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Experience a welcoming whitewater rafting trip perfect for families with kids ages 5 and up on the Upper New River near Hico, WV. Enjoy gentle rapids, stunning forest scenery, and expert guides ensuring fun and safety for everyone.
Experience a welcoming whitewater rafting trip perfect for families with kids ages 5 and up on the Upper New River near Hico, WV. Enjoy gentle rapids, stunning forest scenery, and expert guides ensuring fun and safety for everyone.
Book with West Virginia Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by West Virginia Adventures · Hico, West Virginia
Located near the small town of Hico, West Virginia, the Upper New River offers a gentle yet engaging whitewater rafting experience perfect for families with children as young as five. This afternoon express trip navigates Class I and II rapids, creating an ideal balance of excitement and safety, making it a standout adventure in the Appalachian outdoor scene. The New River, one of the oldest rivers on the continent, carves a scenic route framed by lush Appalachian forests and rugged cliffs, offering rafters sweeping views and occasional glimpses of local wildlife. The trip is guided by experienced rafters who tailor the pace and activities to families, ensuring everyone can enjoy swimming breaks and playful moments in calmer waters. This makes it an inviting choice for parents looking to introduce their children to river rafting in a friendly, supportive setting.
What sets this trip apart in the West Virginia outdoor recreation area is its accessibility combined with a deeply immersive experience in nature. The Upper New’s unique geological features, consisting of ancient shale and sandstone formations, shape rapids that are challenging enough to exhilarate without overwhelming less experienced rafters. The surrounding forested hills provide habitat to species like black bears and white-tailed deer, adding a layer of wildlife watching to the journey. Hico itself is a quiet mountain town that serves as a convenient base for adventurers, with the New River Gorge National Park never far, offering additional recreational opportunities.
This rafting experience capitalizes on the spirit of the New River, a river that played an important role in Appalachian history as a transportation route and now thrives as a recreational corridor. The trip emphasizes sustainable practices to minimize human impact, supporting the ongoing health of this protected river ecosystem. With safety being paramount, guides provide all necessary equipment and instructions, making this adventure an easy choice for families new to whitewater rafting or those looking to bond outdoors in a memorable way.
Bring your sense of adventure and prepare to make waves, splash around in clear river pools, and create lasting family memories against one of West Virginia’s most picturesque backdrops. Whether you’re seasoned paddlers or beginners, the Family Upper New Afternoon Express Trip delivers an approachable yet captivating water adventure that highlights natural beauty and local culture in every paddle stroke.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels, including young children comfortable in water.
Yes, the trip is designed for children aged 5 and up with gentle rapids and experienced guides ensuring safety and enjoyment.
No prior experience is necessary; guides provide all safety instructions and oversee the entire trip.
Bring water shoes, quick-drying clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. The outfitter provides life jackets and helmets.
Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the rafting access point near Hico.
Yes, the trip includes designated calm spots suitable for swimming and playing in the water.
The trip is typically available from late spring through early fall, depending on weather and river conditions.
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America, flowing since before the Appalachian Mountains formed, a vital artery for early settlers and indigenous peoples.
Operators follow strict leave-no-trace principles and local regulations to protect the river’s sensitive ecosystem and water quality.
West Virginia Adventures operates guided rafting experiences on the Gauley River and the New River Gorge, offering day trips, afternoon express runs, private trips, and family-focused adventures. The outfitter specializes in a variety of river trips: extreme whitewater on the Gauley (Class IV/V) including the Gauley Marathon and Sweets Falls, full- and half-day Lower Gauley excursions, family Upper New River trips with gentle Class I/II rapids, and private custom rafting for groups of six or more. Trips include expert guides, on-river safety briefings, and catered lunches on many departures. Age minimums and trip types are clearly defined to match ability and comfort—family trips welcome children ages five and up, while more challenging Gauley runs require older participants. Private group options allow customization of itinerary, pace, and dining, creating a less crowded river experience for families, friends, and corporate outings. West Virginia Adventures emphasizes local river knowledge, experienced raft guides, and scenic routes through the New River Gorge National Park. The company’s offerings cover off-season custom adventures as well as peak-season day trips, balancing adrenaline, scenic enjoyment, and accessible family options. Clear booking details, catered meal choices, and group accommodations make planning straightforward for multi-generational groups. For visitors seeking authentic Appalachian river adventures—whether a gentle family float or a full-throttle Gauley descent—West Virginia Adventures provides guided trips that focus on safety, scenery, and memorable river experiences.
Book with West Virginia Adventures