Riding the White Streak: An Afternoon on the Lower New River
$110 per Person | 4 Hours | Ages 11+ | Class III/IV
By midafternoon the gorge tightens and the light tilts warm against sandstone cliffs. You can hear the river before you see it: a steady, impatient rumble that grows teeth as the canyon narrows. Load into a rubber raft with a guide who knows how these currents read the rock, and the hush of the forest—broken by the occasional call of a hawk—gives way to the rush of Class III/IV water. This is the Lower New River Afternoon Express, a compact four‑hour charge through New River Gorge National Park that gives you high‑impact whitewater without a full day gone to logistics.
Trail Wisdom
Arrive Hydrated
Drink water before you show up—paddling in rapids is surprisingly dehydrating and you won't want to start low on fluids.
Secure Small Items
Use a small dry bag or leave phones/cash locked in your vehicle; anything you bring on the raft should be tethered.
Wear River Shoes
Closed‑toe river shoes or old trail runners with good straps protect toes from rock and provide traction on wet surfaces.
Trust the Guide
Follow paddle commands exactly—guides give clear, tested instructions that keep the raft stable through technical water.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sinks of Sand Run—a less‑visited pullout with calmer pools for spotting birds
- •Abandoned rail grades near Thurmond for short walks and history peeks
Wildlife
Bald eagle, White‑tailed deer
Conservation Note
New River Gorge was designated a National Park & Preserve in 2020; visitors should follow Leave No Trace practices and respect riparian habitat to protect water quality.
The gorge's coal seams and early railroads carved both the local economy and the landscape; the New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977 and reshaped access and tourism.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Higher flows and bigger rapids, Wildflower displays
Challenges: Cold water temperatures, Unpredictable spring rains
Spring brings higher flows that amplify the rapids; expect colder water and plan layered, insulating clothing.
summer
Best for: Warmer water and air, Longer daylight for travel
Challenges: Higher crowds on weekends, Hotter parking areas
Summer is peak season for the Afternoon Express—warmer but busy; book ahead and come early to beat the crowds.
fall
Best for: Colorful foliage, Lower crowds midweek
Challenges: Cooling water temps, Bridge Day crowds in October
Fall adds a visual payoff with maples and oaks turning, but bring warmer base layers for the cooler water.
winter
Best for: Quiet access and dramatic low‑angle light, Lower rates off‑season
Challenges: Cold air and water, Reduced water levels at times
Winter trips are rare and brisk—expect cold conditions and bring insulated, quick‑dry layers if an outing is available.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed‑toe River ShoesEssential
Protect toes on rocky shorelines and give traction entering and exiting the raft.
Quick‑Dry LayersEssential
Light synthetic layers wick water and dry fast after splashes or swims.
Waterproof Camera or Action Cam
Capture rapid lines and canyon light—secure it with a tether or chest mount.
Reusable Hydration BottleEssential
Hydration between runs matters; bring a sealed bottle you can clip ashore.
Common Questions
What is the age minimum for this trip?
Participants must be at least 11 years old to join the Afternoon Express.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No—trips are guide‑led and suitable for beginners, though physical ability to paddle and follow instructions is required.
What happens if I fall out of the raft?
Guides train you in swim protocol: float on your back with feet downstream and follow the guide's instructions to reach an eddy or shore; PFDs keep you buoyant.
Are helmets and PFDs provided?
Yes—helmets, personal flotation devices, and paddles are provided by the outfitter.
How far is the meeting point from Fayetteville?
BaseCamp in Hico is roughly a 10–20 minute drive from Fayetteville depending on your exact start point and traffic.
What's the cancellation policy in bad weather?
Outfitters typically monitor river levels and weather; if conditions are unsafe the trip will be canceled or rescheduled—contact the operator for specific policies and any refunds.
What to Pack
River shoes (protect feet and provide traction), quick‑dry layers (warmth without lingering wetness), sealed water bottle (hydrate between runs), waterproof camera or action cam (capture rapids safely)
Did You Know
The New River is considered one of the oldest rivers in North America, flowing northward for an estimated 250–325 million years.
Quick Travel Tips
Book weekday afternoons for smaller groups; arrive 30 minutes early to check in; leave valuables locked in your car; pack a change of dry clothes and a towel
Local Flavor
After the trip head to Fayetteville for a cold beer and local barbecue at a riverfront pub or grab pizza and a craft brew—many outfitters also recommend checking out local climbing shops and the Fayetteville Farmers Market for post‑adventure snacks.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Yeager (CRW) in Charleston, ~45 minutes by car; Driving distance from Fayetteville: 10–20 minutes to Hico BaseCamp; Cell service: intermittent in the gorge—best at trailheads and towns; Permits: no special permit required for guided commercial trips, but National Park rules apply
Sustainability Note
The New River Gorge is protected as a National Park & Preserve—pack out all trash, avoid disturbing shorelines, and travel with certified outfitters who follow river safety and conservation practices.