From rapids that will make you glad to be alive to see another bend in the river to calm waters and eagles swooping overhead, the New River Gorge and its neighboring Gauley River have a combination of aquatic thrills that can fit any traveler’s desires. The multitude of options, however, can be both a blessing and a curse. River-goers who travel from far and wide to experience the region’s whitewater all too often to find themselves deep in a canyon and terrified, or paddling through flat water in an inflatable kayak wishing they were splashing through whitewater with a guide in the back of their boat.

If you’re looking for a whitewater adventure but not quite sure what section of river best suits your group, explore our breakdown of the region’s five most popular river trips and tips to get you out of the café and into the water.

Are you an enthusiastic family?

The Upper New is traditionally paddled in a ducky (inflatable kayak) and is one of the only excursions where you will get to man your own boat. You’ll be paddling a scenic section comprised of breezy class II rapids and flat water with the occasional class III rapid, adding a minimal-risk adrenaline rush to the day but keeping things manageable for kids or less-adept swimmers and paddlers.

Choose this adventure if:

• You like the idea of paddling your own boat
• You aren’t ready for class IV+ whitewater
• You don’t mind paddling long stretches of flat water
• The idea of your boat being over turned and swimming doesn’t scare you
• Wildlife is your priority

Tip: It might sound cute to ride in a tandem ducky with your significant other, but be warned: these boats have been nicknamed “divorce boats” because of the amount of bickering that ensues when couples attempt to navigate the river together. Choosing a single ducky or paddling with your child in front typically yields better results.

Just looking for a good time?

The action-packed combination of heart thumping whitewater, spectacular scenery, and West Virginia history on the Lower New makes it one of the most versatile trips in the region.

Choose this adventure if:

• You’re ready to push yourself and get the adrenaline pumping with class IV/V rapids
• You want a guide in the back of your boat
• You’re here for the whitewater but also quality time with your group
• You can paddle and follow instructions, both in and out of the boat
• You like the idea of ending your trip under the iconic New River Gorge Bridge and just a 10-minute drive from Fayetteville

Tip: The difficulty and danger of rapids varies depending on water levels. The New River water levels are measured based an arbitrary “0 feet” and the river is rafted commercially from below 0 feet up to 12 feet. Be ready for anything from friendly-yet-technically-challenging rapids that make for a great family play day at levels of 2 feet and below, to excitement and intensity that requires full engagement and coordinated paddling at levels of 6 feet and above. As water levels approach the 12 foot commercial cutoff, be prepared for massive waves big enough to easily flip a raft.

The best of both worlds?

Try the iconic New River Overnight for a combination of the Upper and Lower New split up by a night of sleeping in the woods, campfire tales and riverside meals. After a day of paddling, prepare to be met at your beach campsite by a makeshift kitchen rowed down the river on a gear raft along with your tent and dry bag of your personal belongings. Play beach games or drink beverages (also rowed down the river in coolers) while raft guides prepare a meal and serve it up around the campfire.

Choose this adventure if:

• You want the full wilderness experience of spending the night out with your group
• Regardless of your night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to hit the river hard on day two
• You love camping as much as rafting
• You know food tastes better on the river
• You want S’more: Some more rafting and some more campfire desserts

Tip: Rain is extremely common in the gorge. Overnight trips will go out rain or shine, so be sure to pack your personal rain gear and be ready to embrace the wetness. Remember: there is no good or bad weather, only bad gear!

Gung-ho and up for anything?

The Gauley River in the summer is the most unpredictable trip you can book, and could also be the most extreme. Depending on what time of day you’re on the water, you could be cruising playful rapids or frantically trying to stay in as you careen over massive waves. Although the Gauley has scheduled releases and predictable flows in September and October, when it comes to a summer trip, you never know what you’re going to get!

Choose this adventure if:

• You’re spontaneous and flexible
• You’re excited to have the majestic Gauley River to yourself, instead of seeing it packed with other boaters during Gauley Season
• You don’t mind if the trip ends up being moved to the New River because of conditions on the Gauley
• Even if you fall out of your boat in every rapid, you’ll be ready to get back in and paddle the next one
• You want to experience the Gauley at a new level

Tip: By booking this trip you could end up paddling the low-water class V upper Gauley in a ducky. Seriously, be ready for anything.

So, you’re a one-upper?

If you want the extreme adrenaline of the class V Gauley River but not the unpredictability that comes with a summer trip, consider saving your rafting trip for Gauley Season (September thru mid October) for 26 miles of top tier, world class, white knuckle whitewater.

Choose this adventure if:

• You’re ready for back-to-back rapids and don’t mind paying for it with the possibility of being tossed from the raft into class V rapids
• You want to be able to say you took on one of the top five single-day whitewater trips in the world
• You don’t mind wearing a wetsuit and doing a little shivering here and there
• It’s fine that there is no chance to chat between rapids—you’re here for the whitewater
• You take rafting at this level seriously and understand the potential consequences

Tip: If you know you want to raft the Gauley River in the fall, build your team now and head out on the New River this summer to hone your skills before you drop into the belly of the beast this fall.

You just realized rafting’s not for you?

If you thought rafting sounding fun and it has suddenly occurred that it may not be your cup of tea, you have plenty of other options in and around Fayetteville.

Choose a new adventure:

• Check out the world-class rock climbing in the New River Gorge
• Find solitude on the region’s wilderness trails
• Fly through the trees by zip lining with a local adventure resort
• Take a trip to Summersville Lake for a day out on a standup paddleboard or pontoon boat
• Go mountain biking with a guided trip or rent a bike and hit the trails

Tip: Don’t let your friends convince you to do something you don’t want to. Take the path that’s best for you and meet back up with your group to swap stories at the end of the day.

So, whatever type of thrill suites your needs, you can find it here. Choosing your vacation deserves careful consideration, but don’t let the options stall you. The river is a body of nature and you never know just what you’re going to get. The only guarantee is whichever path you chose you will be in for a stunning adventure in the heart of the wild whitewater of West Virginia.

Juniper Rose is an editor-at-large for Highland Outdoors, and a whitewater raft guide on the New and Gauley rivers.