West Virginia whitewater, New River Fayette county, Hawks Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III-IV(V)     6 miles   The wonderful West Virginia scenery and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Oak Hill, as you can see on the road map further down. This section of New River in West Virginia is 6 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class III-IV(V) section. Getting some good exercise and a chance to spend some time     outdoors will make you glad you came. This stretch is mid length, it's perfect for a one day trip. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with plenty of places for that. Lodging is available near the river, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in West Virginia is often easier than elsewhere, so better not forget that rivers in this state are not as hard as elsewhere. There are so many stretches to paddle in this river system, the Hawks Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge stretch is just one of many. Briefly about the general area: If you're dropping by New River from   Kanawha Falls, you won't be the only one, and Hawks Nest State Park is worth checking out. James Hudnall Spring is a picturesque place to have a look at while you're at New River. The panoramas at Bluestone National Scenic River will blow your mind, and a visit here wouldn’t be complete without a spree to nearby Babcock State Park. A lot of rain falls at New River. All through the month of July you get the most rain around here; the driest month is February. During the summertime here at New River, high temperatures generally get into the 80's. During the dark hours of summer temperatures sink down into the 60's. New River, Hawks Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near New River.   Whitewater Near New River: New River, Fayette County, 2 miles away       Class III-IV(V) - 6 miles long (Hawks Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge) Laurel Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County, 2 miles away       Class IV-V(V+) - 1.5 miles long (Beckwith to Cotton Hill) Mill Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County, 5 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 2 miles long (Ansted to confluence of New River) Wolf Creek, Fayette County, 6 miles away       Class V+ - 2.1 miles long (Reservoir to New River) Loop Creek, Fayette County, 6 miles away       Class II-III(V) - 9.3 miles long (North Page to Deepwater) Mill Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County, 7 miles away       Class II-III - 5 miles long (Hopewell Road bridge to Ansted) Whitewater Outfitter - River Expeditions, Fayette County, 7 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Class VI - Mountain River, Fayette County, 7 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Wildwater Expeditions, Fayette County, 8 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Arbuckle Creek, Fayette County, 9 miles away       Class III-IV - 3.7 miles long (Oak Hill to New)   Ski Areas Near New River: Winterplace, West Virginia , 29 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs Snowshoe, West Virginia , 83 miles away, 1500 foot drop, 14 lifts, 57 runs The Homestead, Virginia , 90 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs   Hotels Near New River: Quality Inn New River Gorge, Fayetteville , 6 miles away The Morris Harvey House, Fayetteville , 6 miles away Comfort Inn New River, Oak Hill , 7 miles away Holiday Lodge, Oak Hill , 8 miles away Days Inn Mount Hope, Mount Hope , 16 miles away   Campgrounds Near New River: New River Campground, Gauley Bridge, 2 miles away New River Campground, Gauley Bridge, 2 miles away Drift-a-bit white water, Fayetteville, 5 miles away   Trails Near New River: Way Back Trail, Nicholas , 15 miles away Carnifex Trail, Nicholas , 16 miles away   Public Lands Near New River: Bluestone National Scenic River, Glen Jean - WV , 13 miles away Gauley River National Recreation Area, Glen Jean - WV , 13 miles away Hawks Nest State Park, West Virginia , 3 miles away Babcock State Park, West Virginia , 15 miles away Little Beaver State Park, West Virginia , 22 miles away   Golf Courses Near New River: Hawks Nest Golf Course, Gauley Bridge , 3 miles away Bridge Haven Golf Club, Fayetteville , 6 miles away Saddlebred Golf Club, Beckley , 20 miles away   Lakes Near New River Plum Orchard Lake, Fayette , 11 miles away Summersville Lake, Nicholas , 19 miles away