HICO RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Afternoon Rush on the Lower New: Class III/IV Rafting Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge
A four-hour afternoon express rafting trip on the New River Gorge with guided Class III/IV whitewater and scenic passage ending beneath the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.
Afternoon Rush on the Lower New: Class III/IV Rafting Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge.
This is an efficient, high-adrenaline run through New River Gorge National Park: guided rafting on a concentrated afternoon route that threads Class III/IV rapids, climbs the river’s sculpted canyon walls and finishes beneath the soaring arch of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
National Park Scenery Along the Gorge
The trip travels through the national forest and carved rock formations of New River Gorge, with opportunities to spot birds and remnants of historic coal operations tucked into the mountainside.
Class III/IV Whitewater
Expect an afternoon of continuous guided whitewater: trained guides helm each raft as paddlers navigate the run’s Class III/IV rapids for concentrated bursts of technical, splash-heavy fun.
Finish Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge
The express route concludes under the New River Gorge Bridge — a monumental steel arch that dominated the valley at 3,000 feet long and roughly 876 feet above the river — a dramatic end to the run.
What the day feels like
What the Afternoon Feels Like
After check-in at BaseCamp and a brief bus transfer, guides outfit your party, cover safety and pacing, and put you in a raft for practice strokes before the first rapids. The trip moves quickly — concentrated whitewater punctuated by scenic river passages — with a personal guide in your raft and a finish under the New River Gorge Bridge.
THE LANDSCAPE
National Park Scenery Along the Gorge
The trip travels through the national forest and carved rock formations of New River Gorge, with opportunities to spot birds and remnants of historic coal operations tucked into the mountainside.
THE RIVER
Class III/IV Whitewater
Expect an afternoon of continuous guided whitewater: trained guides helm each raft as paddlers navigate the run’s Class III/IV rapids for concentrated bursts of technical, splash-heavy fun.
THE ICON
Finish Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge
The express route concludes under the New River Gorge Bridge — a monumental steel arch that dominated the valley at 3,000 feet long and roughly 876 feet above the river — a dramatic end to the run.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a four-hour afternoon express trip; typical meet time is mid-afternoon with an evening return.
Participants are outfitted with a paddle, PFD (lifejacket) and helmet by the operator; bring quick-dry clothing, water shoes, and anything you need for an afternoon on the river. No meal is provided.
Check in at BaseCamp, then take a short bus transfer to the river; each raft is guided by a trained guide who manages navigation and safety.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The trip duration is four hours.
What is the minimum age to participate?
This trip is for ages 11 and up.
What equipment is provided?
Guides outfit participants with a paddle, a PFD (flotation/lifejacket) and a helmet.
Is a meal included?
No meal is provided on this afternoon express trip.
When and where do we meet?
You check in at the operator’s BaseCamp with a typical meet time in the afternoon (the published example meet time is 3:00 PM) and return in the evening (example return time 6:30 PM).
Are there group rates or discounts?
There are tiered group rates and weekday/first-responder discounts offered by the operator.