New River Gorge Watersports

Soak up some sun and head down to the river for a variety of activities. Whether you’re experiencing high adventure activities or relaxing on the river bank, the New River is a special spot for you to spend time with friends and family.

Find Your Adventure

Kayaking

There is something special about spending the day out on the water with the warm sun all around you and an ever-changing landscape. Kayaking in the Gorge can take you to incredible places and there is a trip for every kind of adventure seeker. One of the best spots for flat-water paddling is Hawks Nest Lake.

The New River flows through Hawks Nest State Park, creating the lake in a dammed section of the river. The gentle waters and panoramic scenery make this lake a paradise for beginner paddlers and families looking for a refreshing day on the water. Experienced kayakers can head to Mill Creek, a two-mile New River tributary that features class IV rapids. Mill Creek can be accessed from the Hawks Nest Rail Trail.

Whitewater Rafting

For Class IV and V rapids, look no further than the New and Gauley rivers. During the summer months, the lower New River is the perfect place to beat the heat and get your fair share of adrenaline. If you’re looking for more of a calmer ride, Upper New River is more family focused.

Several local outfitters offer packages perfect for an action-packed day of river running. But don’t forget that the end of summer in West Virginia doesn’t mark the end of the state’s season for outdoor adventure.

New River Jetboats

At Hawks Nest State Park, New River Jetboats zips you through the rapids to just below the base of the majestic 876-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge.

The trip to board the boat is almost as fun as the ride itself. From the lodge at the canyon rim, you’ll take the aerial tram down to the river. It’s a unique chance to experience the beauty of the gorge from both the top and bottom— all in the same day.

Swimming

A popular vacation destination with stunning views, ACE Adventure Resort has everything you could possibly need for a perfect family getaway. The spring-fed mountain lake waterpark features water slides, large inflatable toys, a zipline and the high-flying water toy known as the BLOB. Not to mention, the white sand beach is perfect for sunbathing and volleyball. You can play all day and never have to leave the property because of the conveniently located restaurant.

Fishing

The majority of the New River runs through one of the nation’s newest national parks right here in Almost Heaven. The New River has some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the state and is home to some of the best catches in the world. Book a New River fishing tour and a night stay with Adventures on the Gorge for a fishing experience like no other. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture every scenic landscape and adventure in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.