Adventures on the Gorge in West Virginia
This post is sponsored by/in partnership with West Virginia Department of Tourism. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Spring break came and went but it was one we will never forget. If you have been following me for some time, you know our family loves to travel. More specifically, we really enjoy adventurous experiences! We had been itching to go back to West Virginia since our last trip in the fall. While some people seek out the beach on spring break, we yearn for the mountains.
Our family wanted to try a new experience that would be thrilling and exciting. We heard West Virginia was THE place for whitewater rafting so we had to plan our visit.
Did you know West Virginia is home to the highest density of whitewater runs in the country? It’s true!The best part is there is a river for everyone to enjoy, from family-fun to wild adventure. Now I know why they call West Virginia “Almost Heaven”.
During our first day in West Virginia we visited the adorable town of Fayetteville and dined at Cathedral Cafe. The coolest restaurant & bookstore that once was a church. Everything was so yummy! Definitely a fun place to visit while you’re in town.
Our lodging at Adventures on the Gorge Resort was even better than I expected. Our hotel style cabin was beautiful and spacious, complete with an outdoor hot tub and fire pit/ grilling area.
Adventures on the Gorge offers memorable activities for outdoor enthusiasts of ALL ages. Including whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding. There are also fun options like challenge courses, aerial canopy tours and zip lining. My husband and daughter said it was incredible! There is just so much to do, like taking an e-bike riding adventure or you can spend a whole day learning to climb and rappel like a pro. No time to be bored out there!
My sons and I took on the New River during our whitewater rafting adventure and let me tell you, it was an experience of a lifetime. Full transparency, I was a nervous wreck worrying that my boys would not be able to maneuver well enough to stay in the raft. All nerves were to put to rest when I met our guide, Aaron Mittel. He gave us clear instructions, answered questions we had, gave us a heads up on potential situations we could encounter and what to do in case of emergencies. Not only was he a great guide, he was so friendly. Our group for the day was great one. We all had so much to talk about- it felt like we were spending the day on the river with friends.
For our rafting trip, we did the half day on the lower New River. It’s great for 12 and up! There are definitely exciting rapids, like class IV and V. If you’re curious, lunch is also provided halfway through the trip. We pulled up to a nearby “beach” area and the guides set up tables with build-your- own sandwich stations, dessert, and refreshments. It was pretty great! It’s also really nice to take a break and stretch our legs for a little while.
Whitewater rafting was an adventurous experience we will never forget! I highly recommend it.
There is so much to be done while visiting this area. Another fun activity to check out is the Bridge Walk. The bridge walk experience is so unique and special because you’re able to travel on a catwalk among the structural beams of the New River Gorge Bridge, 851 feet above the New River. It’s AMAZING! The belay system keeps you harnessed at all times while your guide educates you on the history of the New River Gorge and the building of the bridge. Offering some of the most scenic views of West Virginia!
Such a great experience as a family! West Virginia is just stunning. We are so glad to have chosen to spend spring break out there. We have so many great stories to share with our friends and reminisce over. If you’re looking for something to do this summer that will be both adventurous and unique, be sure to check out Adventures on the Gorge. Did I mention kids raft for free this summer?? Take advantage of that!
Happy traveling, friends!
XOXO, terri
List of must see places/ eats while in Fayetteville, WV
• Cathedral Cafe
• Pies and Pints
• Wood Iron Eatery
• Chetty’s Pub
• Smokey’s
• Fayette Station Road
• Lost Appalachian Trading Co.
• Out of the Ashes
• Wild Art Wonderful Things
• Water Stone Outdoors
XOXO, terri 