Hico, WV: Upper New River Family Rafting Day Trip

Experience a Gentle, Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure on the Upper New River

The Hico, WV: Upper New River Family Rafting Day Trip offers an engaging outdoor experience suited for families and children aged 5 and up. Priced with flexibility—reservations can be made now, with payment due later—this 6-hour tour is perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet exciting day on the water. Starting at BaseCamp in Hico, the tour combines gentle Class I and II rapids, scenic views of the New River Gorge National Park, and a hearty buffet lunch. With a focus on safety and fun, this trip is an accessible introduction to rafting for first-timers and young adventurers alike.

While the tour is light on physical demands, it delivers a memorable mix of water play, wildlife spotting, and storytelling. The inclusion of lunch, swimming, and wildlife observation makes it a well-rounded outdoor outing. It’s an ideal choice for families looking for a safe, scenic, and educational river trip in West Virginia, with the flexibility of custom start times and group rates.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Family-friendly rafting on the Upper New River with Class I and II rapids
• Includes a delicious buffet lunch with build-your-own sandwiches and snacks
• Scenic views of the New River Gorge National Park and Appalachian landscapes
• Opportunities to spot bald eagles, water birds, and raptors
• Relaxing float with swim breaks and water play
• 6-hour trip with check-in at 9 a.m. and return around 3 p.m.

Starting Point at BaseCamp in Hico

The tour begins at BaseCamp in Hico, West Virginia, where visitors check in at 9 a.m.. Here, a friendly guide provides a safety briefing and helps with outfitting. The meeting location offers a convenient starting point for the day’s adventure, with a short bus transfer through the scenic New River Gorge National Park to the launch site.

The check-in process ensures that everyone is ready with the proper gear and instructions before the adventure begins. The accessible location makes it easy for groups to gather and prepares them for the day ahead.

Scenic Bus Journey through the New River Gorge National Park

After check-in, a short bus ride takes the group through the stunning landscapes of the New River Gorge. This scenic drive offers glimpses of Appalachian beauty, with lush forests and rugged cliffs framing the route. The comfortable transport helps set the tone for a day immersed in nature.

The journey not only transports guests but also provides an early preview of the breathtaking scenery they will explore on the river. It’s a relaxing start that allows for anticipation and excitement about the upcoming water adventure.

Learning to Paddle and Ride the Gentle Rapids

Once on the river, the guide demonstrates basic paddling techniques, ensuring everyone understands how to steer and work together. The focus is on safety and fun, with the Class I and II rapids providing just enough thrill without overwhelming inexperienced paddlers.

Throughout the trip, the raft encounters calm stretches ideal for swimming and playful water activities. The light rapids add gentle excitement, making this suitable even for young children or first-time rafters. The guide shares stories about the area’s natural and cultural history, enriching the experience with educational insights.

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Wildlife Viewing and Bird Spotting Opportunities

One of the highlights of this trip includes the chance to observe birds of prey and water birds, with the possibility of spotting bald eagles if luck favors the group. The river and surrounding cliffs serve as a natural habitat for these animals, and the guide often points out nests and bird activity.

This bird-watching element adds an engaging layer to the trip, making it more than just a water activity. It appeals especially to nature enthusiasts and families eager to learn about the local ecosystem.

Midway Buffet Lunch on the Riverbank

Approximately halfway through the trip, the raft pulls ashore for a buffet lunch featuring build-your-own sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, and dessert. This relaxed break offers time to rest, refuel, and enjoy the scenery on land.

The lunch setup emphasizes casual comfort, with enough variety to satisfy different tastes and dietary needs (special requests accommodated with prior notice). It’s a great opportunity to chat about the morning’s highlights and prepare for the floating segment ahead.

Leisurely Float with Water Play and Swimming

After lunch, the raft continues downstream, where calm waters prevail for swimming and water play. This section allows families to relax, splash around, and enjoy the tranquility of the river and surrounding nature.

The peaceful float offers a scenic view of the Appalachian landscape, with plenty of time for photos and quiet reflection. It’s a perfect way to unwind, taking in the beauty of West Virginia’s wilderness while enjoying the gentle rhythm of the river.

Flexibility and Group Customization Options

The tour offers group and school rates, and custom start times or itineraries are available for larger groups. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for family gatherings, school outings, or special celebrations.

Travelers with special dietary needs can also be accommodated with prior notice, ensuring everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The reserve and pay later option adds convenience for planning trips, providing peace of mind with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

Guests are advised to bring swimwear, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. The check-in at BaseCamp begins at 9 a.m., with the trip wrapping up around 3 p.m. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, making it ideal for families with older children and teenagers.

The tour’s duration and relaxed pace suit those seeking a balanced outdoor activity—combining adventure, scenery, and leisure—without intense physical exertion.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Whitewater Experiences

Unlike more extreme rafting trips, this tour focuses on gentle rapids suitable for all ages and comfort levels. The emphasis on scenic views, wildlife spotting, and family fun makes it especially appealing to parents and first-time rafters.

The inclusion of lunch on the riverbank, swimming opportunities, and storytelling from guides enhances the overall value. The scenic bus ride and proximity to New River Gorge National Park add an extra layer of natural beauty to the experience.

The Sum Up: A Relaxed and Scenic Family River Trip in West Virginia

This 6-hour rafting adventure provides an excellent introduction to river activities for families, combining safety, scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and leisure. The gentle Class I and II rapids ensure a fun yet manageable experience for children aged 5 and up.

While it doesn’t deliver adrenaline-pumping thrills, it compensates with stunning mountain views, birdwatching, and a casual, social atmosphere. The buffet lunch, swimming breaks, and storytelling make this a well-rounded outdoor day trip perfect for families and those new to rafting.

The availability of group rates and custom options makes it flexible for different needs, and the scenic setting of the New River Gorge keeps the experience memorable. It’s most suited for families, first-timers, and anyone seeking a gentle but scenic adventure in West Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, it is designed for children ages 5 and up, with gentle rapids and a relaxed pace.

What should I bring on the day trip?
Guests should bring swimwear, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water for comfort and convenience.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with check-in at 9 a.m. and return around 3 p.m..

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, special dietary needs can be accommodated if requested in advance.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip. Reserve now to lock in your spot with the pay later option.

What makes this trip different from other rafting tours?
Its focus on family-friendly, scenic, and wildlife-rich experiences, along with lunch and swimming, sets this tour apart from more intense whitewater adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby