New River Gorge

Description:

This is the largest volume whitewater river in the state and one of the most popular whitewater sections. It usually runs in the summer unless it is very dry. The run is characterized by BIG waves, BIG holes and great views of the gorge. At higher water, many people start at Thurmond for a longer run. Many commercial outfitters offer trips on this section as well as on the upstream river sections. Find more details on the American Whitewater link below. Class IV(V). 6.5 miles.

Directions:

Navigate to the New River Gorge Bridge. Just north of the bridge, go right on CR 5 (Ames Heights Rd). After .5 mile, go left on Delta rd 177. After about .5 mile, veer right on CR 82 (one way rd to Fayette Station). Continue down to the bottom of the gorge and across the bridge to the take-out (bathrooms, parking lot). To get to the put-in (Google Directions below), continue up the other side (still one-way) until you reach I-19. Go south to Fayetteville and take a left on Rt. 16 through Fayetteville. Veer left onto CR 9 for over 6 miles to Cunard. After Cunard, go left (sign to river access) and down into the gorge to the put-in (parking and facilities – bathroom and changing hut). You can also put-in at Thurmond to add 7.5 miles of less exciting water onto the run. Put-In: 37.999569,-81.022118 Take-Out: 38.067001,-81.081596