New River Gorge Zip Line and Rafting with Overnight Camping

Setting out on a two-day escapade in West Virginia, this tour offers a perfect combo of thrilling zip lining and whitewater rafting, capped off with an overnight stay beside the river. It’s designed for travelers craving an active, immersion-filled experience that blends adrenaline rushes with scenic beauty. From soaring across sky bridges to conquering formidable rapids, this is a package that promises memorable moments amidst stunning natural landscapes.

What really draws us to this experience is the seamless blending of two iconic adventures—zip lining through the treetops and navigating wild river rapids—paired with the unique opportunity to camp overnight along the riverbank. The chance to wake up to the sounds of rushing water and continue with more waterborne excitement makes this tour stand out.

One thing to keep in mind: the overnight camping involves a dome tent with sleeping pads, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. That’s a small detail but worth noting if packing light. This trip is ideal for those who want a well-rounded adventure with a good mix of thrill, nature, and camaraderie, suitable for ages 12 and up with appropriate weight limits.

Key Points

• Combination of adventures: Zip lining and whitewater rafting in one trip for a full adrenaline experience.
• Overnight camping: Sleep beside the river, waking up ready for more action.
• Expert guides: Professional guides lead both activities, ensuring safety and local insight.
• All-inclusive meals: Enjoy dinner on the first night and a hearty breakfast plus hot lunch on the second day.
• Group size: Small groups of up to 15 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.
• Pricing and value: At $308.53, the package balances adventure, accommodation, and meals, making it a good value for an immersive nature getaway.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour kicks off at ACE Adventure Resort, the well-known hub for outdoor activities in West Virginia. Starting at 1:15 pm, your adventure is organized for efficiency, letting you make the most of the daylight hours. The initial thrill is the 3-hour zip lining tour through the New River Gorge. As the tour guides—experienced and friendly—escort you through nine zips and two sky bridges, you’ll feel your pulse quicken with each crossing.

What sets this zip lining experience apart is the combination of safety and scenery. The guides, whose names and expertise are often praised in reviews, ensure you’re harnessed securely while sharing interesting tidbits about the gorge’s natural history. Reviewers mention the “breathtaking views” and “super smooth zip lines,” which are perfect for both first-timers and seasoned thrill-seekers. Crossing the sky bridges gives an added sense of adventure, feeling like you’re flying over the treetops with the wind in your hair.

After this adrenaline rush, a short, scenic hike leads you to the private riverside campground, a standout feature. Many reviewers appreciate how exclusive and peaceful the site feels, tucked away from crowds. It’s a chance to relax with your group, set up your dome tent, and chat while guides prepare dinner—a hearty, professionally cooked meal that hits the spot after a day of activity.

The overnight camping experience is straightforward but well thought out. The tents come equipped with sleeping pads, but travelers should remember to bring their own sleeping bags. The campsite’s location beside the river offers a calming backdrop, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

Day Two: Whitewater Rafting

Waking up to the sounds of the river, you’ll enjoy a homemade breakfast that energizes you for the day ahead. The highlight is the full-day whitewater rafting trip on the Lower New River. Guides prepare you with proper rafting gear—harnesses, helmets, and PFDs—and brief you on safety.

The Lower New River is known for its more than 20 rapids that range from class III to V. This means you get a variety of challenging and fun rapids, suitable for beginners but still exciting enough for experienced paddlers. The hot riverside lunch provides a much-needed break midway, giving you time to rest and enjoy the scenic views. Many reviews note the professional guidance and the “perfect mix of adrenaline and scenery,” describing the rapids as “thrilling but manageable.”

The rafting guides, who are familiar with the river’s nuances, help ensure everyone’s safety while keeping the energy high. The full-day trip wraps up back at the meeting point, leaving travelers with a sense of accomplishment and plenty of stories to tell.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation and meeting point: The tour starts at ACE Adventure Resort, conveniently located at 1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, WV. The start time is set at 1:15 pm, giving you ample afternoon hours for zip lining and setup. The tour ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

Group size and participation: With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate vibe, allowing guides to give personalized attention. Travelers as young as 12 years old and weighing between 70 to 250 pounds can join, making it accessible to families and older children with a sense of adventure.

Pricing and inclusions: At $308.53 per person, this package offers a lot of value. It covers professional guides, all necessary equipment for zip lining and rafting, meals (dinner, breakfast, and hot lunch), and tents with sleeping pads. Not included is a sleeping bag, so travelers should pack or buy one separately.

Cancellation policy: The free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility, which is especially handy if weather or other plans change unexpectedly.

What we love

• The combination of high-energy activities in one trip allows travelers to experience both the thrill of flying through the trees and conquering river rapids.
• The exclusive, private campsite offers a peaceful retreat after a busy day.
• The professional guidance and safety measures, along with positive reviewer comments, suggest a well-managed operation.
• The meals included make the trip more convenient and economical, removing the hassle of sourcing food.

Things to consider

• The overnight camping setup requires you to bring your own sleeping bag.
• The timing might be tight for those who prefer a more leisurely pace or want extra downtime.
• The group size limit means booking well in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is perfect for active travelers who love a mix of adrenaline, nature, and camaraderie. Families with older kids, friends seeking a memorable trip, or solo adventurers looking to connect with like-minded explorers will find it appealing. It’s suited for those who enjoy outdoor sports but also appreciate the comfort of guided safety and meal provisions.

If you’re seeking a balanced, fun-filled escape that combines scenic views with physical challenge, this tour checks all boxes. It’s especially ideal for first-time rafters or zip liners who want a guided, confidence-boosting experience in a stunning setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this tour?
The package includes professional guides, all gear for zip lining and rafting, meals (dinner on day 1, breakfast and hot lunch on day 2), and tents with sleeping pads. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

How long does each activity last?
The zip lining tour lasts about three hours, while the whitewater rafting spans a full day, with a break for lunch. The total experience is approximately two days, including setup and travel time.

What are the age and weight restrictions?
Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds to join the activities.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill, WV, and concludes there as well, making logistics simple.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience, offering peace of mind.

Is overnight camping comfortable?
The tents are dome-style with sleeping pads, but travelers should bring their own sleeping bags for comfort. The campsite’s location by the river is peaceful and scenic.

How many people participate in each trip?
The group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

This tour offers a comprehensive taste of West Virginia’s adventure scene, combining heart-pumping activities with stunning scenery and a cozy overnight stay. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone looking to try something new, it promises a memorable escape into the natural beauty of the New River Gorge.