New River
About
National Park Service manages 16 miles of Class II+(III) whitewater that averages 754 CFS through the New River Gorge. The single documented section runs from New River to Leatherwood Ford, with rapids that push into Class III territory when flows climb above the 375–1150 CFS optimal range. USGS gauge 03408500 tracks conditions for this technical stretch where the notation II+(III) signals drops that can surprise paddlers expecting consistent Class II water. The plus classification and upper parenthetical warn that several rapids demand Class III skills, particularly when spring runoff or heavy rains drive flows toward the upper end of the range.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.