.  So do our grills.  We get outside and stretch in the spring sun, and if that’s not a good time to visit somewhere, it’s going to be pretty hard to figure out when is.

Need another reason?  You.  You make spring here in West Virginia better.  Time to get outside, don’t you think?

Spring In Southern West Virginia

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Comin’ In Like A Mountain Lion
It’s March!  Time for, um, madness.  And four leaf clovers.  And lambs going out somewhere.

Actually, none of that makes much difference – Spring is on the way!  After the amazing, record breaking winter we just had, the sun is a fine sight to see.

Okay, “amazing” isn’t the word that some people would use.  But it was amazing if you like to ski, or sled, or play outside in the snow.  And even if you don’t, you have to admit it was still pretty cool.  For a while, anyway.

Ok, we won’t talk about snow anymore . . .

It’s

Whitewater Rafting in WV

White Water Time!

Go down to any river in Southern West Virginia and grab up some water and splash it on your face.  Wow!  That’ll wake you right up!

Well, if that’s your idea of refreshing, you’d be surprised how many people think exactly like you do.  Any idea?

It’s enough people to start white water rafting season off in West Virginia.  The weather can get chilly, but it’s nothing compared to how cool it is to go rafting before anyone else in the world.

Plus, there’s a real reason people go whitewater rafting in March and April:  You’re guaranteed some of the best whitewater of the year.  Spring is when the rivers run high, which means bigger rapids.

And every outfitter in West Virginia has hot showers at the end of the trip.  If you’re at all adventurous, you should give spring rafting a shot.