West Virginia Whitewater Rafting Market Report
April 2026 — Pricing, destinations, and market data from 20 outfitters.
Pricing by Trip Type
| Trip Type | Avg | Min | Max | Outfitters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Day | $119 | $119 | $119 | 1 |
| Full Day | $119 | $119 | $119 | 1 |
| Family Friendly | $119 | $119 | $119 | 1 |
River Class Breakdown
Top Destinations
| City | Outfitters | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Hill | 3 | -- |
| Harpers Ferry | 3 | -- |
| Albright | 3 | -- |
| Lansing | 2 | -- |
| Fayetteville | 2 | -- |
| Summersville | 1 | -- |
| Marlinton | 1 | -- |
| Hinton | 1 | -- |
| Glen Jean | 1 | $119 |
| Mount Hope | 1 | -- |
Market Insights
New River Gorge Named Top Underrated Destination for 2026
U.S. News & World Report designated New River Gorge National Park & Preserve the No. 1 underrated destination for 2026. The park set a record in 2024 with 1,811,937 visitors, a 6.31% increase over 2023, continuing a growth trend that has outpaced the national average every year since its 2020 redesignation as a National Park.
Gauley Season Projected for September-October 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages controlled water releases from Summersville Dam for seven weekends each fall, starting the Friday after Labor Day. Based on this schedule, the 2026 Gauley Season is projected to begin September 11 and run through the final release weekend coinciding with Bridge Day on October 17. Gauley Fest, the world's largest paddling festival, is projected for September 18-21 in Summersville.
Bridge Day 2026 Set for October 17
Bridge Day 2026 is confirmed for October 17, the third Saturday in October. The event draws thousands of spectators to watch BASE jumpers leap 876 feet from the New River Gorge Bridge and rappellers descend from the catwalk. The final Gauley Season release weekend coincides with Bridge Day, offering visitors a combined whitewater-and-extreme-sports experience.
Browse West Virginia Outfitters
View all 20 rafting companies in West Virginia with trip details, pricing, and reviews.
View ListingsAbout This Report
This report is generated from Whitewatr's directory of verified outfitter listings. Pricing reflects starting per-person rates as reported by outfitters. Data is refreshed monthly.
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