Whitewater rafting combines tranquil views of breathtaking scenery punctuated by moments of sheer terror, similar to watching a nature show while being shot at by hunters. Surrender to adventure with today’s Groupon: for $99, you get a one-day, two-night rafting and camping excursion on the Lower New River (up to a $155 value) and a souvenir photo CD (a $45 value) from River Expeditions (up to a $200 total value) in Oak Hill, West Virginia (about a five-hour drive from Cincinnati). This deal is valid for participants age 12 and older.
Since 1972, River Expeditions has tamed West Virginia’s wild waters, blazing aquatrails along the New and Gauley rivers. Do battle with the watery forces of Mother Nature on the Lower New River rafting trip, which explores a stretch of tumultuous, National Park Service–protected rapids. An expert river guide trained in CPR and first aid leads each group, using a seventh sense for the river's history to point out eye-pleasers such as naturally carved canyons and the highest vehicular bridge in America. The river ranges from Class II to Class V levels of difficulty, with patches of challenging rapids slowing into calm pools, during which paddlers can relax or write love letters for delivery by carrier pigeon. After a full day of paddling, lay under the starry night and woo companions with knowledge of river-rafting-themed constellations, such as Thor's Paddle and Could Be a Rock.
The trip leaves from River Expeditions’ headquarters, about 4 miles southwest of the famous New River Gorge Bridge. All meals and beverages are provided; guests can bring a tent, sleeping bag, and pillow, or rent them for an additional price for their stay at the base camp.
Reviews
River Expeditions has been featured by the Columbus Dispatch. More than 2,170 Facebookers like the business, and nearly 25 Facebook reviewers award the company a perfect five-star average:
- Floating the New and Gauley rivers in central West Virginia is a bit like visiting God's own amusement park; you may never be completely satisfied with a man-made water ride again after experiencing a series of Class III-IV rapids in a magnificent gorge that has been growing for an estimated 65 million years. – Steve Stephens, Columbus Dispatch
River Expeditions
Since 1972, River Expeditions’ seasoned river guides have organized whitewater-rafting trips down the New River and the Gauley River in southern West Virginia’s scenic Appalachian Mountains. There’s a stretch of water for all ages and skill levels, from those looking for a scenic float to paddlers craving a soaked-to-the-bone thrill ride. In addition to day trips, River Expeditions also offers overnight excursions. River Expeditions can also arrange horseback riding, ziplining, mountain biking, fishing, and ATV tours.