New River Gorge Getaway Guide
IT’S ABOUT TIME...
A C E R A F T. C O M 833.403.6123
It’s about time
FOR A NEW ADVENTURE.
It’s about time to get outside and remember what it’s like to let go. To play hard, to laugh until your cheeks hurt, to see your family and friends revel in the simplicity of adventure. Whitewater rafting is where it all started for ACE, and the joy of the river remains the same for us, 40 years later. Now, we’d like to share that joy with you and your loved ones.
This summer, journey by raft through the New River Gorge National River, part of the National Parks System, where a river powerfully cut through stone. Today it winds through the 1,000’ deep canyon, tying the pioneer spirit of the Gorge’s past inhabitants with the folks who love it and explore it today.
As you descend through the Gorge, you’ll be immersed in the undeveloped wilderness that makes the region so special. So special, in fact, it is positioned to become the United States’ next National Park. The rugged topography will leave you marveling at the beauty of West Virginia, and the rapids will make you realize why West Virginia is Almost Heaven. The best part? It’s all within a day’s drive from most points east of the Mississippi.
A C E R A F T. C O M / I T S T I M E 800.223.2641
Aim your smartphone camera at this symbol &
LEARN MORE!
It’s About Time...
TO RECONNECT WITH THOSE WHO MATTER MOST.
Rafting The Lower New River Gorge Is
OUR MOST POPULAR TRIP! Action packed and adrenaline inducing, the Lower New River is a whitewater paradise no matter what the season or water level. With 20 high volume rapids ranging from Class II-IV (V), it’s an enjoyable river trip for a first timer, and is jam-packed with the excitement, challenge, and variety that keeps folks coming back year after year. Sandy beaches are scattered along the way providing perfect spots to stop for lunch and swim in the calm eddy water. A favorite stop on commercial trips is “jump rock”, where you get to hurl yourself off a house-sized boulder into the river below. Towering above, you’ll get amazing views of the gorge and its famous cliff and rock formations like the Endless Wall and Ram’s Head.RS / 12 YRS. THE LOWER NEW RIVER GORGE: FULL DAY, HALF DAY & OVERNIGHT TRIPS AVAILABLE. MIN. AGE 12 YEARS
A C E R A F T. C O M / L O W E R N E W 800.223.2641
KIDS RAFT FREE* ON THE UPPER NEW RIVER! A C E R A F T. C O M / U P P E R N E W
It’s About Time...
FOR KIDS TO BE KIDS. 18 years under your roof (let’s face it, maybe a little longer) and then one day they’ll move on. Childhood is fleeting, but memories last forever. Maybe this year it’s time to share their first river trip. Share the fun in rapids up to Class III and all the fun along the way like jump rock and river games. *New for 2020, with each full price adult, a kiddo age 6-11 yrs. old can raft the Upper New River for FREE!
THE UPPER NEW RIVER GORGE: FULL DAY & OVERNIGHT TRIPS AVAILABLE. MIN AGE: 6 YRS.
A C E R A F T. C O M / U P P E R N E W 800.223.2641
A Guiding Parent’s Perspective - An Excerpt From
RAFTING WITH LITTLE ONES
The Upper New River is the perfect setting for a first (and second, third, fourth) rafting trip for young kids. The vast majority of the rapids are Class II, with a handful of Class III rapids spread throughout. With our combined experience my wife and I are able to take our daughters out at a younger age than most, but 6 year olds are typically able to enjoy the Upper New as part of a guided commercial rafting trip... ...I now look forward to these river trips just as much, if not more, than the gnarly Class V trips I love to guide. There is something special about being able to enter into the adventure and experience with your kids. Life with three girls under the age of 5 can get crazy at times no doubt, so it’s nice when time can slow down, and life can only move as fast as the river. They’ve never asked, “When will we be done?”, but they always ask, “When will we get to go again?” My sentiments exactly.
Hover over this symbol with your smartphone camera to READ
THE FULL STORY
- AN EXCERPT BY BRYANT BAKER, OUTDOOR PARENT & ACE RIVER OPERATIONS MANAGER.
It’s About Time
TO BE BOLD.
RAFT VICTORIOUSLY
SUMMER GAULEY A C E R A F T. C O M / S U M M E R G
Raft Victoriously On
THE SUMMER GAULEY. Join us on a Summer Gauley rafting trip, and experience this world class river in a whole new way. Fluctuating water levels create a highly interactive trip as river passages narrow, drops get steeper and paddler participation becomes key. It’s a whitewater obstacle course with our team guiding you at every turn. We’ll show you the way... will you rise to the challenge and raft victoriously? MIN AGE: 15 YRS.
A C E R A F T. C O M / S U M M E R G 800.223.2641
It’s about time...
FOR CALMER WATERS.
Have A Multi-Sport Daycation At
SUMMERSVILLE LAKE! Experience the best of Summersville Lake on ACE’s Multi-Sport Adventure. Our friendly guides will help you explore the cliffs and coves of West Virginia’s largest lake. This mountain lake is known for its crystal clear water, and is often referred to as the “Bahamas of the East”. Our pontoon boat serves as the mobile-base for a variety of lake activities including rock climbing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), lake kayaking and lots of swimming in the clear blue water! MIN AGE 8 YRS.
A C E R A F T. C O M / S U M M E R L A K E 800.223.2641
Customized All Inclusive
VACATION PACKAGES ACE can help you make vacation planning easier with single and multiday packages that include options for meals, rafting, guided adventures, and waterpark passes-mix and match to create your ideal getaway! Let us handle the cooking and scheduling, all you have to do is show up ready to play. With multiple options and customization available, we can curate the perfect vacation package for you and your family or group.
Aren’t sure what package is best for you? Give our reservations office a call and we’ll help you out with trip customization options, including helping you decide what trips are best for you!
A C E R A F T. C O M / PA C K A G E S 800.223.2641
It’s about time for...
SOMEONE ELSE TO SWEAT THE DETAILS.
A WORLD OF ADVENTURE
IN ONE PLACE Developing our 1,500 acre adventure resort started with rafting, but it’s become so much more. We offer the only zipline course with views of the New River Gorge plus miles of trails to wander on foot or by guided ATV. Just beyond your cabin door, you’ll also discover world class rock climbing and mountain biking in the 70,000 acres of national park adjacent to our resort. For the adventure minded traveler, the young or even the young at heart, this corner of West Virginia offers more excitement per square mile
than any other vacation destination in the nation.
A C E R A F T. C O M / A D V E N T U R E S 800.223.2641
GUIDED ADVENTURES
A C E R A F T. C O M / A D V E N T U R E S 800.223.2641
Easily Flakey 5.7 LOWER NEW RIVER GORGE ROCK CLIMBING TRIPS.
Hover over this symbol with your smartphone camera & WATCH CHELSEA
CLIMB THIS ROUTE.
GUIDED CLIMBING TRIPS
A C E R A F T. C O M / C L I M B I N G 800.223.2641
SEE ACE’S PRIVATE RAFTING PUT-IN FROM ABOVE AND SOAK IN THE VIEW FROM THE CONCHO VIEWING DECK.
It’s About Time For 1,500 Acres Of
MOUNTAIN FREEDOM. Mountain freedom thrives in the West Virginia topography. Explore the only state completely contained within the Appalachian Mountains, with ACE right in the heart of it all. You’ll find nature and seclusion all at our 1,500 acre mountain home, with plenty fresh air, wide open spaces and activities that won’t cost you a thing. Hike, bike, and fish, all without ever leaving ACE. Or, escape to the mountains of West Virginia and have your wedding on our newly completed wedding deck, overlooking the New River Gorge and the historic town of Thurmond.
A C E R A F T. C O M / M T F R E E 800.223.2641
Hover over this symbol with your smartphone camera & WATCH ALL THE
UNSCRIPTED FUN!
DID WE MENTION OUR
5-ACRE, SPRING FED WATERPARK?
It’s About Time For Some
SUN, FUN & WATERSLIDES. It’s about time to let go and splash down in 5 acres of crisp mountain water. ACE’s spring fed water park has all the sun, fun, and waterslides you need to create lasting memories. Whether you’re blobbing your best friend (or that cousin you’ve competed with since you can remember), or you’re just relaxing, ACE has the best water park around to make sure you have the perfect day. Grab a drink and hang out on the lake patio, pull up a chair on the beach and relax, or get out on the water. Find your best summer day here.
A C E R A F T. C O M / W AT E R PA R K 800.223.2641
It’s About Time For
A PRIVATE GETAWAY Seclusion is the name of the game with ACE’s private mountain cabins. Our deluxe lodging options include all the amenities that you need to have a cozy stay at ACE. Choose from a range of size and comfort levels, all including their own private hot tub. ACERAFT.COM/LODGING Make dinner in your cabin’s kitchen, or head to the Lost Paddle Bar and Grill for American Cuisine and craft beer and cocktails, all in our spacious indoor seating area. Or enjoy our newly updated, and covered, outdoor dining area. ACE’s award-winning woodfired pizza will leave even the pickiest eaters happy. Or, grab food to go and enjoy it in the comfort of your own cabin. ACERAFT.COM/DINING If camping is more your speed, check out our newly updated cabin tents. You’ll stay in your own safari-style tent, without having to worry about setting anything up. Or get back to basics and grab a campsite in our massive Mountaintop Campground. With so many lodging options available, we can help you find the perfect option no matter your budget! ACERAFT.COM/CAMPING 8 0 0 . 2 2 3 . 2 6 4 1
THE YEAR’S BEST
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Hover over this symbol with your smartphone camera & FEEL THE HYPE.
RIPTED FUN!
T RAFTING! It’s About Time To CHECK ONE
OFF THE BUCKET LIST Take just one trip, and before you’re even close to half-way through, you’ll understand why every fall, the Gauley River draws people back to its waters. Tucked in a remote, beautiful canyon, it is densely packed with some of whitewater’s hardest commercially run rapids. Steep and technical, made up of housesized boulders and near-vertical cascades of water, there are 100 rapids in just 25 miles. Nowhere else can you paddle such a high quality and quantity of rapids in a single day. So special, it has an entire whitewater season with its name on it.
GAULEY SEASON
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TRIPS BOOK QUICKLY... DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE!
A C E R A F T. C O M / G S E A S O N 800.223.2641
12 Miles, 5 Class Vs And 50+ Rapids. IF THE RAPIDS WERE BIGGER, THEY’D ACTUALLY BE ILLEGAL.
The Year’s Biggest Whitewater Is
THE FALL UPPER GAULEY. This is the whitewater of legends. River running of the highest caliber that thousands of people have traveled from around the world to experience. Five class V rapids await your arrival (plus over 45 other slightly smaller ones). Once the tubes are opened on Summersville Dam, those explosive rapids are yours for the taking. But only for six weekends. Don’t miss your chance to grab the most challenging, and most rewarding, whitewater that can be run commercially. The Fall Upper Gauley IS Gauley Season. THE UPPER GAULEY: MIN AGE 15 YRS. FULL DAY & OVERNIGHTS
A C E R A F T. C O M / U P P E R G 800.223.2641
A Wild & Scenic Journey On
THE FALL LOWER GAULEY. For six weekends every September and October, whitewater magic happens. The Lower Gauley, the little brother of the powerful Upper Gauley, provides incredible scenic beauty and whitewater suitable for beginner rafters and experienced paddlers alike. This section of the Gauley consists of calmer whitewater than the Upper, while still offering big waves and thrills through Class III-V rapids. This trip is an excellent stepping stone for those hoping to take on the Upper Gauley and is a can’t miss for those who want to see some of the most incredible scenery in West Virginia. THE LOWER GAULEY: MIN AGE 12 YRS.
A C E R A F T. C O M / L O W E R G 800.223.2641
Explore The
MIGHTY GAULEY Summersvil
le Lake -->
ck ic Ro t e n ag - - M nitiation - ---I -eper - - - - Sle Creek - - - Collision
THE UPPER “G”
- - - - - FRENCH KISS
Insignificant, Class V -- - - - - - - - - -
- - - WASH UP - - - BUD’S BONER
Stay Right - - - - - - - K ------- ble ROC b u B OTHER Let’s Make A Deal - - - - - - - - - - - HUNGRY M Iron Curtain - - - - -- ----VIEW - - - ----- - - MEADOW V ss n-ock, Cla The Scale - Dick’s Desertio R w o l l Pi Conestoga - - - - - - Los t Padd Keegan’s Falls - S h ipwrec le, Class V --k, Clas Fingerna ---il - - - sV Guide E j ector --D Sweet’s Falls, Cla o uble - Iro ss V - - - - - - dilem n Rin - Nutr m Thumper - - - - - - - - - - a a Swe g, Cl et ass V Nemesis - - - - - - - Driftwood - - - - - - - - - - - e Falls Mason’s Branch - - - - - - e’s Hole - - - - - - Tin-kl- - - - - - Gillespi The Perfect Wave ner - - - -- -- -- - - - Jump Rock cil Sharpe n e P --The U - - - - - - - - - Chicken Enders pper G auley - -- - - Fuzzy Ends. Box Of Kittens ..
Backend
- -- - - - & The Lo wer G - -- - auley - - - - - - - - --- -- - - En - - - - Begin s. - - H - - - - - der W W o od’s f ---ippo - - - - - - aves e - - - Fall Dec - - rry, C ---- - - s ap R -W lass IV n o a o K y c l n o k a k - Cha C ontz F Your -i n s lume, s Dog Door -- -Class aw -V d - arden - - yar G uJ nk Rock - - - en Help You - - ves - ircase - - - - - Heav k e a wer Sta e o L r W & C r e r - Upp r’s Curle --- --------Pete V er s - - - - - - - - - Roller Coast Clas edges - - - , h Cliffside s lL -Ma --wer Diagona cky Top --o - - - - - - - - - - - Playtime k L c Ro r& e Ro e r p u p t U - - - - - - Rooster Tail Pic
Pure Screaming Hell, Class V - - -
-------- -------- - - Pe S el-Out wimmer’s
THE LOWER “G”
er - -
It’s about time for...
GETTING BACK TO BASICS.
The Ultimate Escape,
FALL GAULEY OVERNIGHTS. Want to combine relaxation with hard-hitting whitewater? The Classic Gauley River Overnight gives you two days of whitewater and an amazing night camping on the banks of the Gauley River. On day one, you’ll raft the notorious Upper Gauley, where you’ll take on five class V rapids. That night, you’ll retell your best whitewater story of the day around the fire, while your guides prepare dinner (appetizers and dessert too!) for you. The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll head back out on the river for day 2, the scenic Lower Gauley. Get the best of the Gauley with the Classic Gauley River Overnight. MIN AGE 15 YRS.
A C E R A F T. C O M / G N I G H T S 800.223.2641
It’s About Time For So Many Things...
BUT MOSTLY A VISIT TO WEST VIRGINIA! A region surrounded by mountains and blanketed by trees, The New River Gorge is a magical oasis waiting for you to explore it. Whether you spend your day on the water on one of our rafting adventures, in the trees on the only zipline course with views of the New River Gorge, or on any one of our other adventures, ACE has the perfect activity for everybody in your family or group. Come to West Virginia and remember what it’s like to play outside and reconnect with friends and family, it’s about time.
Are your ready for an adventure? Hover over this symbol with your smartphone camera to VIEW PRICING, GET A QUOTE & MORE!
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CALL 800.223.2641
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