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West Virginia Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is more than simple rafting. It is much more extreme. But don’t worry, special safety features make whitewater rafting a safer recreational sport. Usually, adventure activities have some degree of risk, and whitewater rafting does as well. However it is one of the safest one of adventure sports. Additionally, outfitters use modern equipment with many safety features and they are trained in safety and first-aid practices.
West Virginia whitewater rafting, known as America’s best whitewater, features the New River and the Gauley River – set in the rugged Appalachian Mountains. These rivers offer plenty of opportunities in addition to rafting: swimming, kayaking, fishing expeditions, etc.
The New River Gorge area is rich in history and culture. It flows North from the mountains of western North Carolina and it reaches the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’, the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
The New River took millions of years to carve this incredible gorge filled with breathtaking scenery, rich history and exciting whitewater rafting. Dependable and consistent year round water flows and exciting rapids like Surprise, Railroad and The Keeney Brother have made New River rafting a whitewater classic.
You can go rafting all the year, but you have to know it means a different challenge in every season. In springtime the river is full of big waves, only those with courage and adrenaline lovers try whitewater rafting in spring. This is class V, which means ‘very challenging’.
Summer is for those who like cozy circumstances and who would like to enjoy scenery, instead of shouting and flinging among waves. It also means warm water, so you can swim and enjoy sunshine, too.
If you go in autumn, you’ll love the colors of the nature. Another advantage of this season is that it is less crowded in autumn. So any time is a great time to experience whitewater rafting.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner. There are many sections that are suitable for first-time rafters. Start with easy level, and you won’t have any problem. Additionally, anybody can try whitewater rafting, even children, pensioners or coach potatoes. So there is no excuse!
Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Destinations in the US
The United States is chalk full of raftable rivers and waterways. With so many rivers and rafting options, which destinations provide the best combination of whitewater fun and backcountry scenery?
The United States has the largest concentration of commercial river runners than any other country in the world. River rafting continues to become a popular adventure among all generations, from Baby Boomers down the generation Y. A majority of the people who are on river rafting trips have rafted before, which means that once experienced, a return to the river is sure to come. With so many destinations to choose from, which rivers offer the best rafting trips in the country?
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The list below outlines places across the US we recognized as our top 10 whitewater rafting destinations for 2010. These trips are most suitable for everyone, with no prior experience necessary. The trips also offer a great combination of scenic beauty and white water rafting excitement:
1. Grand Canyon, AZ
2. Salmon River, ID
3. Arkansas River, CO
4. Colorado River, UT
4. American River, CA
5. Rogue River, OR
6. Glacier National Park, MT
7. New River, WV
8. Chattooga River, GA/SC
9. Snake River, ID/WY
10. Deerfield River, MA
Most of these destinations and rivers offer a wide variety of trip options, ranging from short half-day river trips to longer multi-day excursions. Packages and trips durations vary depending on the location and outfitter of choice.
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The best way to plan a good rafting vacation is to do your research early. There are many websites that offer comprehensive information on river rafting and good rafting vacations. Go online and look for a whitewater rafting directory or website that covers multiple areas, gives some great general information, and recommends quality whitewater rafting outfitters in your area.
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A good place to start research for a rafting vacation would be the Rafting America website which offers a comprehensive geographical map with rafting locations in most states, as well as answers to common river rafting questions, river class ratings and contact information.
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