From Spring through Fall anyone, from beginner to advanced, can experience the rush you get with West Virginia rafting excursions.  Altogether there are about 9 rivers that people raft, 3 of them are the main rafting rivers.

The "Big 3" West Virginia Rafting Rivers:

The New River

The biggest whitewater river in the East, dropping approximately 240 feet over a 14-mile stretch. This legendary path boasts class I to V rapids that many say rival the Colorado.

The Gauley River

Ranked number 7 in the world, the Gauley River drops more than 668 feet over a 28-mile stretch, features more than 100 white water rapids.

The Cheat River

The Cheat is one of the few rivers that flows Northward, beginning West Virginia’s highest mountains. In the Spring the Cheat River is a whitewater run with over 30 rapids Class III or better.

Other Virginia Rafting Rivers of Note:

Tygart River

Want a great rafting river that's rarely crowded?  The Tygart River is , The  Tygart River is ranked among the mightiest of mountain rivers, with White water rapids ranging from Class I to V.  Includes "Wells Falls," the most powerful, runable drop in the Monongahela River Basin.

Shenandoah River

Looking for a river that's ideal for the family?  That would be the Shenandoah River, from Class I to Class III.  Great for beginners and those wishing a relaxing float which winds through historic towns.

Outfitters for West Virginia Rafting

More than 20  whitewater rafting outfitters and guide companies are licensed to operate on nine West Virginia whitewater rivers.  Obviously you want to go with a company that's licensed. 

Here are a couple that might interest you:

Appalachian Wildwaters
phone:  800-624-8060
email:  aw@awrafts.com

These people have been around since 1972, operate out of Fayettevill and Rowlesburg, West Virginia, and provide guided whitewater rafting trips on the New River, Cheat River, Tygart River, Gauley River and Youghiogeny River.  Their base-camp facilities in Fayetteville and Rowlesburg include lounges, restaurants, hot tubs, campgrounds, and outfitters shops. Their Fayetteville complex also includes an outdoor pool.  They offer one-day, overnighters, and 2 to 5-day trips. 

Class IV River Runners
phone:  1-800-252-7784
website:  www.class-vi.com.

For over 30 years Class IV River Runners have been operating West Virginia rafting trips, as well as other outdoor adventure trips.  Their other adventure trips include rock climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, kayak clinics, mountain biking, and ATV tours, all of which can be bundled into a river rafting trip.  Offer trips on the Gauley and New River.  Can customize a whitewater experience to suit beginners to high-adrenaline advanced rafters.  Their basecamp is located near Fayetteville, with rental cabins, spectacular views and walking trails.

USA Raft
phone:  800-USA-RAFT
email:  raft@usaraft.com

USA Raft provides trips on the New River and Gauley River.  They classify their trips into three categories:  Family Class, which is perfect for young children and first-timers; Adventure Class which is more action-packed and exhilarating and ideal for older children, experienced rafters and adventurous first-timers; and World Class, which they say is the ultimate in thrilling outdoor adventure and is fast and difficult, suitable for experienced rafters only.  Gauley River trips run on selected dam release days in September and October.  Lower New River Express - Adventure Class trips run March through October; Upper New Family Express - Family Class trips run May through Labor Day.