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While whitewater rafting may grab many of the headlines,
there are plenty of other water activities in West Virginia. Many of West Virginia’s
rivers offer more tame options for the entire family to enjoy. Also, visitors can
bring their own kayaks to really dissect the rivers and get to know them in their
most intricate details.
The Wild Ones
Naturally, West Virginia’s rivers are varied
in their personalities. The Gauley, or Beast of the East, is a combination of heart-stopping
excitement and breathtaking scenery. Ranked one of the best whitewater runs in the
world, the Gauley boasts more Class IV and V rapids than any other eastern river
and offers one of the most intense experiences in commercial rafting. The New River,
possibly the second-oldest river in the world, drops 240 feet over one 14-mile stretch
as it cuts its way through a 1,000-foot-deep sandstone gorge. Featuring Class I
to V rapids, it is the biggest whitewater river in the East. The mild, yet rippled,
Upper New is perfect for float and fishing trips, while the Middle New beefs up
the excitement with Class II and III rapids. The famed Lower New runs through the
heart of the gorge and underneath the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
North of these two rough and tumble rivers, lies the boulder-strewn canyon of the
Cheat. Snowmelt and spring rain give the Cheat more than 30 technical rapids in
the Class III to IV range. The Tygart ranks among the mightiest rivers in the nation
and, due to its remoteness, is relatively uncrowded. This 10-mile-long river boasts
rapids ranging from Class I to V and is home to Wells Falls, considered the most
powerful, runable drop in the Monongahela River basin.
The Wonderful Ones
The Kanawha and Ohio Rivers as well as numerous lakes
around the state offer wonderful opportunities for water skiing and water tubing.
Many times during the summer, skiers can be seen zooming across the river being
pulled by small boats. Due to their relative tranquility, the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers
are ideal for jet skis or just a quiet day on the river, sitting back and relaxing.
These rivers offer a relatively calm alternative to their more tumultuous cousins
to the east.
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the Eastern Panhandle, the South Branch of the famed Potomac River is a tremendous
canoeing river. The “Trough” area of the Potomac offers incredible scenery
(American bald eagle sightings are frequent!) and challenging rapids and pools ranging
from Class I to III. There are also various companies that rent inner tubes for
hours at a time, with and without staff guidance so visitors can take in the beautiful
and historic scenery at a slower pace. These trips go over rapids as tranquil as
a Class I up to a jostling Class III. The most frequently rafted stretch on the
Shenandoah begins above Harpers Ferry in the state’s Eastern Panhandle and
offers Class I riffles. The Staircase rapid adds a measure of Class III excitement.
Beautiful Lakes
Of course, West Virginia has its share of beautiful and vibrant lakes as well. Summersville
Lake is the largest in the state and offers water skiing, boating, and its pristine
waters are ideal for scuba diving. Nestled in the heart of the state, Sutton Lake
offers boats for rent and has some of the best muskie and bass fishing in the entire
state. Located just off I-79, Sutton is accessible and well worth the trip. Stonewall
Jackson Lake and State Park offer boat rentals and over 18,000 acres of woods in
the Wildlife Management Area.
Although by no means boring, these activities are a calmer alternative to whitewater
rafting. While West Virginia may have some of the best rafting in the world, there
are still plenty of other cool water activities that offer a chance to relax and
take in the scenery, while still providing a workout and plenty of thrills.
Jet-boat Excursions
This ride is sure to appeal to adventurers of all ages and abilities. Your journey
will begin high above the New River at Hawk's Nest State Park. From there, you'll venture down
the canyon by aerial tram to the dock where you'll meet your jetboat captain. The
trip will take you and your group on a six-mile excursion along the scenic New River
to the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge. Voted best of the road by Rand McNally
this trip is fun for all ages! Children 4 and under are free! Contact New River Jetboats for more information and hours of operation.
Bridge Day on the New River Gorge
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Few places in the United States offer a breathtaking view equal to the one
experienced atop the New River Gorge Bridge. This 876 foot
tall single arched bridge is the second longest in the world and the prominent feature
on the new West Virginia state quarter. The cost to build this amazing structure
was only $37 million. It opened to traffic on the third Saturday in October 1977.
To celebrate this monumental achievement in architecture and bridge making, Fayetteville
hosts the hugely popular Bridge Day Festival. This three-day festival reaches its
climax on the third Saturday in October when parachutists leap from the bridge to
the gorge below. This event has drawn close to 100,000 visitors annually, with over
200,000 visitors being expected in 2005.
Besides the unparalleled view, Bridge Day offers excitement and adventure as festivalgoers
watch one of the largest legal BASE-jumping gatherings in the world. BASE standing
for fixed objects (building, antenna, span and earth) from which the jump originates.
Watch as the brave men and women leap fearlessly off the bridge and pull their chutes
open just seconds away from peril. Highly trained rescue personnel are on hand both
on the bridge and by the New River below to assist if anything goes wrong. Bridge
Day also offers a chance to see experts rappel down this dizzyingly tall bridge.
For those people suffering from acrophobia, the Bridge Day Festival also offers
a chance to dine on delicious cuisine and shop for crafts from area merchants. Bridge
Day offers an exciting getaway for both young and old and promises not to disappoint.
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