The New River Gorge National Park in southern West Virginia is home to some of the best whitewater in the United States. The lower river features heart-pounding class IV and V rapids cutting through a deep gorge , while the upper river offers more moderate class I-III whitewater, serene scenery, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewings.
In the heart of the park is Thurmond, West Virgina. Once a booming coal town, it now sits deserted, a ghost town. For whatever reason, an active railroad station is still maintained in Thurmond. The Cardinal 51 train makes 3 stops along the river within the New River Gorge Park, creating the perfect shuttle opportunity for a packrafting route down the New River.
Last weekend, I drove out to West Virgina and rode the train from Thurmond to the town of Hinton 40 miles upriver, rafting back to my car over the next two days. Other than a broken lifejacket zipper and a bear’s failed attempt on my food, it was a perfect weekend. You can watch the highlights here (click the link below):
