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Float, fish, and camp beneath the stars on West Virginia’s New River with this two-day guided trip. Experience thrilling rapids, scenic gorges, and rich Appalachian wildlife on a journey that combines adventure and relaxation perfectly.
Float, fish, and camp beneath the stars on West Virginia’s New River with this two-day guided trip. Experience thrilling rapids, scenic gorges, and rich Appalachian wildlife on a journey that combines adventure and relaxation perfectly.
Book with New & Gauley River Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by New & Gauley River Adventures · Lansing, West Virginia
Experience the thrilling two-day New River Overnight Float Fishing trip, a unique blend of angling, camping, and wilderness immersion on West Virginia's legendary New River. Originating near Lansing, this 26-mile float combines the calm and wild currents of one of America’s oldest rivers, carving through rugged Appalachian landscapes. The New River’s distinctive geological history—dating back over 300 million years—creates deep gorges framed by steep cliffs and lush forests, offering anglers more than just a fishing expedition; it's a journey through time and nature's raw artistry.
Day one launches on the Upper New River at 115 Oscar White Rd., where participants drift downstream through a changing environment of tranquil riffles and exciting rapids. This stretch hosts diverse fish species including smallmouth bass and trout, making casting both challenging and rewarding. As the sun dips, the group camps riverside under an expansive sky, with guides preparing a fire-cooked dinner that celebrates the outdoor spirit. Star-studded skies, the gentle river murmur, and crisp mountain air set a perfect scene for connecting with nature beyond the everyday.
Morning brings a hearty breakfast by the riverside before continuing the float along the Lower New River. The scenery opens into wider valleys with towering hardwoods and occasional glimpses of bald eagles and river otters, enriching an already rich outdoor experience. A deli lunch served right on the water provides needed fuel while you soak up panoramic river views and the calm ambiance of flowing water.
What truly sets this trip apart is its intimate blend of adventure and relaxation. The rapids strike a harmonious balance between excitement and safety, suitable for anglers age 10 and up, while the opportunity to overnight wild amplifies the connection to this storied landscape. Your guides bring deep regional knowledge, ensuring not only a rewarding fishing experience but also insights into local ecology and history.
Lansing, WV, offers a welcoming gateway to this adventure, with local culture rooted in Appalachian traditions and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to float fishing, this trip delivers a distinctive chance to explore the New River’s natural allure at a pace that invites reflection and discovery. Booking this journey means choosing not just a fishing trip but a full immersion in one of the East Coast’s premier wilderness waterways.
moderate.
2 days, approx. 6 hours per day.
Moderate fitness required for paddling, maintaining balance, and overnight camping; suitable for ages 10 and up
No, guides provide assistance and advice, making the trip suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Participants must be at least 10 years old to join the float fishing trip.
Yes, dinner and breakfast by the river are prepared by guides, plus deli-style lunches while floating.
Overnight camping is riverside under the stars; bring appropriate gear for outdoor camping.
Trip conditions depend on water levels; guides provide updates and adjust itinerary for safety.
Yes, anyone interested in nature and river adventure can enjoy the float and camping experience.
The New River, one of the world's oldest rivers, shaped early settlements and was vital for Appalachian coal transport in the 19th century.
The guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles to preserve the river’s delicate ecosystem and promote responsible angling practices.
New & Gauley River Adventures is a full-service outdoor outfitter based in southern West Virginia that organizes whitewater rafting, horseback trail rides, overnight lodging, and primitive camping along the Gauley and New rivers. The operator runs a wide range of trips—from family-friendly Upper New River floats and half‑day Lower New River runs to adrenaline-fueled Upper Gauley Class V excursions including Double Upper options and the Full Gauley Marathon. Multi-day options include two‑day Upper Gauley expeditions and New River full canyon overnight trips. Lodging choices at base camp range from cozy Base Camp Cabins and Riverside Cottage in historic Thurmond to wilderness cabin and fire tower overnight stays, plus campsite reservations at Meadow River. Additional seasonal offerings include sleigh and carriage rides and guided trail rides for riders of all skill levels. Safety and local river knowledge are central: the outfitter operates on scheduled dam‑released Lower Gauley flows and runs established Class I–V routes on the New and Gauley rivers. Equipment and trip formats are tailored to skill level and group composition, with day and half‑day options for families, youth groups, and seasoned rafters. The business’s long presence in the region, varied trip roster, and combination of lodging and river-based adventures make it an efficient one-stop experience for visitors seeking convenience, reliability, and authentic Appalachian river trips. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the operation emphasizes memorable, professionally run river and trail experiences. Repeat guests praise attentive communication, customizable itineraries, and a local commitment to safety, conservation, and guest comfort every season.
Book with New & Gauley River Adventures