WV – River Expeditions

Experience America’s Best Whitewater in West Virginia on the New & Gauley Rivers, host of the 2001 World Rafting Championships.  Experience the tremendous recreational resources these two rivers provide, from breathtaking whitewater to leisurely float trips.  Many outfitters provide guided tours on these rivers; however, River Expeditions offers rafting and so much more.

River Expeditions is West Virginia’s best outfitter and home of  Rivers, Extreme Expeditions, Appalachian Wildwaters and USA Raft.   This Fayetteville-based operation is headed by the husband and wife team, Rick and Heather Johnson, who keep customer service their focus.   Rick Johnson comments, “We are able to offer a level of personal service and distinction that only a family can bring to their own business.”

True to their name, River Expeditions offers exhilarating whitewater rafting adventures, horseback riding, ATV tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, and much more.  But River Expeditions also offers leisurely float trips, which combine beautiful scenery and the tranquil, unspoiled environment of the New River Gorge National River.  They combine any of these unique adventures with lodging and meals to create the perfect vacation package.  River Expeditions offers fun, affordable vacation options.

Many who experience rafting for the first time come with a group of friends, maybe as part of a youth group or college outing club.  Studies show that these first-time experiences create lasting memories, memories that guests choose to share with their families and friends as they return to West Virginia to go rafting each year.  Those who are more enthusiastic, often make two or three trips per year.  One woman from western Pennsylvania said, “I love River Expeditions!  I come twice year, at least, usually with my sorority in April and then again with my whole family in July, but this year we’re coming in September to raft the Gauley. I’m really excited about that.”

Guests of River Expeditions feel comfortable right away with the cozy environment of the campground and the warmth of the staff.  The most popular rafting packages also include camping and meals, so the majority of River Expeditions guests stay on-premises in the campground.  On site amenities include a spacious, new showerhouse, gift shop, outdoor pool and hot tub, saloon, restaurant, sundries store, two convenient ATM and much more.  Rustic cabins are available for nightly rental and feature six double-size bunks with electricity and a small porch.  Tents on platforms offer an authentic tent camping experience without the hassle of setting up a tent it’s already done for you.  River Expeditions also has six new RV sites with full water, electric and dump station facilities.  Fire rings and picnic tables complete the camping experience, with sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, Frisbee, football and cornhole games as après rafting activities.

River Expeditions offers the latest in innovative products and programs.  They use only self-bailing rafts and guests have the option of rafting in a smaller boat, if they choose.  River manager, Dave Cline, stated, “Some of our guests want to be by themselves in a raft, if there are only 4-6 people in their party, so the small raft works great for them.  The option is also available for those guests who are looking for a higher adventure and want to really test the limits of our sport.”  Cline has been in the rafting industry for twenty-plus years and has seen it evolve to meet guests ever changing needs.

Family float trips are gaining popularity among baby boomers.  Many boomers are active and want to share the experience of rafting with their children and grandchildren.  This is a low-impact adventure that can be enjoyed by multi-generational families.  River Expeditions offers the Upper New trip for half price to children age 6-16, when accompanied by an adult.  The trip is a great value for families with several children.  Nature, history and culture come standard on this great trip, which often serves as an introduction to rafting for some.

With so many choices of outfitters, River Expeditions urges you to compare; not only price and product, but people guides and support staff in particular.  That’s where the difference lies. The products we offer at River Expeditions all sell themselves, it’s really the service we’re selling, Rick Johnson offered.  Guests of River Expeditions appreciate this simple philosophy and the fact that the entire staff and management go out of their way to provide an exceptional adventure experience, from start to finish.

So, if you’re looking for a fun, unique and affordable adventure that the whole family can enjoy, look to River Expeditions in West Virginia.  River Expeditions is located just four miles south of the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia.  For more information or to make reservations log onto their web site at www.raftinginfo.com or call 1.800.463.9873.http://seeyathere/vacations/destinations/27

 July 3-5

17th Annual Independence Day Volleyball Championship Celebrate your Independence on the river and join the volleyball competition or be a spectator as six-person teams compete for top prizes.  Package includes 1 day rafting, BBQ cookout after rafting, 3 nights camping and lite breakfast each morning.  Call for contest details and entry form.

Sat                        $145

Fri or Sun             $120

August 8 Beach Party Blast

Learn to “surf” in West Virginia? Take a beach break before heading back to school.  This weekend features fun and games both on and off the river!  Package includes Saturday rafting, BBQ cookout after rafting, 2 nights camping and lite breakfast each morning.  Join in the fun and games at The Red Dog River Saloon. $145

September 5-7 Labor Day Celebration

Pay tribute to the workers who made America great!  Take a break from your own hectic pace and enjoy this special package including rafting Saturday, Sunday, OR Monday, BBQ cookout after rafting, 3 nights camping and lite breakfast each morning.   $120

September 10-October 8 (Thursday-Saturday ONLY) Autumn Triple Play

Experience all the best of West Virginia whitewater with three amazing days of rafting.  On Thursday you’ll raft the Lower New River, on Friday experience the wild and scenic Lower Gauley River and on Saturday challenge the world famed Upper Gauley.  Package includes 3 days rafting, 3 nights camping, 3 lite breakfasts and 1 deluxe dinner after the first day of rafting.  $325

September 10-October 12 (Thursday/Friday OR Monday/Tuesday ONLY) Dueling Rivers Fall

Take advantage of great savings when you raft two great rivers in two days, complete with breathtaking fall foliage and exciting whitewater.   Paddle the Lower New River/Lower OR Upper Gauley on Thursday/Friday or reverse the order on Monday/Tuesday.  Package includes 2 days rafting, 3 nights camping, 3 lite breakfasts and 1 deluxe dinner after the first day of rafting. $185

October 2-5  Gauley Colorfest

Enjoy America’s Best Whitewater® and amazing fall foliage!  This package includes 2 days rafting (Lower and Upper Gauley), 3 nights camping, BBQ cookout, and lite breakfast each morning. Fri/Sat   $235  – Sat/Sun  $220  – Sun/Mon  $205

October 10-12 Halloween Party & Columbus Day Sale

Discover spooky savings of 25% on all Rafting Trips and Rafting/Camping Packages!  Raft the Gauley River on Saturday and Sunday and the New River on Monday, Columbus Day.  Halloween Party Saturday night in The Red Dog River Saloon with live music, games, and prizes for best costume. Save 25%

October 17-18 Bridge Day Blowout

Enjoy West Virginia’s best festival AND the final weekend for rafting in 2009!  Raft the New River on Saturday and watch jumpers leap 876 ft. from the New River Gorge Bridge.  Sunday raft the Gauley for the last time this year.  Package includes rafting, 3 nights camping, BBQ dinner after rafting and lite breakfast each morning.  Don’t miss tremendous savings in the Outfitters Store and Bridge Day’s best after-party at The Red Dog River Saloon!

Lower New (Sat only) – $135 per person

Lower New / Lower OR Upper Gauley (Sat/Sun) – $200 per person

Lower Gauley OR Upper Gauley (Sun only) – $150 per person

Lower / Upper Gauley River (Sat/Sun) – $235 per person

 * All packages include Lower New River Rafting, unless otherwise specified.

** All prices are per person and subject to 6% WV sales tax and $2 per trip Whitewater User Fee.

*** Packages may not be combined with other offers for greater discounts.