Harpers Ferry, located at the northeast corner of West Virginia, is a dream for an outdoors enthusiast. While the premium hiking here often gets most of the attention, this area is also heralded for its white water rapids and all the exciting rafting opportunities that come with them.
The town of Harpers Ferry is not only a hotspot for history but also fulfills an adventurer’s dream. Popular with hikers, partially due to being known as the halfway point of the famous Appalachian Trail, Harpers Ferry also offers excellent water activities such as whitewater kayaking, tubing, and of course, river rafting.
Whether you’re in Harpers Ferry on a romantic getaway, with your family, or for a team-building trip, hitting the rapids is a bonding experience for all.
Going on a rafting trip during your mountain cabin getaway in Harpers Ferry is a great way to make lifelong memories and get your adrenaline pumping! Here is a guide to some of the best whitewater rafting guides in the area.
About The Rapids
Located at the confluence of two huge rivers, it makes sense that Harpers Ferry is a fantastic location for whitewater rafting. With numerous companies offering guided raft trips for all experience levels, this is a must-do activity for all adventurists.
The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet at the town of Harpers Ferry before continuing eastward towards the Chesapeake Bay.
River Classes
Whitewater rapids are classed from levels I to VI. Class I rapids are the easiest, and Class VI rapids are so difficult and dangerous that they rarely, if ever, have been attempted.
The stretch of river that is typically used is a fun mix of Class I to III rapids. Here is what you can expect from each type.
- Class I rapid is fast-moving water with small waves, gentle enough that tubing is safe.
- Class II rapids will have larger waves and small slides, fast enough to be great fun but not dangerous.
- Class III rapids involve medium-sized waves, more technical maneuvering, and fast currents through smaller channels.
Seasonal Changes in Rapid Classes
You’ll get the classic bouncy waves in the spring and early summer. In mid-summer and early fall, there is less rain and lower water levels, providing a more technical experience.
If the water levels are too high or too low in any season, your river trip will not be able to run, and you can possibly be refunded or rescheduled.
Rafting Companies
There are multiple outfitters and rafting guide companies in Harpers Ferry, making it simple to get a trip booked. While some are rafting specialists, others offer water tubing, zipline canopy tours, and ropes courses as well.
Your experienced guides will teach you the proper paddling technique and help you safely navigate each rapid. Rafting is safe and fun for all ages, but the minimum weight requirement is 50 lbs at most outfitters.
Whether you are looking for a guided or self-guided excursion, the companies below are happy to accommodate your needs.
River Riders
- Address: 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV
- Website: https://www.riverriders.com/whitewater-rafting-harpers-ferry
- Phone number: (304) 535-2663
River Riders is one of the best-known outfitters in the area, and you can be sure you and your family will have a fantastic time on one of their river trip excursions.
They offer experiences perfect for beginners. Their expert guides will instruct you on rafting basics, such as how to hold your paddle and which strokes you need to remember. After a short safety briefing, you will head out for your adventure.
In addition to guided river trips, River Riders offer equipment rental for more experienced paddlers who wish to go rafting or kayaking on their own.
This outfit also offers ziplining, tubing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and an Adventure Park experience with great kid-friendly activities.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
- Address: 37410 Adventure Center Ln, Hillsboro, VA
- Website: https://harpersferryadventurecenter.com/whitewater-rafting/
- Phone number: (540) 668-9007
The experienced guides at the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center will ensure your rafting adventure is fun, safe, and memorable. They are well-educated on Harpers Ferry history, flora and fauna, and even local legends.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center boasts the only private river takeout in the area, meaning your shuttle will be waiting for you directly as you get off the river.
In addition to whitewater rafting, they also offer ziplining, river tubing, and ropes courses that you can choose to roll into a package. This offers great potential for a full-day adventure just outside of Harpers Ferry. Call ahead or book online to secure your spot.
River & Trail
- Address: 99 Cary Lu Cir Unit 108, Harpers Ferry, WV
- Website: https://www.rivertrail.com
- Phone number: (301) 834-9950
River & Trail Outfitters has been guiding Harpers Ferry white water rafting trips for over fifty years, so you can be sure they are capable and knowledgeable about the local rapids!
With friendly, experienced guides and exciting day trips down the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers & Trail, you will leave with unforgettable memories.
Their most popular outdoor adventure is a half-day rafting trip that takes you through three states as you navigate the Class I-III rapids. A small snack is included for those sure to work up an appetite on this trip.
When to Raft
It will be no surprise that some of the best whitewater rafting happens in the summer.
While you will still see the more hardcore paddlers riding the waves in the winter, the roaring water can be quite chilly even in the summer heat, and you will appreciate the blazing sun after a few rapids have drenched you.
Because this is a popular time to hit the rapids, it does mean that there are bigger crowds in the summer months.
For brave travelers looking for a crowd-free experience, whitewater rafting is also offered in the spring and fall. However, the experience can still be a comfortable one. During the colder months, your outfitter will provide wetsuits and splash tops to keep you warm as you paddle.
What to Bring
Your river outfitter will provide most of your necessary equipment, such as the raft, paddles, life jackets, and wetsuits for colder days, but there are still a few items you should bring along with you.
Sunglasses
On sunny days, the rays reflecting off the water can be tough on your eyes. It’s a good idea to bring sunglasses, but you will want to wear a strap that allows you to tighten them to your head to keep the rapids from taking them!
Water Shoes
Appropriate river shoes are a requirement for rafting. Rubber-soled shoes that hook onto your feet (no flip-flops!) are the best shoes to keep you comfortable and safe on your trip.
Shoes like Chacos, Tevas, or similar sandals are your best bet during the summer, while rubber water booties can help keep your feet warm in cooler weather.
Waterproof bags
Keep your phone and belongings safe by bringing waterproof bags along with you. Wearing a waist pack and putting valuables inside a Ziploc plastic bag is a great trick if you don’t already own dry bags.
Swimwear
The ideal outfit for whitewater rafting is a bathing suit with non-cotton shorts and a t-shirt over the top. Synthetic materials are a must when rafting because once cotton gets wet, it takes a while to dry and can make you cold and uncomfortable.
Change of Clothes
Bring a change of clothes along for when you’re finished rafting and leave them in your car. There is no better feeling than changing into something warm and dry after an afternoon on the river!
Combine a Visit To Harpers Ferry With The Rapids
With endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and of course, whitewater rafting, Harpers Ferry is a fantastic destination for those looking for a little outdoors therapy.
Book a rafting trip during your cabin vacation and enjoy one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in West Virginia.
Featured Image Credit: PPstock
