HICO RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas
A 6-hour guided day trip on the Upper New River for ages 5 and up, featuring Class I–II rapids, private rafts with an experienced guide, and a catered riverside lunch.
Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas.
The Upper New River threads through steep, forested hills and weathered rock formations — scenery at once wild and domesticated by the region's mining and rail history. This family-focused day trip spends six hours on that waterway, drifting past mountain slopes and possible sightings of water birds and raptors while offering frequent opportunities to swim, play and picnic on the riverbank.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Gentle Class I–II Rapids Designed for Families
This is a family‑friendly float with mostly Class I and II rapids that let kids and adults alike paddle, splash and, when conditions allow, hop into calm eddies to swim and play. Private rafts and an experienced guide keep the pace relaxed.
National Park Vistas, Wildlife and Local History
The river corridor runs through national forest scenery with rocky outcrops and lingering traces of coal‑country infrastructure; keep an eye out for water birds and birds of prey — bald eagles have been seen in the gorge.
Catered Riverside Lunch Midday
About halfway through the trip the group stops on the riverbank for a buffet lunch — build‑your‑own sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks and dessert — and operators will accommodate special dietary needs notified at booking.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You begin at the operator’s BaseCamp where guides check you in, answer questions and outfit everyone with paddles, PFDs and helmets before a short bus ride to the river and a basic safety briefing. Once on the water your group settles into a private raft; after a few practice strokes you ease into a slow, scenic float through gentle rapids and ripples, punctuated by a riverside lunch break and opportunities to swim, spot wildlife and take in the gorge. The whole outing runs about six hours and is guided and paced for families.
THE RIVER
Gentle Class I–II Rapids Designed for Families
This is a family‑friendly float with mostly Class I and II rapids that let kids and adults alike paddle, splash and, when conditions allow, hop into calm eddies to swim and play. Private rafts and an experienced guide keep the pace relaxed.
THE SCENERY
National Park Vistas, Wildlife and Local History
The river corridor runs through national forest scenery with rocky outcrops and lingering traces of coal‑country infrastructure; keep an eye out for water birds and birds of prey — bald eagles have been seen in the gorge.
THE MEAL
Catered Riverside Lunch Midday
About halfway through the trip the group stops on the riverbank for a buffet lunch — build‑your‑own sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks and dessert — and operators will accommodate special dietary needs notified at booking.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a roughly 6‑hour day trip; the usual meet time is 9:00 AM with an approximate return to BaseCamp around 3:00 PM.
Guides outfit participants with paddles, PFDs (life jackets) and helmets; private rafts and an experienced guide are included with the trip.
Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim, plus sun protection and clothing appropriate for a riverside day; advise the operator of any dietary restrictions at booking so they can accommodate them for lunch.
A catered buffet lunch (build‑your‑own sandwiches, fruit, snacks and dessert) is served on the riverbank; special dietary needs can be accommodated when noted at reservation.
Rates are tiered by group size; the operator also offers weekday and first‑responder discounts — confirm current pricing and eligibility at booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is a 6‑hour day trip.
What is the minimum age for participants?
This trip is for ages 5 and up.
When and where do we meet?
Meet at the operator’s BaseCamp at the scheduled meet time (typically 9:00 AM); return to BaseCamp is approximately 3:00 PM.
Is lunch provided?
Yes — the trip includes a catered riverside lunch with build‑your‑own sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks and dessert; notify the operator about dietary needs at booking.
What safety gear and instruction are provided?
Guides provide paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets, and will review basic safety and paddling instruction before launch.
How technical are the rapids?
The Upper New segment used for this family trip features mostly Class I and II rapids, appropriate for children and less experienced paddlers.