White-water rafting, helicopter rides and ATV excursions fill an adrenalin-packed West Virginia weekend getaway

An admitted adventure junkie, I needed a quick adrenalin fix but had only a few days to spare. The solution, however, was easy. I set out for an action-packed weekend in the wilds outside of Fayetteville, with a plan to white-water raft in West Virginia, helicopter above the area’s scenic gorge and ride an ATV in the Appalachian Mountains.

I pack my bags for water, dirt and wind, then head to River Expeditions outfitters in the heart of the New River Gorge, just 4 miles south of the world-famous bridge with the same name. A family-owned operation, River Expeditions is proud of its river heritage and values. “We’re not shy about proclaiming that our culture is based on the joy of adventure,” says owner Heather Johnson. “We’re equally fanatical about sharing this passion with our guests.”

With lifejacket, helmet and paddle in hand, I board a bus for a full-day trip of white-water rafting down the Lower New River. This excursion is River Expeditions’ signature trip and includes continental breakfast before launch and lunch on the riverbank. It’s best to wear non-cotton clothing for faster drying, waterproof windbreaker for inclement weather and closed-toe water sandals. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are advisable as well.
T.J. is our expert river guide, a veteran of 16 years who, in a past life, taught special-needs children. (I muse silently that this is good because he will have patience with me.) I am told he knows every rock, nook and cranny in the river, and will ensure a safe ride but a thrilling rapid rush for those who dare.

Whirly Whirlpools

As we alternate between calm pools of water meant for lazy swimming to exhilarating rapids, churning waves and hydraulic holes meant to be navigated by experienced river guides only, I feel the camaraderie level amongst those of us in our shared plastic raft go up several notches. Everyone feels like a longtime friend.

Maybe it’s the country charm of T.J., who is able to narrate rich local history even as he deftly navigates the West Virginia white-water rapids while delivering us from harm. Maybe it’s his confident, self-deprecating humor that engages all ages while departing words of wisdom in his wake. Or maybe it’s because he honors his mother through his stories and actions—admittedly a winning combination for me. As for me, whatever the reason, I know I will always request T.J. whenever I come back to the river.

Suddenly, a blast of white water punches me backwards into the raft—water dousing my face while drenching my body. T.J. instructs everyone to give two swift paddle strokes. We have entered the treacherous section known as the meat grinder—a Class V white-water sieve that can live up to its name when dealing with unwary or unseasoned paddlers. (Class V white water is extremely difficult to navigate through and is defined by large waves, large volume with possibility of large drops, unstable eddies, irregular currents, and possibility of large rocks and hazards.) Everyone heeds our guide as we ride our rollercoaster drop to the eddy below. Adrenalin rush kicks in for me: I am officially stoked.

More adrenalin and more spills as some of us abandon the raft, with the permission of T.J. of course, to swim and conquer “Thread the Needle”—an eddy line where a slow and fast moving current meet to create a whirlpool between two rocks—and later “Ride the Elevator”—a swimmer’s rapid where two currents converge behind an underwater rock, essentially sucking in the swimmer and then spitting them out on the other side.

Amazingly, time zips by and the West Virginia rafting trip is almost over. We approach the New River Gorge Bridge, a steel-arch bridge that at a height of 876 feet is the highest vehicular bridge in the Americas. (The bridge also graces the back of the state’s quarter.) This is where we disembark, but not before T.J. asks if anyone wants to “ride the bull” through Fayette Station.

There’s room only for two, and a couple of younger participants jumped at the opportunity. The volunteers are instructed to sit at the helm, hold onto a strap and to lean backwards as T.J. navigates this last stretch. They hang on dearly as they are riveted from side to side, much like riding a mechanical bull. With no spills by the end of the course, the hardy souls proudly claim to have conquered the bull.

After exchanging wet clothes for dry, everyone heads for the Red Dog Saloon. Here we sip beverages while watching videos of our day’s escapades. Photos and DVD are available for purchase.

Twirly Tour of the Gorge

Our day, however, is not yet done. I head to Fayette Airport (only five minutes from River Expeditions) for a 10-minute helicopter tour of the New River Gorge. As a naval flight engineer on a VC-131H in a previous life, I am delirious with anticipation about riding a twirly bird—especially one that offers an unobstructed view of the river we just rafted. Since the Bell 47-G2 Chopper sports a huge bubble window and has no side doors, photo opportunities are limitless.

Justin introduces himself as my pilot and asks that I remove my camera lens cap prior to take-off. I then snugly buckle the two-person lap belt on our wooden bench seat. For the next 10 minutes we soar with the eagles as our pilot proudly showcases the New River Gorge in all its beauty. Because helicopters can be a tad noisy inside, a headset allows Justin to narrate the scenery below. I think I’m in heaven!

ATV’n the Hatfield-McCoy Trail

I save the next morning for a bucket-list item: a three- to four-hour guided ATV adventure riding through the Appalachian Mountains. Clad in sunglasses, long pants and closed-toe shoes, I am ready to conquer one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world—the award-winning Hatfield-McCoy Trail. Featuring hundreds of miles of trails with switchbacks, scenic mountain trails, lush emerald forests and open meadows, this is home to some of the most beautiful and varied terrain when it comes to ATV riding.

Time to Get Dirty

Pick-up time is early. I am told to be at River Expeditions for a 7 a.m. transit to beautiful Wyoming County, home of the Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trail System. (Return transportation is included.)

An hour later, I arrive at Happy Trails Outdoor Adventures in Pineville. After signing the requisite liability waivers, I choose a snack and drink from the store, included in the activity price. Now fortified for the road, our group leaves single-file, with a guide leading the pack. For the next few hours we endure dust, mud, dirt and rain in the pursuit of happiness—all hallmarks of any true ATV challenge.

Almost Heaven—West Virginia

Though my weekend adventure comes to a close much too soon, I am fully alive from my “not-so-ordinary” adventures. My action-packed, adrenalin-filled weekend managed to assault and exalt all five senses. So this must be the adventure adrenalin-rush! From a rapid rush on the river, an air rush in a plastic bubble over the gorge, to dirt-in-the-teeth smiles from conquering the Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails, I was a happy, though tired, soul.

If You Go

Fayetteville Convention &
Visitors Bureau
www.visitfayettevillewv.com/

River Expeditions
800-463-9873
www.raftinginfo.com

Almost Heaven Helicopter Tours
800-277-7727
www.wvhelicopters.com

Happy Trails Outdoor Adventures (ATV)
(Minimum age is 16.)
304-732-6096
www.happytrailsatv.com

Where to eat:
Pies N Pints
Pizza and beer.
www.piesandpints.net

Where to stay:
Packages from River Expeditions include lodging options.

Karin Leperi is an award-winning writer and photographer who specializes in travel, adven­ture, nature and culture.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN LEPERI