By Megan Bevins
It is no secret that the Mountain State is packed with fun, adrenaline-inducing activities. With its rivers, lakes and streams as well as high mountaintops and ragged rock faces, West Virginia’s natural landscape is full of opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, connect with nature and see the world from incredible points of view.
Known for its world-class whitewater rafting, the New River Gorge draws visitors from across the country to the Mountain State. While it offers rafting options for all skill levels, the river’s fast-moving, intense rapids are perfect for those looking for an exciting and adrenaline-packed adventure.
The gorge’s Upper Gauley River—a popular name among rafters—is known for its challenging rapids. A trip on the Gauley means rafting five Class V+ rapids, which are long, difficult and intense. In between these are Class IV-V rapids, which are slightly less extreme but still offer plenty of excitement. Throughout these rapids, rafters will also navigate through large boulders and drop down a 14-foot waterfall.
“We have guests that have returned for up to 40 years, not to mention we have guests join us from around the world just to raft the Gauley River,” Samantha Adams, marketing manager for Adventures on the Gorge, says.
Adventures on the Gorge also offers an overnight stay on the Upper Gauley, which Adams says is a favorite among guests.
“We raft the entire Gauley River over two days, stopping riverside to sleep next to the rapids of Canyon Doors and eat a delicious menu crafted by our executive expedition chef,” she says.
Whitewater rafting is far from the only exciting thing the New River Gorge has to offer. Its ziplines are also no small challenge to take on, as they offer high-speed, intense thrills. According to Adams, the Gravity Ziplines trip is particularly adrenaline-inducing, spanning longer than the New River Gorge Bridge and traveling more quickly than a vehicle.
Another popular event at the gorge is its BridgeWalk, which gives guests an opportunity to walk underneath the New River Gorge Bridge, not only causing a thrill due to the more than 800-foot height of the bridge but also offering guests an astonishing view of the park.
During this trip, guests are secured to steel cables by harnesses and given an extensive rundown of safety precautions prior to heading out for the bridge. Groups on all Adventures on the Gorge activities are led by experienced guides who are well-trained to handle these intense activities.
Adams says that during their time at the gorge, she sees guests step outside their comfort zone and find confidence through pushing themselves to the limit.
“Our guests learn they can overcome fear and push themselves to have the experience of a lifetime,” she says. “There is a certain personal pride when our guests accomplish something they never imagined they could.”
With the state’s abundance of mountains and cliffs, many may choose rock climbing when searching for an adrenaline rush. One particularly thrill-inducing option is West Virginia’s Via Ferrata, located in Circleville.
The Via Ferrata is a mile long and ascends to heights of 290 feet, making it a challenging and oftentimes monumental journey. Previously available only to highly experienced climbers, the landmark is now accessible to a wide variety of participants, giving anyone who is willing a chance to face their fears and experience incredible views from the side of a mountain.
Photo by NROCKS Outdoor Adventures.
One of the most intimidating parts of the Via Ferrata for guests is its swinging bridge, suspended 150 feet high and spanning over 200 feet long. When crossing the bridge, adventurers must travel from one rock tip to the other on its wooden steps, navigating the unsteady terrain in open air.
“I personally found the bridge to be the scariest part when I first climbed the Via, but most of our participants find it less intimidating than they expected,” Bryan Williams, operations manager for NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, says. “There is also an opportunity to exit the course immediately prior to the bridge if anyone decides it’s a bit more adventure than they want for the day.”
The route’s headwall, which is optional for guests, is also an unforgettable highlight of the journey. While it challenges participants’ tolerance for extreme heights, it results in breathtaking panoramic views of the state.
“The Via Ferrata is typically a good fit for anyone with an average or below average fear of heights that can hike several miles on a strenuous hiking trail with breaks as needed,” Williams says. “If someone is determined to do more preparation, then a visit to their local climbing gym is a great choice.”
While climbing the Via Ferrata is not a safe activity in itself, Williams says NROCKS Outdoor Adventures provides guests with the appropriate technical equipment and in-depth training to ensure the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Photo by Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
Mountain biking is another activity the state is renowned for that offers both an exhilarating challenge and natural beauty. Snowshoe Bike Park, with its diverse trails catering to all skill levels as well as a vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community, is the perfect setting to dive into this adventure.
Snowshoe’s Western Territory contains the park’s toughest trails, notably the Lower Hareball, which is featured in World Cup events and challenges even the most experienced bikers. The territory also features jump lines like the Big Ash that increase difficulty.
“On the Basin side, the Letter Trails are great examples of the classic steep technical terrain that made Snowshoe such a fabled place for hardcore mountain bikers,” Shawn Cassell, director of marketing for Snowshoe Mountain Resort, says. “Riding those trails is a blast from the past.”
The park ensures safety by working with its Bike Patrol to maintain the trails and respond swiftly to any injury or incident that may occur. The park also keeps a close eye on rental equipment to make sure it is always in good condition and ready for bikers to use. Protective gear is offered at the rental shop as an extra precaution.
For guests interested in mountain biking at the Snowshoe Bike Park but nervous about conquering the challenging routes, instructors at the park offer lessons to give participants the basic skills needed to give mountain biking a shot. “We’ve made it a priority in the last decade to build more fun, flowy trails that new riders can enjoy to balance out the classic technical steep roots and rocks that we’re known for,” Cassell says. “We also offer rentals and lessons with professional instructors, so it’s a great place to give the sport a try.”
West Virginia’s rugged beauty and diverse outdoor adventures make it a destination where thrill seekers can connect with the natural world in unimaginable ways. These experiences offer the rush of adrenaline along with bonds formed between friends and family and confidence gained by pushing past personal boundaries. For those ready to step out of their comfort zone, West Virginia is just the place to be.
