New River Gorge National Park summons kayakers with its fiercely flowing waters and rugged canyon walls that challenge and invigorate. The New River dares you to read its currents — at once slow and deliberate, then suddenly swaggering through rapids carved deep into sandstone cliffs. This guide focuses on the park’s premier stretches where paddles meet purpose, from leisurely floats to adrenaline-pumping runs.

Lower New River offers the most accessible kayaking experience in the park. Spanning approximately 7 miles, this section features Class I and II rapids—manageable for beginners and families. The river here flows with a steady pulse, winding through forested banks carved by time. Launch points near Fayetteville provide easy access, and the water often glints under spring and summer sun, inviting calm paddling and wildlife spotting. Expect gentle waves, occasional ledges, and river otters darting along the banks.

Gauley River — the Upper New’s fierce cousin — is a destination for experienced paddlers. Roughly 25 miles of Class IV and V rapids dare you to navigate tight channels and rocky drops in a landscape where the gorge stands five hundred feet tall and the current pushes with all the force of the mountain storms that feed it. Spring is the Jim Thorpe whitewater classic, where seasonal dam releases crank the flow, guaranteeing pulse-racing descents. Expect sturdy gear, sharp focus, and skill to match the river’s intensity.

Lower Gauley Run caters to intermediate kayakers looking to test themselves beyond the basics. Stretching 10 miles, this segment balances playful rapids with calm sections to plan the next move, revealing occasional hidden eddies where the river seems to catch its breath. Launching from Summersville Lake, the run provides a compelling blend of adventure and accessible thrills.

The Meadow River is a quieter tributary, approximately 15 miles long, ideal for paddlers craving solitude and scenic exploration. The current carries you through wildflower-lined banks and dense hardwood forests, the water’s flow deliberate but steady. It’s a perfect introduction to the park’s less demanding waterways, offering opportunities to spot herons and kingfishers along the shore.

Planning and Practical Tips:

• Launch points are clearly marked but can become crowded in peak seasons; midweek trips offer more space.
• Water levels fluctuate seasonally—always check local gauges and park updates before heading out.
• Wear quick-drying footwear with ankle support; moss-covered rocks lurk near riverbanks.
• Hydration and sun protection are vital, especially in summer when the sun pressures the canopy to yield.

Navigating New River Gorge’s waters means engaging directly with a river that’s alive, alert, and unforgiving. Whether you’re threading the placid stretches or wrestling its roaring heart, the experience is an invitation to respect the wild pulse beneath your craft. Kayaking here is less about conquering and more about matching rhythm; the river leads, you respond.

The gorge awaits, a challenge carved in stone and current.