The Adventure Begins Here
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE 800.463.9873 >> RAFTINGINFO.COM 9174c2.indd 1 3/28/13 2:53 PM Contents Welcome Scouts 3 – Welcome 4 – New River Gorge Adventures 6 – Selecting Rafting Adventures 7 – Select the Season 8 – Lower New River Gorge 10 – Upper New River Canyon 12 – Lower Gauley River 14 – Upper Gauley River 16 – Events & Specials 18 – Summer Gauley River 19 – Dueling Rivers 20 – Overnight Trips 21 – Multi-Day Trips 22 – Accommodations 24 – Amenities 26 – Area Adventures 28 – Upgrades 29 – Groups 30 – Policies 31 – Directions 2 9174c2.indd 2 3/28/13 2:53 PM Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. We understand that vacation time is valuable and the economy hasn’t Welcome completely recovered; that’s why we are honored when guests choose River Expeditions to host their adventure. And that’s why we are committed to offering quality products and programs at a tremendous value, all while delivering outstanding service every day. This philosophy distinguishes River Expeditions from other outfitters. Every company has a culture. We’re not shy about proclaiming that ours is based on the joy of adventure. Our mission is simply to enrich the lives of our guests through all we have to share. During your visit we'll encourage, challenge, entertain and assist you in any way we can. River Expeditions’ attentive staff is truly exceptional - discover the gracious hospitality that makes our style unique. We believe that size should never outrank service. Choosing the right outfitter isn’t something you should be confused about, it’s something you should be confident in. Being a family-owned company means focusing on guests while maintaining integrity. Guests come first because we don’t have shareholders. We realize a brand is a promise and a good brand is a promise kept. It’s an opportunity today; it’s a memory forever. Your friends at River Expeditions 800.463.9873 >> RAFTINGINFO.COM 3 9174c2.indd 3 3/28/13 2:53 PM New River Gorge Adventures >> ehind the rugged borders of West Virginia’s mountains lies a world of adventure that beckons your exploration. Come for rafting and stay for everything else. Nature. Adventure. History. Culture. Escape Bthe ordinary vacation and experience a beautiful, unique destination that’s closer than you think. There is something new to be discovered each day here in the New River Gorge National Park, where nothing is spoiled except our guests. River Expeditions caters to passionate, active travelers offering the area’s finest adventures hosted by exceptional people - people who make a difference. Let us create a custom itinerary based on your schedule, budget and interests. Choose a high-energy adventure, a relaxing retreat, or something in between. We invite you to be our guest for an experience of a lifetime, whatever adventure you choose. You’ll be impressed with our level of personal service, our high quality programs and especially the value of our products. Your choice of outfitters will determine the trip you have and the memories you make, so choose wisely. Experience the vibrant and dynamic spirit of West Virginia as you discover scenic beauty, rich history and thrilling excursions on our rivers, mountains and trails. Here you’ll find adventures that challenge your mind, test your body, and renew your spirit. Your days at River Expeditions can be as relaxed or as fast-paced as you want. You choose the agenda. You choose the pace. And we take it from there. 4 9174c2.indd 4 3/28/13 2:54 PM Choose from a variety of adventures like those featured below. With so many exceptional adventures to choose from, it isn’t hard to make each day here one to remember. Explore all the area has to offer and unleash your sense of adventure. • Whitewater Rafting • Golfing • Gaming • Scenic Float Trips • Rock Climbing • Festivals • ATV Tours • Mountain Biking • Historic / Civil War Sites • Zip Line / Canopy Tour • Shopping / Antiques • Hiking • Fishing / Hunting • State & National Parks • Birding • Bridge Catwalk Tour • Spas • Sightseeing • Paintball • Wineries • Motorcycle Touring • Horseback Riding • Theatres / Galleries 800.463.9873 >> RAFTINGINFO.COM 5 9174c2.indd 5 3/28/13 2:54 PM Selecting Rafting Adventures >> et us help plan an adventure that’s just right for you, your family, friends or group. Whether you opt for a high energy vacation or a low impact tour, River Expeditions offers unique and challenging adventures, L providing new experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Your trip will be hosted by professional guides and support staff who are always thoughtful, genuine, approachable and most of all, eager to help. The following guidelines will help you select a trip appropriate for your group’s age, ability, experience, fitness level and interest, ensuring the best possible choice in adventure. Or give us a call to discuss which trip is best suited for you and speak to a person, not a prompt. • Beginner – Easy • Class I – III Rapids • No Experience Necessary • Minimum Age 6 Family Class trips offer a playful introduction to rafting featuring easy to moderate rapids, tranquil pools, and amazing scenery. This trip is great for families with young children or older adults who want a low-impact adventure. Single and two-person duckies (inflatable kayaks) are Family Class also available on this trip for added adventure. • Intermediate – Exciting • Class III – V Rapids • No Experience Necessary • Minimum Age 12 Adventure Class trips are more challenging than Family Class trips and characterized by alternating pools and drops creating big, splashy waves and rapids. Discover classic whitewater and action packed adventures set in spectacular gorges. These trips are for beginners and Adventure Class experienced rafters alike. • Advanced – Extreme • Class III – V+ Rapids • Experience Recommended • Minimum Age 16 World Class trips feature the most technical and difficult whitewater runs offered. Steep drops and precise maneuvering define these thrilling whitewater trips where rapids rate up to Class V+. These trips are for advanced paddlers with previous Adventure Class rafting World Class experience recommended. 6 9174c2.indd 6 3/28/13 2:54 PM Select the Season >> he rivers we raft are preserved and protected by the National Park Service, designated as New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area. Here on these rivers, only the seasons T are subject to change and change they do. River Expeditions offers adventures daily from April through October. Different seasons provide very different river experiences as the dynamics of the river and the rapids themselves are transformed. Your options for adventure are as varied as the seasons. Spring rafting is a thrill ride with typically higher water levels making the waves, holes and rapids themselves more awesome and intense. Nature's powerful force is revealed April - May, creating the biggest whitewater of the season. Aesthetically, the gorge begins to renew itself with trees budding and flora coming alive. These trips keep paddlers coming back time after time, as no two river trips are ever the same. Summer months offer warmer weather and water temperatures as the New and Gauley Rivers become a virtual playground for rafting enthusiasts. June - August allow the opportunity to swim, surf, and soak up the sun while paddling. Nature is in full bloom with vibrant shades of green and an array of wildflowers abounding. Fall is fabulous, as leaves turn brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow along the walls of the New and Gauley River gorges. Great whitewater remains a constant in September and October. On selected dates you can even run two rivers in two days. This distinct season is a favorite among leaf-peepers and whitewater enthusiasts alike. Winter months offer quiet retreats at River Expeditions since our luxury cabins are open year round. We’re happy to help plan your winter getaway with nearby skiing, snowboarding and tubing areas. 800.463.9873 >> RAFTINGINFO.COM 7 9174c2.indd 7 3/28/13 2:54 PM Lower New River Gorge >> he Lower New River Gorge is just one reason West Virginia is renowned as America’s Best Whitewater®. This is among the most popular whitewater trips in the country and remains River Expeditions’ signature T trip. The Lower New River Gorge alternates from rapids to calm pools, allowing paddlers a break between the action. As the gorge narrows, water tumbles over huge boulders forming big, splashy waves and moderate to difficult rapids. You'll encounter giant holes, roller coaster waves and plenty of action packed whitewater excitement plus extras like Jump Rock, Swimmer's Rapid and even Surfing... West Virginia style! Commonly referred to as The Grand Canyon of the East, this trip blends the elements of history, culture and scenic beauty to create the classic whitewater adventure. You'll even finish the trip beneath the world famous New River Gorge Bridge. Lower New River Weekday Sunday Saturday Minimum Age 12 Single Day Rafting With Continental Breakfast, $105 $105 $130 Lunch & Beverages Afterwards Double Run Rafting (6 Rafters Required) $160 $160 $185 With Continental Breakfast, Lunch & Beverages Afterwards Value Package Single Day Rafting With 2 Nights Camping, $135 $135 $160 1 Deluxe Dinner & Continental Breakfast Daily 8 9174c2.indd 8 3/28/13 2:54 PM * The New River shares the geological aspect of the Nile, flowing south to north, with its headwaters in North Carolina. As it flows north it picks up several warm water tributaries which accounts for the unusually warm water of the New River. 800.463.9873800.463.9873 >> RAFTINGINFO.COMRAFTINNGINFOO.CCOM 9 9174c2.indd 9 3/28/13 2:54 PM Upper New River Canyon >> urfing and tweeting mean something entirely different here in the Upper New River Canyon.