New River Gorge National Park & Preserve guide · 1 min read
Upper vs. Lower New: Choosing Your Whitewater
Inside the park, the New River flows free for 53 miles, from Bluestone Dam down to Hawks Nest Lake.
It may rank among the oldest rivers anywhere, and it runs north through deep canyons. Along the way it takes on two distinct personalities, so the section you pick shapes your trip as much as the river does. Rafters have been drawn to this water for a long time, and boating its rapids remains a featured activity in the park.
The upper section, the southern stretch, is the gentler choice. Its long pools are broken by rapids up to Class III, and while the current carries real force, the river can be run at any level. Outings range in length from hours to days, and several access points let you get on and off at different spots. The upper river also offers good fishing and camping, and first-time rafters will find it a comfortable introduction.
The Lower Gorge, the northern section, is where the rapids get serious, ranging from Class III to Class V. Large boulders clutter many of these drops, so paddlers have to work through strong currents, crosscurrents, and hydraulics. Some drops also hide undercut rocks, which are a real hazard. Weigh your skill level and your appetite for risk before choosing this stretch over the calmer water upstream.
Across the park, the river falls 750 feet in 50 miles. That steep overall fall is a big part of why the river is counted among the country's top whitewater runs.
If you would rather watch the water than paddle it, Hawks Nest Overlook looks out over the New River and Hawks Nest Dam. A short, level stroll from the parking lot brings you to the viewpoint.
