The free-flowing New River falls 750 feet in 50 miles from Bluestone Dam to Gauley Bridge creating one of the finest whitewater rivers in the eastern United States. By comparison the Mississippi falls 1,428 feet from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of 2,300 miles. It is a big powerful river, but very beautiful, always runnable, and provides excellent fishing and camping. There are a number of different river access points. The rapids are imposing and forceful, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents, cross-current, and hydraulics.
Some rapids contain hazardous undercut rocks.
The section from Hinton to Thurmond offers challenging Class I, II and III rapids suitable for intermediate canoeing not recommended for beginners. River users can check river level information by calling the Hinton Visitor Center or Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Camping is permitted along the river unless otherwise posted. The Gauley River , a tributatary of the New River flowing north of the gorge, is a word-famous paddling destination. The Gauley offers some of the most turbulent water around, and some of the most thrilling drops.