Adventures on the Gorge, your go to resort for all things outdoor adventure in New River Gorge National Park and Gauley River, West Virginia. From white water rafting, to rock climbing, to tree top zip-lining adventures, they've got your adventure bucket list covered. We loved that they had everything on site at the resort; restaurants, lodging, pool, live entertainment, and so many activities. There is no chance of getting bored there. Here's where to stay, where to eat, and what to do; plus our 3 day itinerary.
Where to stay:
Adventures on the Gorge offers all kinds of on-site lodging options, from rustic camping, to glamping tents, to deluxe cabins. Here's a list of accommodations, from basic to deluxe.
Rustic camping. Wooded campsites with a picnic table and fire ring. Nearby bathhouses with laundry facilities are nice, air conditioned and updated. There are lots of group campsite options, so it's perfect for groups or big families. Dog friendly.
Tent platforms. Shaded tent platforms for a little extra protection from the sun and elements. Platforms are 12'X16', good for one large tent or two small tents. Picnic table, fire rings and nearby bathhouses.
RV sites. Max RV length of 60 feet, there is a picnic table and fire ring at each site, with access to a shred bathhouse. Electric hookups and dump stations, but no water hook ups, you can fill up at one of the water stations. Dogs friendly.
Glamping tents. Think hotel room vibe with the perks of a tent! Two Queen beds, private bathroom, AC/Heat, indoor seating area, mini fridge, coffee maker, and hot plate. No dogs allowed.
Rustic cabins. Sleeps 4-8 with electricity, AC/Heat, picnic table, shared bathhouse access, and basic bunk beds. Dog friendly.
Hotel style cabins. Sleeps 2-4 with 2 Queen beds, bathroom, mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, tv, deck, and Wi-Fi. Dog friendly.
Loft cabins. Sleeps 6-12, with all the basic amenities you'll need. Full bathroom, mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, Wi-Fi, TV, covered porch, picnic table, and fire pit. Dog friendly.
Deluxe cabins. Your home away from home. Sleeps 6-14, with a full kitchen and multiple bathrooms and bedrooms. Many also have a hot tub. Dog friendly.
Where to eat.
Adventures on the Gorge has lots of restaurants, bars, and grab and go food options. Let's just say, we've never left the resort hungry!
Smokey's on the Gorge. Fine dining with a view, great for watching the sunset, but no need to dress up! I loved the crab cakes and shrimp gumbo dip here. Also the best spot for all-you-can-eat breakfast.
Chetty's Pub. Come for a meal or a drink, or both. The pub also has an amazing view of the gorge. Try the "Bus Beer", an IPA brewed especially for Adventures on the Gorge, and a buffalo chicken grilled cheese.
Rendezvous. The best spot for burgers, comfort food, live music and a night out.
Sweet Java Falls. Coffee, tea, and grab and go breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
Snack Shack. Your go to for poolside drink and appetizers.
What to do.
Adventures on the Gorge has every outdoor activity you can think of, the toughest part is trying to decide which one to do first! We've gone multiples times and still find new fun activities to try each time we go. Here's our favorites, and a few we can't wait to try.
White water rafting.
There are four one day rafting options, from family friendly to world class adventure, plus a few cool multiple day rafting options as well.
Upper Gauley. For the experienced rafter! Runs 22 days of the year in September and October. Ranked as one of the top five rivers to raft in the world and one of the top three in the country, this is a technical but amazing trip. (ages 16+)
Lower Gauley. Runs 22 days of the year in September and October. Moderately challenging, no rafting experience required for this one, but it’s best to be comfortable in a fast paced boat, able to swim, and ready to paddle. (ages 12+)
Lower New River. The most popular run of the area, this is one of my favorites. Runs summer through fall. Moderately challenging, no rafting experience required for this one, but it’s best to be comfortable in a fast paced boat, able to swim, and ready to paddle. (ages 12+)
Upper New River. Great for new rafters or those with younger kids. This is a milder ride and a great intro for rafting. At the time of writing this (10/9/2023) kids raft FREE with paying adult. See the Adventures on the Gorge website for up to date details. (ages 6+).
BONUS option (and one on my bucket list). Deluxe Gauley Overnight. The VIP experience with both upper and lower Gauley trips. Overnight you’ll glamp at Canyon Doors (one of the prettiest parts of the river, with a chef prepared meal and wood-fired hot tub). (ages 16+)
More outdoor activities.
Rock climbing and rappelling. West Virginia is know for some of the best east coast climbing, and you get to do it with gorgeous views of the iconic New River Bridge. There are lost of climbing options for all skill levels here.
Gravity ziplines. Includes a 3,150-foot zipline, one of the longest and fastest in the nation, pushing zippers up to 65 miles per hour!
Treetops zipline canopy tour. Ten ziplines, five swinging bridges, and a 35 foot rappel. (ages 10+)
TimberTrek Adventure Park. A treetop obstacle course, great for the whole family. (ages 4+)
Summersville Lake paddle boarding, kayaking, and pontoon boat rides. This is a gorgeous lake and a great spot in the summer.
Guided hikes.
Paintball.
Laser tag.
Mountain biking.
Horseback riding.
UTVs.
3 Day Itinerary
Day 1-
Arrive at Adventures on the Gorge.
Do an afternoon or evening ziplining adventure, treetops aerial course, or a night aerial course that's lit up!
Eat dinner at Smokey's on the Gorge (bring your fancy flannel and order the crab cakes and shrimp gumbo dip!)
Day 2-
White water rafting day. For summer I suggest the lower New River (ages 12+), in the fall check out the lower Gauley (12+), or if you're traveling with younger kids go for the upper New (6+).
After your rafting trip head to the bar to watch your rafting videos and get your rafting photos. They provide a videographer and photographer for each trip and so worth the extra purchase.
Have dinner at Chetty's Pub. Grab a "Bus Beer", an IPA brewed especially for Adventures on the Gorge, and a buffalo chicken grilled cheese.
Check out the live music at Rendezvous.
Day 3-
Try a guided rock climbing or rappelling course (ages 8+).
Check out the nearby New River Gorge National Park visitor center, and hike the Endless Wall trail if you have time.
Head home, laugh over your photos and plan your next trip.
Ready to plan your trip? Head over to Adventures on the Gorge to book your trip and check out New River Gorge National Park website for more info on the area.