Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting

Experience the excitement of whitewater rafting on the historic Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers

Challenging Fun for Beginner to Intermediate Level Whitewater Adventurers

This half day trip is the perfect option for beginner to intermediate level rafters. All tours include Class I-III (sometimes I-II+) rapids on this prime stretch of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. 

Both rivers transition from classic bouncy whitewater experiences in the spring and early summer, to more technical paddling experiences as the river levels drop mid-summer to early fall. Rain patterns determine the nature of the whitewater.

Experienced Guides for Maximum Thrills and Safety

All Harpers Ferry Adventure Center guides are well-versed in local history and lore and will provide you with a unique and personable outdoor adventure.

We’re West Virginia’s Whitewater Adventure Specialists

The trip begins with a short flat water section on the Shenandoah River where you will receive a general orientation to rafting and learn basic paddle strokes, maneuvering techniques, and river safety skills from our expert guides.

When your adventure has come to the end, no need to walk up a steep hill at the public take out. Instead, ride our shuttle back to the top from our exclusive private take-out. We are the only outfitter in the region to provide a private take-out area.

Ready for more adventure?

Harpers Ferry Whitewater Kayaking (“Duckies”)
This is the next level of adventure for guests in good physical condition and ready for a more adventurous trip on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.
Check out our Duckie trips >>

Liability Waivers

At the time of booking, all guests must fill out a liability waiver for each participant in a booking. For fastest service, we recommend that you read and sign the liability waiver online during the purchase process. At that time a link to the online liability waiver is made available for sending via email to other participants in your booking so that they can also read and sign their waivers in advance of the trip.
Please note that anyone under the age of 18 MUST have a waiver filled out by a LEGAL parent or guardian.

Drinking Water

Guests are welcome to bring water, but no glass containers are allowed. You can refill water bottles on site, or purchase water at our check-in.

Water Level

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center wants to ensure you have a quality trip. We run our raft trips when water levels are below 10 feet on the Shenandoah River. If we feel the water is too low, we will recommend a different activity or switch to an alternate route. If water levels are too high, we postpone trips for your safety. Any person participating in an activity with Harpers Ferry Adventure Center must complete a Liability Waiver.

Trip Start Times

Summer Whitewater Rafting Trips
(May 15th – September 5th)
10am, 2:30pm
For Weekends
9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm

Spring and Fall Whitewater Rafting Trips
(September 8th – November 20th)
Mon, Thurs & Fri
10:00am
Sat & Sun
10:00am, 2:30pm
(Closed on Tuesday & Wednesday)

Trip Length: About 2.5 hours

Trip Distance: 7 Miles

(Times are weather dependent)

Whitewater Rafting Trip Rates

April

7 days a week
Adult $58 Youth $53

May 1 – Sep 5

Mon – Fri
Adult $58 Youth $53
Saturday
Adult $78 Youth $73
Sunday
Adult $73 Youth $68
Holiday Weekends
Adult $78 Youth $73

Sep 8 – Nov 20

Thursday through Monday
Adult $58 Youth $53

(Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)

$7/person user fee and 6% sales tax will be added at checkout

Groups of 4 or More – Book Online
Groups of 3 or Fewer – Call to book
Book by phone: (540) 668-9007
For Next Day Reservations, Call us to Book

(540) 668-9007

Whitewater Rafting Information

Know Before You Go

Please check the river conditions before you travel.

  • Must be 5 years of age and up (subject to change pending water levels)
  • No swimming skills are required but you must be somewhat physically fit to do this activity
  • Water shoes, sneakers or sandals with an ankle strap are required
  • You will get wet, dress according to season. We offer splash tops and wetsuits in colder months. Swimwear is preferable in summer months
  • Starting and ending point: 37410 Adventure Center Lane Purcellville, VA 20132
  • The trip begins on the Shenandoah River and ends on the Potomac River
  • Class I-III rapids on the trip, it is a beginner to intermediate section of water
  • approximately 2 and 1/2 hours (depending on water levels), covering 7 miles
  • Weekday trip times: 10am, 2:30pm
  • Weekend trip times: 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
  • YOU MUST ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED TRIP TIME, OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE MOVED TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE TIME SLOT
  • We begin outfitting our guests 10 minutes prior to the trip time. Late arrivals will be moved to the next available trip or rescheduled altogether.
  • Reservations are required and should be made at least 48 hours in advance. During peak summer months, it is recommended to book at least 2 weeks in advance
  • YOU MUST ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED TRIP TIME, OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE MOVED TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE TIME SLOT
  • We begin outfitting our guests 10 minutes prior to the trip time. Late arrivals will be moved to the next available trip or rescheduled altogether.
  • This is a guided activity, the ratio per boat is 1 guide to 4-6 guests

We’re West Virginia’s Whitewater Adventure Specialists

When your adventure has come to the end, no need to walk up a steep hill at the public take out. Instead, ride our shuttle back to the top from our exclusive private take-out. We are the only outfitter in the region to provide a private take-out area.

Ready for more adventure?

Harpers Ferry Whitewater Kayaking (“Duckies”)
This is the next level of adventure for guests in good physical condition and ready for a more adventurous trip on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.
Check out our Duckie trips >>

Liability Waivers

At the time of booking, all guests must fill out a liability waiver for each participant in a booking. For fastest service, we recommend that you read and sign the liability waiver online during the purchase process. At that time a link to the online liability waiver is made available for sending via email to other participants in your booking so that they can also read and sign their waivers in advance of the trip.
Please note that anyone under the age of 18 MUST have a waiver filled out by a LEGAL parent or guardian.

Water Level

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center wants to ensure you have a quality trip. We run our raft trips when water levels are above 2 feet and below 10 feet on the Shenandoah River. If we feel the water is too low, we will recommend a different activity or switch to an alternate route. If water levels are too high, we postpone trips for your safety. Any person participating in an activity with Harpers Ferry Adventure Center must complete a Liability Waiver.

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