River Expeditions
River Expeditions
4.5
River Rafting & TubingZipline & Aerial Adventure ParksHiking Trails
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Visit America's newest National Park, New River Gorge, and discover rich history, rugged natural beauty and world-class adventures like whitewater rafting, scenic float trips, zipline tours, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. Our second-generation, family-owned business sets us apart from other outfitters - we don't have shareholders so guests come first, period. Our professional staff is authentic, engaging and encouraging as they share their passion for the outdoors. We deliver high quality adventures and gracious service at an exceptional value. Our beautiful basecamp features a campground, cabins, outdoor pool/hot tub, saloon, souvenir shop, hiking trails, zipline, lodge, wi-fi and other cool amenities. Kids ages 6 - 11 raft free with a paying adult. Plus get the 4th night lodging free. Discounts, special events and deals are featured online and on our social media channels. Let us curate custom adventure on our rivers, mountains trails and treetops.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
349 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
32
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
12
Brandon
Fort Wayne, IN4 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
A group of five friends from Fort Wayne, IN recently rafted the Upper Gauley River and had a wonderful experience. Beautiful scenery, magnificent rapids, and overall a great experience. If you are considering this company I highly recommend our guide, Flynn, as she was truly exceptional. This was my fourth time hitting whitewater and unlike some guides I’ve had in the past she could read the rapids like a book. Friendly with a great balance of professionalism and humor, she was safe for the class V’s yet willing to get make things more entertaining for the safer rapids without any mishaps. If you are lodging at River Expeditions I don’t recommend the rustic cabins. I would spend a little bit more money and get something more rooms with better accommodations. All the staff we interacted with were friends and professional at all times as well. Overall great experience!
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for choosing River Expeditions to host your adventure with friends on the Gauley River. We really appreciate your feedback and kind remarks about Flynn and all our support staff at River Expeditions - our team is indeed exceptional. We look forward to your next visit and can certainly get you booked in another cabin with more room and amenities! Thanks again for the five-star recommendation!
Safe travels -
Heather // River Expeditions
Written October 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura W
Quarryville, PA15 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
How to decide which rafting company? They all have good reviews as it seems they do a good job with a fun activity. I picked River Expeditions for the price (weekday special), they seemed like a smaller more personal company and there were perks: continental breakfast, beverages after the trip, and a pool & hot tub guests could use. We had a great time rafting the Lower New with River! When we checked in, it was raining and chilly so two of us rented splash jackets at $10 each which kept us warm til the sun came out. We were offered a continental breakfast with nice selection considering the limits of Covid. The outfitters store has lots of apparel and last minute essentials. Masks are required on the bus ride. The trip includes a photographer and you can opt to buy photos or video after viewing them. We were on the day long trip and the morning part of the trip was filled with floating through the scenic gorge, learning the rafting techniques, navigating mild rapids and getting to know our raft mates. Our guide Danny was fun and personable, keeping us entertained with stories and history of the area and sights along the way. Lunch was a basic picnic on a shaded beach. After lunch, we headed into the more intense rapids. Danny instructed us for each step and knew the New River well. The water was 8’ higher than normal due to weeks of rain. We had lots of big waves and thrills. The biggest unplanned thrill was when two of us went overboard on a Class V rapid. My son was hauled back in quickly but the fast water took me downstream quickly. They worked hard to get to me and all ended well. Danny said in all of his previous experience only two other people went overboard so this is a rare occurrence. But it can happen. After the bus ride back, we enjoyed a few minutes in the hot tub. We were given two drink tickets each for the Saloon and everyone goes to watch the trip video together. That was a fun ending to the adventure.
We did not stay on the property as we wanted to get WiFi and opted for a hotel. I would choose River Expeditions again!
We did not stay on the property as we wanted to get WiFi and opted for a hotel. I would choose River Expeditions again!
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing River Expeditions to host your trip! Indeed there are several other outfitters in the area, but each have a different culture. Being a second-generation, family-owned company allows us to focus on what matters most: our guests! We appreciate you noticing all our attention to detail and providing an in depth review and recommendation to others.
We look forward to your next visit!
Heather // River Expeditions
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
meggels1991
Philadelphia, PA2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
The white water rafting was superb!! Our guide Luke was the bomb- he had such control and made sure our raft never flipped or lost anyone on board ( 10 of us)!! This made our trip and it truly was a fantastic time. Do not miss out on this companys excursion. They are the BEST- so happy we could get away during the COVID craziness- Megan,Laura, Molly, Maggie, Kaylin and Cooper👍🏻👍🏻❤❤ Collegeville PA
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello -
Thank you for choosing River Expeditions to host your adventure! We, too, think it's important to getaway during these difficult times which is why we work so hard to make your visit fun and unforgettable. It sounds like we hit the mark this time - we appreciate your five-star review!
We hope to see you on the river again soon -
Heather / River Expeditions
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert E
1 contribution
Oct 2020
We took went to River Expeditions with another family for a fall break trip and were AMAZED at the personal attention and details that RE and their staff provided.
Professional, courteous, accommodating, great grounds, family atmosphere and more important - focus on teaching / explaining to our teenagers the safety techniques and certain aspects of the trip.
The guides were first class - we have taken several other tours with different companies, but will always give River Expedition the nod going forward if it is available.
You won't regret booking your next trip with this company.
Professional, courteous, accommodating, great grounds, family atmosphere and more important - focus on teaching / explaining to our teenagers the safety techniques and certain aspects of the trip.
The guides were first class - we have taken several other tours with different companies, but will always give River Expedition the nod going forward if it is available.
You won't regret booking your next trip with this company.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello -
Thank you for choosing River Expeditions to host your family's fall adventure! We are humbled to hear your praise of our staff, our campus and service. We appreciate you taking time to share your comments and offer a five-star recommendation to other travelers. We look forward to your next visit... until then,
Safe travels -
Heather // River Expeditions
Written October 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly S
Chicago, IL2 contributions
Oct 2021
5 of our family (mom and dad in late 40’s, 19,16,14) of 6 made our way from Chicago to West Virginia to visit our daughter at WVU for parents weekend. River rafting made more sense to our family even though it was still a bit of a drive from WVU. What a great decision. Our cabin was just what we needed, our guide Ian did a great job working our 5 members work seamlessly with the rest of our boat. He allowed us to set the level of adventure we were looking for (lots). River lunch was a decent spread of lunch food. Our evening viewing of the video with all the rafters and crew in Red Dog Saloon was a great way to end our day. Had we known we would have had as great of a time, we would have had all 6 of our family and booked for 2 days. We will be back for sure next season for at least 2 days of rafting.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RenRiver
El Paso, TX4 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
This was our first family trip and it has definitely set the bar for trips to come!!! We originally had plans to go to Disney but due to Covid 19, chose a river rafting family adventure. My kids ages 7 and 9 were not disappointed at all as soon as they hit their first rapid! We had Dawn as our guide and she not only showed us a good time, kept us safe, but provided a wealth of information about the area. The facilities were very clean from entry to the bus ride and back! We enjoyed a simple lunch provided by the company and some Complimentary drinks at the saloon while the kids played some games. We will definitely be visiting again!!!
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you for the great review! We're thrilled that your family choose River Expeditions to host your adventure vacation. We will pass along your kind remarks to Dawn and her supervisor. It's nice that you noticed and appreciated our clean campus - our staff works hard to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Glad you enjoyed the Saloon too.
We are already looking forward to your next visit -
Safe travels,
Heather Johnson
River Expeditions
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan A
Peters Township, PA5 contributions
Jul 2020
Our guide John was our favorite part of our experience. He was professional, experienced, and fun. Spending a good part of the day with him and another family was easy because John was so easy going he put any anxiety to rest. We have 3 teenage boys and they sat in front for the most action. There were opportunities to climb and jump off rocks and / or to swim beside the raft to cool off while we were drifting between rapids which was a lot of fun. We can't wait to do it again.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking time to share your feedback. We love hosting family vacations on the river and exposing teens to the great outdoors. We look forward to your next visit to River Expeditions.
Safe travels -
Heather // River Expeditions
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Divegirl1978
Ohio24 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Great rafting trip. I came to town to run a Spartan race and made a long weekend of it. Our guide Brody was great. He grew up on the river and has tons of knowledge of the area. Felt very safe having never rafted before. There were 2 opportunities to swim if you wanted to and even jump off a 25 foot rock. Lunch was great, make your own deli sandwiches, salads, chips and pudding for dessert. Super impressed they set up the peanut butter far away from the other foods to avoid contamination.
My only complaint is the smoking. The other guests on my boat were allowed to smoke on the boat. Yes they asked my if I minded but I didn’t want to be put in the position to say yes and upset them. Everyone knew I was there to run a race, I’m a nationally ranked athlete and yet all smoked around me. Both the bus driver and guide on the other boat were smoking as well. Yes we were outside but that does not diminish the effects of second hand smoke. I know many people that would not be able to enjoy rafting because of allergies and asthma with the smoke. Please make the trips non smoking.
My only complaint is the smoking. The other guests on my boat were allowed to smoke on the boat. Yes they asked my if I minded but I didn’t want to be put in the position to say yes and upset them. Everyone knew I was there to run a race, I’m a nationally ranked athlete and yet all smoked around me. Both the bus driver and guide on the other boat were smoking as well. Yes we were outside but that does not diminish the effects of second hand smoke. I know many people that would not be able to enjoy rafting because of allergies and asthma with the smoke. Please make the trips non smoking.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allie P
Ypsilanti, MI77 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We had a blast on the river. Our guide was Frizz, who was excellent, but it seemed like all of the guides were having a great time. Frizz was very knowledgeable and fun, and the rapids were challenging and exciting. The national park is beautiful. We'll be back!
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for choosing River Expeditions to host your adventure, Allie! We appreciate you taking time to share your comments and give us a five-star review. Frizz is wonderful, as well as all our guides and support staff! We're glad you enjoyed your visit and plan to return again. Until then, safe travels -
Heather, River Expeditions
Written August 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brandon M
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
This experience as far as the cabin was horrific! Before I booJed the trip it clearly says they have WiFi and TV in the top two tiers of cabins. Well only the luxury cabins do and they only have 3-4 of them. But the absolute worst part was the beds. You might as well sleep on concrete. I know when you go stay somewhere like this your supposed to be outdoors and enjoy it but you can’t even recharge to go out and enjoy any activities. Then I go into ask questions when we first checked in and the guy working doesn’t know anything. Every question I had that day and the next was answered with I don’t know. Don’t rent a cabin here unless it’s the luxury and I don’t know I would even then!!!!!
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello -
Thank you for choosing River Expeditions to host your visit. I'm sorry to hear we fell short of your expectations, since most guests are pleased with our facilities and service. I hope you'll give us an opportunity to make it up on a future trip.
Have a nice day -
Heather // River Expeditions
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there a a minimum age requirement for the Summer Lower Gauley trip. How long is a typical trip? What time is departure? Are you more likely to be in a raft or duck for a July Lower Gauley trip?
Written June 10, 2020
River Expeditions
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Thank you for your inquiry! Please contact our reservation office or visit the website for trip details - 800.463.9873.
We hope to see you soon! Safe travels...
Written June 10, 2020
We Have 2 reservations to raft on Monday,May 8. With current river levels, will the trip run? Call 814-603-1133 as we will be enroute on Sunday from central Pennsylvania.
Written May 6, 2017
River Expeditions
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Hello Harold W -
Yes, we will still run trips on Monday.
If you have any questions please call our office at 800.463.9873.
Please travel safely.
Thank you!
Heather
Written May 7, 2017
Is there a good place nearby to watch the Ohio State vs. Oklahoma football game Saturday night? We are coming in Saturday afternoon to raft the Gauley on Sunday/Monday.
Written September 10, 2016
I'm not from there, but heard good things about Pies and Pints, looks like it could be like a pub type restaurant. Has excellent reviews as well. Good Luck.
Written September 11, 2016
Hi,
Do rustic cabins have a fire pit?
Is the a water spicket near by or a place to wash dishes?
Is there phone service?
Thanks,
MK
Written May 20, 2016
They have a fire pit, but no water. They do offer a great shower house with unlimited high pressure hot water. Cell service is limited.
Written September 22, 2016
lovethesun2897
Bay City, Michigan
Wondering what clothing would be recommended for whitewater rafting the New River the end of June this year. Also if anyone has any pointers or recommendations for a family with 2 boys ages 12 and 14 who've never rafted before, comments would be appreciated.
Written June 11, 2015
River Expeditions
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Greetings!
Thank you for your inquiry.
We suggest a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, t-shirt, nylon shorts and sturdy footwear like sandals with straps (no flip flops) or old tennis shoes.
Please give us a call if you have other questions or would like to make reservations.
800.463.9873
Thanks again,
River Expeditions
Written June 12, 2015
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