HICO RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Afternoon on the Upper New: A four-hour family raft through national-forest scenery
A 4-hour afternoon, family-friendly rafting trip on the Upper New River (ages 5+), featuring gentle Class I–II rapids, swimming stops, and a personal guide.
Afternoon on the Upper New: A four-hour family raft through national-forest scenery.
Adventure brief
Afternoon on the Upper New: A four-hour family raft through national-forest scenery
Set in the sandstone-lined valleys of the New River Gorge near Hico, this afternoon express trip offers families an approachable introduction to river running: slow stretches that invite swims and play, punctuated by gentle Class I and II rapids and framed by national-park scenery and mountain remnants of the region’s mining past.
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.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Snapshot
A concise sequence of meeting, transit, river time, and return that defines the afternoon express trip.
BaseCamp check-in
Meet at BaseCamp to check in, ask questions, and be outfitted with a paddle, PFD and helmet before departure.
Short bus ride and safety briefing
A quick shuttle to the river includes a basic safety and paddling rundown from your guide and an introduction to the day’s plan.
Rafting the Upper New
Board your private raft and float downstream through scenic national-forest canyon, enjoying Class I–II rapids, calm swimming stretches, and wildlife viewing.
Return to BaseCamp
Conclude the afternoon float and return to BaseCamp by evening.
Minimum age for participants is 5 years old; all participants are outfitted with PFDs and helmets and guided from a private raft.
What the day feels like
What the afternoon feels like
You’ll check in at BaseCamp, get fitted with a paddle, PFD and helmet, and take a short bus ride to the river where a guide runs through basic safety and paddling strokes. Once aboard your group’s private raft you’ll move downstream at an easy pace: alternating mellow stretches for swimming and sightseeing with short, fun rapids. The guide tailors the pace and stops to the group, making this an ideal half-day outing for families.
THE LANDSCAPE
National-park scenery along the Upper New
The trip threads through forested canyon and rock formations visible from the river, with frequent wildlife sightings — from water birds to birds of prey — and occasional remnants of regional rail and mining history.
THE RAPIDS
Gentle Class I–II whitewater suitable for kids
This afternoon express run keeps the action family-friendly: primarily Class I and II rapids that are ideal for first-timers and younger paddlers while still offering playful current and splashy moments.
THE GUIDE
Personalized, private-raft experience
Each group gets a personal raft and an experienced guide who outfits participants, leads a short safety briefing, and customizes the float — including time for swimming and play in calmer stretches.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and when to look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an afternoon express trip with a 3:00 PM meet time and an approximate 6:30 PM return; overall trip duration is 4 hours.
The outfitter provides paddle, PFD (lifejacket) and helmet; no meal is provided so plan accordingly for snacks or post-trip food.
Check in at the operator’s BaseCamp before departing on a short bus ride to the river; the guide will cover safety and basic paddling instruction prior to boarding.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The Family Upper New Afternoon Express Trip is a 4-hour outing.
What is the minimum age?
This trip is for ages 5 and up.
Are life jackets and helmets provided?
Yes — participants are outfitted with a paddle, PFD (lifejacket), and helmet.
Is food included?
No — this afternoon trip does not include a meal, so plan to bring snacks or arrange food before or after the float.
When do we meet and when do we return?
Meet at 3:00 PM at BaseCamp; the trip typically returns around 6:30 PM.
Are there discounts or special rates?
Group pricing tiers and weekday/first-responder discounts are offered: group rates vary by party size and Monday–Thursday and first-responders discounts apply.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:17:30.995Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.