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.
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.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.