River and event guide

New River rafting and Bridge Day

Commercial rafting trips run through the New River Gorge below Fayetteville, while Bridge Day closes the US 19 bridge to ordinary traffic for one Saturday event each October.

Upper New, Lower Gorge, or Bridge Day

A commercial rafting trip can occupy most of Saturday. The right section depends on season, water level, group confidence, and whether the goal is a family introduction or a more demanding Lower New day.

Bridge Day is different. On October 17, 2026, pedestrians, BASE jumpers, vendors, and event operations take over the New River Gorge Bridge. US 19 closes to ordinary bridge traffic for the event, and the current official rules matter more than any generic fall-weekend schedule.

How to avoid the two common mistakes

  • Do not book the most intense rafting trip just because it sounds iconic. Match the run to the least experienced person in the group.
  • Do not treat Bridge Day like a normal overlook stop. Spectators use designated parking and shuttles, and the bridge itself is a pedestrian event zone.
  • Allow time to change out of wet gear before dinner in Fayetteville. A full river trip or Bridge Day does not need an additional overlook afterward.

Choosing a rafting trip

Upper New or Lower Gorge?

The National Park Service describes the Upper New as long pools divided by rapids through Class III. The Lower Gorge includes Class III–V rapids and is the more demanding whitewater choice. Guided trips range from a few hours to multiple days, with the main commercial season running April through October.

NPS whitewater overview →

Booking safely

Use a licensed commercial outfitter

Ask which river section the trip runs, the minimum age, expected water conditions, total check-in-to-return time, and what clothing the outfitter provides. A marketplace listing is not a substitute for the park's current licensed-outfitter list.

NPS commercial outfitter list →

Bridge Day 2026

Saturday, October 17: check the event rules again before arrival

Road closure

US 19 bridge closure begins at 7:00 AM.

Event hours

The bridge event runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Road reopening

The bridge is scheduled to reopen at 5:00 PM.

Spectator rules

Clear-bag rules apply; dogs, coolers, chairs, bicycles, and drones are prohibited.

Official pages currently disagree about the shuttle cash fare, so this guide does not quote one. Confirm parking locations, shuttle stops, payment, and prohibited items on the event site shortly before the trip.

Watercolor illustration of New River Gorge rafting and the bridge

Lodging for the river and bridge

Confirm the check-in or shuttle before booking a room

Upper New trips, Lower Gorge trips, and Bridge Day use different check-in, parking, and shuttle locations. Confirm the operator or event instructions first; a Fayetteville-area room keeps downtown dinner nearby.