April through October
Where to stay for rafting trips in West Virginia
West Virginia has the deepest commercial whitewater in the East on the New and Gauley rivers, plus the free-flowing Cheat Canyon in Preston County. The Lower New runs Class III to IV all summer and the Upper Gauley runs Class V during fall dam releases.
Where do you stay for rafting trips in West Virginia?
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area and Cheat River are three of the best areas to base a rafting trips trip.
The season runs april through October, and each area below has its own page with places to stay nearby.
- Best time of year
- April through October
- Where people go
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area, Cheat River, Fayetteville, Summersville Lake
- Where people stay
- Cabins, Hotels, Campgrounds, Vacation Rentals
Where people go
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- Cheat River
- Fayetteville
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- Morgantown
- Summersville
- Beckley
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- Parsons
- Kingwood
Whitewater Rafting near New River Gorge National Park and PreserveWhitewater Rafting near Gauley River National Recreation AreaWhitewater Rafting near Cheat RiverWhitewater Rafting in Fayetteville, WVWhitewater Rafting near Summersville LakeWhitewater Rafting in Harpers Ferry, WVWhitewater Rafting in Morgantown, WVWhitewater Rafting in Summersville, WVWhitewater Rafting in Beckley, WVWhitewater Rafting near Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkWhitewater Rafting in Parsons, WVWhitewater Rafting in Kingwood, WVWhitewater Rafting in Lansing, WVWhitewater Rafting in Oak Hill, WVWhitewater Rafting in Hinton, WVWhitewater Rafting near Summit Bechtel ReserveWhitewater Rafting near Hawks Nest State ParkWhitewater Rafting near New RiverWhitewater Rafting near Shenandoah RiverWhitewater Rafting in Albright, WV
Places to stay for rafting trips
We're still adding places to stay near West Virginia's best whitewater rafting areas.
Own or manage a property nearby? List it on BookWV.
Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia: what people ask
When is the season for rafting trips in West Virginia?
The season runs april through October. Outside those months conditions are unreliable and some access points close.
Where is the best whitewater rafting in West Virginia?
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area, Cheat River and Fayetteville are the areas most people head for. West Virginia has the deepest commercial whitewater in the East on the New and Gauley rivers, plus the free-flowing Cheat Canyon in Preston County. The Lower New runs Class III to IV all summer and the Upper Gauley runs Class V during fall dam releases.
Where should I stay for rafting trips in West Virginia?
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area, Cheat River and Fayetteville are where most people base themselves, because each one puts you close enough to get an early start. Choose one to see the places to stay within reach of it.
Do I need to book ahead for rafting trips in West Virginia?
In season, yes. Many of the best whitewater rafting areas are near small towns, so weekend lodging can fill quickly. Midweek and shoulder-season dates stay open much longer.
Is whitewater rafting in West Virginia good for beginners?
Yes. West Virginia has everything from easy overlooks and short nature trails to demanding backcountry routes, though the two are often an hour apart rather than side by side. Each destination page describes what that area is known for, which is worth reading before you choose where to stay.