New River
★ Wild & Scenic🏞 National Park🛶 AW Stewardship
Fayette / Raleigh Co. · 53 mi · Class I–V
934CFS/ 11.70 ft
Flood
→Stable· -28 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 51°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 1500–6000 CFS · USGS #03189100
✓Rapids verified by local paddlers·
53 mi
Length
Class I–V
Difficulty
1500–6000 cfs
Optimal
3,200 cfs
Avg Flow
2,900 cfs
Hist. Median
#03189100
USGS Gauge
New River Gorge National Park (2020) · Wild & Scenic River · American Whitewater Stewardship

One of the oldest rivers on earth — predates the Appalachian Mountains and flows north through them. America's newest National Park (2020). The New River Gorge delivers Class III–V whitewater beneath the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

Trip sections
Upper New (Sandstone to Grandview) — Class I–II, family-friendly
Grandview to Fayette Station — Class III–IV, most popular
The Dries — Class IV–V, low water technical
Notable Rapids
Upper RailroadClass III+
First big rapid on the Lower New. Strong current, big waves.
Upper KeeneyClass IV
The first of three Keeney brothers rapids. Technical, powerful, respected.
Middle KeeneyClass IV
The hardest Keeney. A complex, powerful Class IV with multiple hazards.
Lower KeeneyClass III+
The mellowst Keeney but still demanding. Big wave train finish.
Fayette StationClass III
Final rapid below the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Look up.
Outfitters
ACE Adventure Resort
New River Gorge specialists
Class VI River Runners
New River Gorge guided trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.