Kids Raft
FREE!*

Upper New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting

Looking for a little more chill than thrill? Is your little adventurer begging for their first white water rafting trip? The Upper New River Gorge is perfect for those who are looking to take in the gorge at a slower pace, first time rafters, and families excited to raft for the first time as a family. Offering a mix of splashy rapids, calm water, and a slower pace, it’s made for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

This mellow stretch of river is ideal for first-time rafters, those looking for a more relaxing Gorge experience, and families, giving you plenty of opportunities to swim, play, take in the scenery and wildlife, and enjoy time on the water.

Quick Facts:

• Ages 6+ can participate
• Calm water with fun, splashy rapids
• Great for first-time rafters and families
• Choice of rafts or inflatable kayaks (duckies)
• Greater opportunities to view wildlife (Eagles, beavers, hawks, otters, bear etc)

Why This Trip

This trip is all about fun, flexibility, and making memories. Whether it’s your first river trip or you’re looking for a relaxed day outdoors, the Upper New delivers.

Younger kids can ride in rafts or tandem duckies, while older kids (10+) can paddle their own ducky giving everyone a way to enjoy the river at their own comfort level.

Trip Highlights

• Fun for all ages: Perfect for kids and first-time rafters
• Riverside Lunch: Prepared by your guides
• Swimming & Games: Plenty of time to play in the river
• Jump Rock: Optional cliff jump experience

What to Expect

After check-in, a safety talk, and getting outfitted with your helmet, paddle, and PFD, you’ll head to the river for a relaxed and fun-filled trip.

You’ll navigate a calm stretch of river with splashy rapids, with time built in to swim, play games, and enjoy the water. After working up an appetite, you’ll stop for a riverside lunch prepared by your guides.

Throughout the trip, you can choose your experience, paddle a ducky, ride in a raft, or mix it up for the best day on the river.

Kids Raft Free

One child ages 6–11 rafts FREE with each full-paying adult.

How to book:

• Select your trip date and number of adults/youth (12+)
• Add the trip to your cart
• Add free rafters (ages 6–11) from the “add-on” page
• Or call our office at 800-787-3982

Excludes Saturdays and some holidays.

Rafts or Duckies?

• Rafts: Stable, guide-led, and great for relaxing while paddling as a group
• Duckies (inflatable kayaks): Available in solo or two-person options, offering more independence and maneuverability; great way to spice the trip up for adults and older kids

Age guidelines:

• Minimum age for trip: 6 years old
• Solo duckies: 10+
• Tandem duckies: Kids as young as 6 with an adult

Note: High water levels may require all guests to ride in rafts.

Trip Tips

• Unusually high water may require all paddlers to be in rafts
• Waivers are required for all participants
• Let us know about any food allergies or dietary needs in advance
• Leave jewelry and valuables behind, items are easily lost on the river
• Your trip leader will secure your car keys
• Create the Full ACE Experience: On-site lodging and meal options are available to keep you closer to the adventure

TRIP PHOTOS AND VIDEO

• Waterproof cameras/GoPros are allowed on ACE Upper New River rafting trips.
• Whitewater Photography will take photos along the way for purchase after the trip in the Outfitter store at ACE.
• Most trips have a trip video, but it is not guaranteed your trip will be shot unless you pre-pay.