Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park
Overview
Enjoy fantastic family-friendly rafting in America's newest national park! Enjoy a gentle float with:
- National Park scenery and beauty.
- Class I/II family-friendly rapids; just enough bounce and ripple to have fun.
- Suitable for children ages 5+, perfect trip for multi-generational family outings.
- Buffet-style lunch along the river (9 AM trips only); have special dietary requirements? Just let us know 48 hours prior to your trip!
- Have bigger kids or teens? Want some parent-child teamwork? Let us know, and we'll provide inflatable kayaks that you can try out for part of the trip.
- Like the water? This section of river provides plenty of opportunity to cool off by floating or even swimming a gentle rapid if you'd like to go all in.
What's Included
- Lunch 9 AM Trips Only
- Personal flotation device (life vest), helmet, paddle.
- Local taxes
- Professional guide in your raft
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
268 Sunday Road
Hico, WV 25854, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
A family-friendly trip for ages 5+ on the beautiful Upper New River through national park scenery. Great trip for kids, time to swim and play in the water. Class I and II rapids, includes lunch break on the river, and an experienced raft guide to personalize your trip.
You will start the day by checking in at our BaseCamp and meeting your Guide. We will answer any questions you have and outfit everyone in your party with a paddle, PFD (flotation/lifejacket), and helmet. On the short bus ride to the river we will go over basic safety instructions, and treat you to our best jokes - bonus points if you laugh!
At the river, you will get into your group's raft with your Guide, and after getting comfortable, you will head slowly down the river, enjoy gurgling ripples and gentle rapids. The scenery through the national forest is spectacular, from remnants of old coal mining operations tucked into majestic mountains and rock formations, to birds of prey, water birds, and even bald eagles. Also be on the lookout for the occasional train that still journeys through the hills of the New River Gorge.
A great family experience!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Advise guide of any relevant medical conditions prior to trip start. Consult physican regarding any medical concerns prior to rafting.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Recommended for ages 5 and up
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Call to discuss disability or service animal accommodation.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18198P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 173 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Lunch. 9 AM Trips Only.
- Personal flotation device (life vest), helmet, paddle.
- Local taxes.
- Professional guide in your raft.
- Gratuities.
The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park is as follows:
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Advise guide of any relevant medical conditions prior to trip start. Consult physican regarding any medical concerns prior to rafting.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lunch9 AM Trips Only
- Personal flotation device (life vest), helmet, paddle.
- Local taxes
- Professional guide in your raft
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Advise guide of any relevant medical conditions prior to trip start. Consult physican regarding any medical concerns prior to rafting.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Recommended for ages 5 and up
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Call to discuss disability or service animal accommodation.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
