HICO RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Raft the Lower New River: Class III/IV Drops, Riverbank Lunch, and a Finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge
A six-hour guided rafting day trip out of Hico that runs Class III/IV whitewater, includes a catered riverside lunch, and is ideal for anyone 11 and older planning a single-day river adventure.
Raft the Lower New River: Class III/IV Drops, Riverbank Lunch, and a Finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge.
The Lower New River Day Trip launches from Hico and threads whitewater through the steep walls of New River Gorge National Park, where seasoned guides steer rafts across Class III/IV rapids, wildlife-rich river corridors and coal-country cliffs; midway through the day the group pulls to shore for a catered buffet before finishing beneath the soaring span of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and key stops
A straightforward, guided one-day route with staged check-in, river put-in, a mid-trip lunch stop, and a scenic finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge.
BaseCamp check-in
Meet the Trip Leader and your Guide at BaseCamp to sign in, get outfitted with paddle, PFD and helmet, and review safety and paddling instructions.
Bus to the river and put-in
A short ride carries the group to the river; after a few practice strokes from shore you board the raft and run the opening rapids under guide direction.
Riverside lunch stop
At mid-route the group pulls to the bank for a catered buffet—build-your-own sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks and dessert—before continuing downstream.
Finish beneath New River Gorge Bridge
The second half of the float concludes under the New River Gorge Bridge, the bridge noted in the program for its 3,000-foot length and 876-foot height above the river.
This is a Class III/IV whitewater trip intended for participants aged 11 and older; follow guide instructions and disclose any restrictions when you book, as the operator may adapt logistics for safety.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
From a BaseCamp check-in to a short bus ride to the water, the day is organized and fast-moving: guides outfit the party, run through safety and paddling basics, then you launch into a first sequence of rapids that quickly delivers the cadence of the river; after a staffed riverside lunch the pace resumes, and the trip concludes under the massive arch of the New River Gorge Bridge—a tidy six-hour loop that blends adrenaline with place-based scenery.
THE LANDSCAPE
National-park scenery and river wildlife
The trip runs through New River Gorge National Park, passing forested canyon walls, remnants of coal-era infrastructure and abundant river and raptor life—an immersive stretch of Appalachian scenery.
THE RIVER
Class III/IV whitewater with a personal guide
Expect a full-on whitewater experience: the route features Class III/IV rapids, and each raft is led by an experienced guide who steers the boat and coaches the crew through the drops.
THE MEAL
Riverside catered lunch at mid-trip
Halfway through the day the group pulls to a riverbank for a catered buffet—build-your-own sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks and dessert—before returning to the river for the second half of the run.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants are outfitted by the guide team with a paddle, PFD (lifejacket) and helmet for the river portion of the trip.
A catered buffet lunch is provided at mid-trip; if you have special dietary requirements, notify the operator when you make your reservation so accommodations can be arranged.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The Lower New River Day Trip runs approximately six hours from meet to return.
What is the minimum age to participate?
This trip is for ages 11 and older.
What level of whitewater should I expect?
The route includes Class III/IV rapids with each raft led by an experienced guide.
Where do I meet for the trip?
Guests check in at the operator's BaseCamp in Hico to meet the Trip Leader and their Guide before a short bus transfer to the river.
Is lunch provided?
Yes—a catered buffet lunch is served on the riverbank at the midpoint of the trip, including build-your-own sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks and dessert.
Are discounts available?
The operator publishes tiered group rates and weekday/first-responder discounts; check rates at booking for current details.
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: 2026-08-10T12:59:40.161Z
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.