West Virginia Outdoors....

FAMILY FUN ON AND AROUND

THE NEW RIVER

With an incredibly wide range of activities, West Virginia's New River region has developed into a Mid-Atlantic family fun mecca. As families look for unique vacation possibilities, wet and wild West Virginia (and particularly the New River) have become popular destinations.

This is not just your father's New River anymore. The choices for families have grown considerably in the last thirty years (they celebrated 30 years of commercial rafting last year), as the New River has gone from a rugged adults-only whitewater playground to one that caters to kids and parents with a wide range of offerings. Whether you have a day, a weekend, a week, or more, mom, pop, and the kids can always find something to enjoy.

With new gear and trips created just for them, youngsters can now enjoy outdoor adventures once reserved for their elders. "We've seen more and more youngsters joining their parents in adventurous vacations," says Jerry Cook, president of ACE Whitewater and Adventure Center. "We tailor all our programs to include family members of all ages." Gear changes include special flotation devices to fit kids, downsized backpacks, smaller saddles for horseback riding, kid-sized climbing harnesses and shoes for rock climbing and rapelling, and many other innovations. On the people front, companies like ACE hire and employ guides specially trained for youth- and family-oriented activities.

Families hungry for any level of adventure have a smorgasboard. To whet your appetite, here's a laundry list of possible pursuits: whitewater rafting; ducky trips (inflatable kayaks that are ideal for kids and parents); canoe trips; kayaking; hiking; organized nature programs; biking; horseback riding; rock climbing and rapelling; camping; paintball; train rides; historic and cultural trips; and much more.

A wide array of outfitters and other companies offer one or more of these activities, as well as specific packages that include two or more pursuits, accommodations, meals, and lots of extras. The only problem along the New River these days is the age-old problem of choice.

It all starts with the New River. The New River is probably (and ironically) the second oldest river in the world (behind the Nile). The New begins high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and makes its way north through Virginia and West Virginia to join the Gauley River (yet another popular West Virginia recreational river). The gorge plunges to 1,000 feet in depth, where 53 miles of its course are designated the New River Gorge National River. Before glaciation, the New River flowed all the way to the present Great Lakes area. A trip down any part of the New makes for fascinating geological exploration, where some of the oldest rocks in the east have been exposed.

More than 80% of the National River section of the New is perfect for families, multi-generational groups, and those desiring a mild introduction to whitewater. Many outfitters are now welcoming families to the New River for a variety of activities. They offer a wide range of family-oriented river possibilities, including an incredibly large variety of one-day trips all along the New; many unique multi-day trips; Bridge Day (see below) trips; late-afternoon/early-evening dinner trips on the river; double Upper New trips; and dozens of possibilities that combine New River rafting with other area rivers and outdoor activities.

The Canyon Rim Visitors Center, located atop the New River Gorge, is an ideal first stop for visiting families. The visitors center features a slide show, changing exhibits about the New River, picnic tables, floor-to-ceiling windows to view the gorge, and a boardwalk that leads to a spectacular view of the gorge and the famed New River Bridge, which is the world's longest single-arch steel span bridge (it's 3,030 feet long and 876 feet high). Several other visitors centers in the region can also help.

The Upper New has become a particularly popular spot for families. Many outfitters offer varied trips down the Upper New, depending on the ages and goals of families. Some of the possibilities include: mild whitewater rafting; duckies; canoeing; camping on the banks of the river; picnics during a trip down the river; swimming; riverside history, geology, and exploration; and much more. This portion of the river mixes mild rapids with calm pools that are ideal for swimming and relaxing. There are different age limits for different trips, but they generally start at six or seven.

Like many outfitters, Mountain River Tours features several family-oriented Upper New trips. "Family Fun Full Day" is a ducky trip for the whole family, with lunch on the river and a minimum age of seven. "Family Fun Overnight" adds a night right on the river and a grilled dinner and country-style breakfast, with minimum age still set at seven. "New River Rustic Overnight" takes families into the Lower New River on the second day, where they set the minimum age at twelve. Many other packages are available, and, of course, most outfitters also offer an array of family-oriented options on the Upper (and Lower) New.

Songer Whitewater also features many Upper New trips that cater to families. "Our one-day and family overnight packages are really popular," says Len Hanger, president of Songer. "Parents often rafted with us many years ago and now want to expose their kids to the experience. We offer smaller rafts, family-oriented guides, duckies, and even a River Rat University."

Similarly, Rivers is ready for families. Their marketing director, Heather Johnson, says the family-friendly possibilities at Rivers include: half-price rafting for kids on the Upper New all the time; weekday specials for families; an arcade at their bustling Rivers Resort complex; a children's menu at the popular restaurant; and lots of kids clothing in their shop.

The Lower New features larger and more legendary whitewater. Trips are also available to families, but the age limits are generally raised to the mid-teens level. This is an ideal adventure for teenaged boys and girls. "When young people are challenged in an adventurous environment, you'd be surprised how well they respond," says ACE's president, Jerry Cook.

A trip down the New is just the beginning, however. Other water-oriented possibilities include family canoe trips; kayaking lessons and trips for families; fishing on the river; and many other ways to get wet.

After this introduction to the wild and wet New River, it's time for further adventures in and around the New River Gorge. The 1,400-foot canyon is ideal for a wide array of other outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing and rapelling.

Hiking is ideal for kids and adults of all ages. The New River area features many excellent hiking trails, ranging from a short stroll to multi-day hikes of many miles. It's easy to find a trail to your liking (especially along the National Park Service trail system), but many outfitters now have "hike and paddle" packages that offer spectacular views on and above the New River.

Biking is another perfect New River pursuit. Whether it's a short ride down a flat country road or some off-road mountain biking, many outfitters can help (even if you bring your own bike). Various "peddle and paddle" packages, as well as stand-alone biking options, allow two-wheel tours.

Four-legged tours by horseback are yet another ideal option. Everything from open meadows to steep wooded trails make the New River area ideal for the horsey set. Family-friendly companies (and horses) provide a fun half-day or much more.

Thanks to New River Llama Treks, the area now even has guided llama trekking. They offer guided day and overnight llama packing trips. The llama lunch hikes last about six hours and include an orientation and gourmet lunch. The guided overnight llama treks feature two nights of camping (llamas carry all the gear), with hiking and fishing (spin or fly) possibilities. It's definitely a unique option for families.

Rock climbing and rapelling are also popular with families. The rocks and cliffs along the New River Gorge mean a new form of "rock music" for kids and their parents. Even beginner children or adults can try the sport with many area companies. Caving and public caverns are another interesting option.

One could say that any form of New River exploration is a nature trip and it's true, with professional guides providing families with a moving history and geology lesson. But many companies now offer specific nature-oriented tours. For instance, Mountain River Tours hired former Hawk's Nest State Park naturalist Emily Hudok to lead a wide variety of 'experiential' nature tours, hikes, and raft trips along the New River gorge, explaining the flora, fauna, and diverse biological ecosystems of the area. Whether it's spotting a bald eagle or simply getting your hands dirty, that beats any boring classroom or meeting.

Other outdoor-oriented adventures along the New River include: camping (often included with outfitter packages); jetboat rides up the New River from Hawk's Nest State Park; fishing on the New and other nearby rivers and streams; golf at several championship public courses; disc golf at Songer Whitewater's fun nine-hole course; paintball for families at North American River Runners; several train rides in and around the New River gorge; scuba diving (kids can do it) up at Summersville Lake; ATVing in sanctioned areas; parachuting, bungee jumping, rapelling, and much more on famed Bridge Day (this year it's on October 17th); other outdoor festivals and events throughout the year; frequent Civil War reenactments; and a variety of activities at numerous area state parks. Along with more than 25 whitewater outfitters, there are also many other adventure operators and stores in the area to help with planning, participation, and equipment.

For rainy or less-adventurous days, many other area activities await families. Fayette County and nearby Raleigh County feature many family-friendly options. From culture to coal mining, the kids won't be bored with these West Virginia history lessons.

One of the state's finest attractions is located down in Beckley. Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia features a wide array of West Virginia-made products and crafts, including specialty foods, pottery, quilts, and much more. But this is not standard souvenir shopping for parents, in that the kids will really enjoy the crafts demonstrations, the nature trail, a play area, and more.

Nearby, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine features a 35-minute riding tour conducted by experienced coal miners. Families can go underground to witness historic and modern mining techniques. This National Historic Site will give children a hands-on understanding of a unique part of West Virginia's history and culture. Locals can refer visitors to many other small museums in the region, including the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia & Mountain Homestead, the Wildwood House Museum, the Hinton Railroad Museum, and the Bluestone Museum.

Families will also love attending Theatre West Virginia's outdoor dramas under the evening sky at Grandview, above the New River. Take along a picnic and enjoy old favorites like the "Hatfields & McCoys" and "Honey in the Rock," both of which provide an ideal introduction to the history and culture of the state.

There are also many fascinating and historic small towns in the area. Fayetteville, right in the center of Fayette County, offers lots of turn-of-the-century homes and businesses. Also in Fayette County, historic Thurmond is an old coal mining town on the river run by National Park Service. Historic Hinton down in Summers County is a railroad town located right on the New River, with a National Historic District linked to the C&O Railroad Company. Further south in Greenbrier County, 18th and 19th century Lewisburg, as well as the incomparable Greenbrier in historic White Sulphur Springs, make for an ideal outing (ask about train trips there for a unique family outing). A drive along the Midland Trail Scenic Highway leads to many other quaint towns.

On the accommodations front, many family-friendly options are now available. Some specific recommendations include: a cabin at Mill Creek Cabins or elsewhere (ideal for families); one of the family-oriented B&Bs or inns, like Woodcrest B&B (ask other prospective B&Bs and inns about family accommodations in advance); modern Country Inn & Suites down in Beckley; rental houses at Opossum Creek Retreat; and cabins at one of the state parks.

Many restaurants have become more family-friendly in recent years and that's true in this family-oriented area. Many of the outfitters now have their own casual restaurant, along with offering gourmet meals during their trips. Along with lots of fun chain options, there are several small and casual cafes in Fayetteville and Beckley. In addition, the Country Road Inn features family-style dining in a Civil War era house, with visiting kids quickly becoming part of owner Mama Jarroll's family.

Whatever parents and children choose to do on or near the New River, it's sure to be family-friendly. A river this old obviously knows how to accommodate kids.