Looking for the best places to swim, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or just cool off in the New River Gorge? Whether you’re visiting Fayetteville, WV or exploring the surrounding national park, this guide has everything you need to beat the heat. From scenic lakes like Summersville to hidden waterfall swimming holes, plus thrilling whitewater and calm flatwater perfect for paddling, there’s no shortage of ways to stay cool while soaking up the beauty of the New River Gorge region.
Water safety is paramount when enjoying the various activities offered by the New River. The national park emphasizes that everyone should wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) at all times while on the water. Most drownings in the New River occur with people who didn’t plan on being in the water, underscoring the unpredictability of water conditions and the importance of being prepared.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
Experience the beauty of our area with a guided stand-up paddle board trip with Mountain Surf Paddle Sports. Their 2–4-hour tours allow you to explore hidden waterfalls accessible only by water. The Kanawha Falls trip is a must-do, where you can discover secret waterfalls hidden behind those visible from the road. They also offer tours of Summersville Lake. For a unique experience, try their sunset or moonlight tours.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) in the New River Gorge
While Fayetteville sits near the Lower New River Gorge, where class III–V rapids from Cunard to Fayette Station challenge even experienced paddlers, this stretch is not recommended for beginners—it’s better suited for a guided whitewater rafting trip.
For intermediate whitewater kayakers, the Upper New River from Hinton to Thurmond offers gentler class I–III rapids, but the river can still be unpredictable. If you’re renting a kayak or paddleboard, we recommend sticking to flatwater areas and lakes for a safer, more leisurely paddle.
Locations
Babcock State Park: Babcock State Park offers seasonal kayak, paddle boat, and canoe rentals at Boley Lake. It’s a small, serene lake ideal for exploring, especially when the rhododendrons are in bloom. This is one of the most affordable rental spots in the area.
Blue Stone Lake
Hawks Nest State Park
Kanawha Falls
Lake Stephens
Little Beaver State Park Lake
Plum Orchard Lake
Summersville Lake
Rentals
Babcock State Park: Boley Lake
Fayetteville: ACE Adventure Gear Shop, Mountain Surf Paddle Boards
Kanawha Falls: Glen Ferris Inn
Summersville: Summersville Lake Marina, Lakeside Outfitters, Sarge’s Dive Shop, Summersville Lakehouse Retreat & Lighthouse
Hinton: New River Gorge Outfitter
Whitewater Rafting
Fayetteville is renowned for its world-class whitewater rafting, thanks to its proximity to both the New River and Gauley River. Rafting the national park’s rivers offers unparalleled views and thrilling experiences.
New River
- Upper New River: Perfect for families and those seeking a mellower ride, the Upper New River offers class I-III rapids. Suitable for ages 6 and up, it provides a calmer float with a touch of excitement.
- Lower New River: The most popular section, the Lower New River, features incredible views of the gorge and rapids ranging from class I to IV. Suitable for ages 12 and up, it’s a favorite for adventure seekers.
Gauley River
- Upper Gauley: Known worldwide for its intense rapids, the Upper Gauley is fed by the Summersville Dam and boasts five class V rapids. Experience is recommended, and it’s suitable for ages 15 and up.
- Lower Gauley: Tamer than the Upper Gauley, the Lower Gauley offers scenic backcountry views and is one of the most remote sections. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
New River Dries
- This unique section of the river, downstream from the New River Gorge Bridge and Hawks Nest Lake, can be rafted on select days when water is released from the dam.
Water levels can vary on both rivers, influencing your trip. Options range from 4-8 hours with overnight stays available. We recommend a full-day trip to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Whitewater Rafting Outfitters
For a soft scenic adventure, try the New River Jet Boat. Suitable for all ages, this scenic tour takes passengers from Hawks Nest Lake back up the New River, offering incredible views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Make a Splash: Where to Swim Near Fayetteville
When it comes to cooling off with a swim, Summersville Lake is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Head to the public beach at Battle Run for easy lake access or explore areas like Salmon Run (be aware of boats launching in this area) or hike-in coves scattered along the shoreline. For a more rustic dip, Babcock State Park features a serene Creekside swimming hole just below the iconic Gristmill, and Lake Stephens, just outside of Beckley, offers a sandy beach and calm waters. Looking to pair your swim with a scenic hike? Glade Creek Trail rewards trekkers with a beautiful waterfall-fed swimming hole. The New River Gorge National Park also offers riverside swimming at Stone Cliff Beach, Army Camp, and the Grandview Sandbar—but take caution. The New River has a strong current, and conditions can change quickly. Life jackets are a must, and swimmers should always be mindful of water levels and currents before taking the plunge. We recommend the places like Summersville Lake over river swimming because of the current in the river.
Adventure Lakes
Open from late May to September, ACE’s waterpark features 5 acres of inflatable toys, including climbing mountains, spinning balls, obstacle courses, a zipline, and waterslides, along with a splash pad. It’s a perfect spot for family fun and the closest adventure lake to Fayetteville.
On special occasions ACE offers movie nights on the lake like ” Jaws on the Lake” where you can float on the lake and enjoy a classic movie.
Pipestem State Park has a small Adventure Lake and splash pad.
Lake Stephens offers an Adventure Lake and splash pad.
Tubing
While Fayetteville is known for whitewater and not the place to inner tube, you can enjoy calmer tubing experiences at the southern end of the park. New River Outfitters offers inner tube rentals for leisurely floats on the New River and Greenbrier River in calmer sections of water. In the Lower new where Fayetteville is located, we the river is too dangerous for tubing as we have rapids and a stronger current.
Fishing With its abundant waterways, Fayetteville offers numerous fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
Fishing Outfitters
Splash Pad
For younger visitors, the Fayetteville Charlie McCoy Town Park features a splash pad open seasonally from 10 am to 7 pm daily.
Fayetteville and the New River Gorge offer a myriad of water activities for adventure seekers, families, and everyone in between. Dive into the fun and discover the beauty of these waters for yourself!
Surrounding Lake Attractions
Stay a little longer and plan to spend time exploring around our region. Fayetteville makes a great home base while you venture a little further around the National Park and surrounding region. Venture to places like Bluestone Lake where you can rent kayaks, pontoons and canoe at the Blue Stone Lake Marina. Pipestem Resort is home to a lake that houses inflatables and offers stand up paddle board rentals and a splash pad. Lake Stephens is just outside of Beckly offering an aqua park with inflatables, splash pad, kayak and stand- up paddle board rentals. One of our favorite seasonal attractions is Plum Orchard Lake. (Caution: The road to Plum Orchard is narrow and rough and it is difficult to pass cars in spots.) Visitors will need to rent and transport kayaks/ paddle boards and make the trek to the lake. Enjoy when the lilies bloom on Plum Orchard Lake making it serene destination of flat-water exploration. Pontoon rentals are also available at Summersville Lake at the Summersville Lake Marina.
Sarges Dive Shop Summersville Lake
Sarges Dive shop offers dinner cruises on Summersville Lake along with snorkeling and swimming charters. They also offer SUP rentals, kayak rentals and scuba classes.
Pools
Canyon Falls Swimming Pool | Adventures on the Gorge
New River Park Pool (Beckley)
Wild Water Express (Hinton)
Nicholas County Memorial Park Pool
Lodging Partners with Pools
Quality Inn New River Gorge
Aviators Lounge
Cool Indoor Escapes
Escape-A-Torium Escape Room:
Step inside Fayetteville’s own Escape-A-Torium, where you’ll get locked in a themed puzzle room (with air conditioning!) and have 60 minutes to solve your way out. It’s a perfect way to beat the heat while testing your wits.
Pinheads Bowling Alley:
Keep it classic with some family-friendly bowling at Pinheads in nearby Oak Hill. Cool lanes, cold drinks, and classic fun—it’s a strike every time.
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine:
Descend 1,500 feet into a real coal mine at this unique underground tour just a short drive from Fayetteville. It’s consistently around 58 degrees year-round—which feels like paradise on a 90-degree day. Bonus: the adjacent youth museum and mining history exhibits offer a full afternoon of cool learning and exploration.
Love Hope Center for The Arts
Love Hope Center for the Arts
Step out of the heat and into creativity at the Love Hope Center for the Arts, a contemporary art gallery housed in a historic repurposed church. With rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists, it’s a peaceful, air-conditioned space where you can cool down and get inspired.