West Virginia Tourism Field Trips – ACE Adventure Resort
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A field trip in West Virginia offers a unique blend of fun and education, perfectly encapsulating the Mountain State’s rich history and natural beauty giving students a chance to experience hands-on learning beyond the classroom. The state’s rugged landscape provides an unparalleled natural laboratory for environmental science and outdoor education creating experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for culture, history, and the environment.
ACE Adventure Resort
ACE Adventure Resort is a 1,500-acre outdoor vacation destination located adjacent to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, various lodging options, and dining facilities, making it a popular spot for families, groups, and thrill-seekers. Enjoy a meal together at the Lost Paddle Restaurant and finish the day with an adventure hiking the trails of the New River. Don’t stop asking questions, your guides are always ready to share the railroad, coal, timber, and tourism history of the New River Gorge along with their experiences and wisdom gained working in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. The emergence of the Rafting Industry in the early 1970’s, along with the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge and National River designation opened up Southern West Virginia to travelers looking for beautiful vistas, waterfalls, and adventure. With the recent National Park designation travelers and explorers are visiting WV from across the country and the world. ACE Adventure Resort is known as North America’s largest outdoor vacation resort and offers over 20 guided activities. The resort is highly rated with a 4.7-star rating from over 3,300 reviews and is located at 1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, WV.
Tourism Field Trip Offering’s
Aerial Park Trip
This package includes a presentation from an ACE representative sharing ACE’s contributions to WV’s Tourism industry and career opportunities available at the resort along with an opportunity for student questions. At the Aerial Park students will enjoy four different challenge options ranging from our beginner-friendly “Green” level to the infamous “Red” level. Climb our spiral staircase 25 feet up to start your adventure and take it higher, boldly stepping out onto our 35-foot vista level. With dozens of elements, two “quick-flight” auto-belay systems, and countless combinations on this choose-your-own-adventure course, students will enjoy 2 hours of fun while also overcoming their fears.
Age Groups and Other Requirements
Youth ages 4 – 10 years old require an adult to assist them on the apparatus. With that in mind, the most appropriate age for this activity would be 11 – 17 years requiring adult supervision present at the activity. Sneakers would be the best footwear. Minimum participant waist size of 18″ and a maximum weight of 250lbs required.
Pricing and Group Sizes
The maximum trip size would be 20 students at a specific time; multiple trip times can be scheduled. Students and chaperones waiting for their trip time can easily couple the Aerial trip with a hike (on your own) out to Concho Overlook for a peak at the New River just below the town of Thurmond.
Special Student Rate: $47.25 per person – 2-hour Aerial Park and Pizza Party
Guided Hike Package
The package includes a presentation from an ACE representative sharing ACE’s contributions to WV’s Tourism industry and career opportunities available at the resort along with an opportunity for student questions. Students will enjoy unparalleled views of the New River Gorge National Park, the remains of an early 20th Century coal mining operation, glimpses of waterfalls, local flora and fauna and even some history and local knowledge along the way.
Age Groups and Other Requirements
Minimum age 6 up to 17 years. Comfortable hiking shoes are required.
Pricing and Group Sizes
Special Student Rate: $47.25 per person – 2-hour Guided Hike and Pizza Party.
Maximum trip size 50 people.
Rafting Package
The package includes a presentation from an ACE representative sharing ACE’s contributions to WV’s Tourism industry and career opportunities available at the resort along with an opportunity for student questions. Working together as a cohesive unit taking on the rapids of the New River connects and strengthens individual and group relationships.
Option 1 – Upper New River Express – 4 hours (30 people minimum to book)
This river trip takes place on a calm stretch of river, where fun and splashy rapids abound. When it’s time for that first river trip, or when you’re just looking for a mellow day on the river, our Upper New River rafting excursion is a perfect fit. It’s got a little bit of whitewater, some classic experiences like Jump Rock, and a whole lot of fun on the river.
Options 2 – Rafting on the Lower New – 4 hours
Our Most Popular Rafting Trip! In its Lower section, the New River begins to narrow and simultaneously drops in elevation where the big water rapids form. This section known as “The Gorge” winds its way through a deep and spectacular sandstone canyon ending under the awe-inspiring New River Gorge Bridge.
Age Groups and Other Requirements
6 years old – Minimum age on the Upper New
12 years old – Minimum age on the Lower New
Shoes that are secured to your foot; tennis shoes, strapped sandals, water shoes.
Pricing and Group Sizes
Special Student Rate: $86.25 per person – 4-hour rafting trip (Upper or Lower New River) and Pizza Party.
Upper New – minimum number to book, 30 people.
Lower New – minimum number to book, 10 people (Spring and Fall)
Zip Line Package
The package includes a presentation from an ACE representative sharing ACE’s contributions to WV’s Tourism industry and career opportunities available at the resort along with an opportunity for student questions. ACE’s zip lining course is 1.5 miles long and includes 9 zips, 2 short hikes, and 2 sky bridges. You will be able to view the New River Gorge for over half the trip. The system used is hands-free so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Zip from platform to platform, through the treetops and along the cliffs of the New River Gorge. This trip is a great way to catch some views and an adrenaline buzz!
Age Groups and Other Requirements
The minimum age is 10 years old.
The minimum weight is 70 lbs. and the maximum weight is 250 lbs.
Must be accompanied by an adult.
Shoes for a hike in the woods are required.
Pricing and Group Sizes
Special Student Rate: $86.25 per person – 2-hour Zip Line trip and Pizza Party.
Educational Benefits
Experiential Education Field Trips connect learning with an unforgettable experience, and for students, it can change the trajectory of their life’s work and the way they play and exercise. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and boating are all interests and activities that become a part of a person’s life and community. You can be a climber or boater working in the outdoor industry at a youth camp, resort, national park, or state park. Or, you can be an engineer, teacher, or construction worker who recreates outside for exercise, family vacations, and personal challenges throughout your life.
Begin planting the seeds of leadership and confidence; both are born in adventure. Working together as a cohesive unit taking on the rapids of the New River connects and strengthens individual and group relationships. Overcome fears and stand on those victories when you lean forward off the edge of the aerial park or zip line platform. You just thought you were afraid of heights. Conquering that fear is a stepping stone to gaining the confidence to become your best you.
It all begins with experiencing what is out there and in West Virginia, the opportunities are varied, challenging, and very personal.
Want to make your experience in Almost Heaven richer? Learn more in our free West Virginia Vacation Guide and start planning your getaway today!
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This post was last updated on June 14, 2026
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