New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station
A 14-mile run into America's newest National Park, finishing with Class III-IV whitewater beneath 1,000-foot gorge walls.
At a Glance
Distance
14 miles
Estimated Time
5-7 hours
Difficulty
Advanced
Route Type
One-Way
Water Body
New River
Activities
Best Seasons
Route Map
About This Route
The New River Gorge — America's newest National Park — offers world-class whitewater through one of the deepest river gorges in the Appalachians. Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world.
This lower gorge section features Class III-IV rapids including the famous Fayette Station, Upper and Lower Keeney, and Greyhound Bus Stopper. The gorge walls rise 1,000+ feet above the river, with the iconic New River Gorge Bridge visible high overhead.
This is a serious whitewater run requiring intermediate-to-advanced skills, a properly outfitted whitewater kayak, and safety gear including helmet and PFD. Multiple commercial raft companies run this section if you want to scout it first.
Highlights
- •America's newest National Park
- •Class III-IV whitewater
- •1,000-foot gorge walls
- •Iconic New River Gorge Bridge overhead
Safety & Hazards
Class III-IV rapids — advanced whitewater skills required. Helmet, PFD, and spray skirt mandatory. Swim risk is serious in high water. Scout Fayette Station rapid before running.
Shuttle Information
Drop vehicle at Fayette Station (steep road), then drive to Thurmond (~15 min). Commercial outfitters offer shuttle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How difficult is New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station?
- New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station is rated advanced difficulty. Class III-IV rapids — advanced whitewater skills required. Helmet, PFD, and spray skirt mandatory. Swim risk is serious in high water. Scout Fayette Station rapid before running.
- How long does New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station take?
- New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station covers 14 miles and typically takes 5-7 hours.
- Do I need a shuttle for New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station?
- New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station is a one-way route. Drop vehicle at Fayette Station (steep road), then drive to Thurmond (~15 min). Commercial outfitters offer shuttle.
- When is the best time to paddle New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station?
- The best seasons for New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station are spring and summer and fall. New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station is on New River.
- What activities are available on New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station?
- New River Gorge: Thurmond to Fayette Station supports Kayaking. Highlights: America's newest National Park, Class III-IV whitewater, 1,000-foot gorge walls, Iconic New River Gorge Bridge overhead.
Quick Facts
- Put-in
- Thurmond Depot
- Take-out
- Fayette Station
- Water Body
- New River
- State
- West Virginia
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