Adventures return for spring!

If you’ve been waiting for the return of rip-roarin’ ATV tours or relaxing float fishing trips, they’re finally back! Many of Adventure of the Gorge’s activities last all year long. Some of them, though, hibernate for the winter, and are just now returning for the season!

Here are some of the returning springtime adventures:

1. Hit the spring swells

When most people hear the words “Gauley River,” they think fall. Did you know that spring levels can actually rival fall releases? On some spring days, the raging Gauley may roll at levels 3 to 5 times higher than normal fall flows. Depending on the levels that day, you may be able to take a run on either a raft or a ducky kayak.

The same goes for the Lower New River, which, in the spring, is reserved for serious adventure-seekers. The famous river swells because of snowmelt and seasonal rains, turning the bottom half of the Lower New into an 8-mile-long Class-V rapid. Now that’s a wild ride!

2. Climb some trees!

Some of Fayetteville’s strongest trees need a rest in the winter months, but when they return in the spring, they are more than ready for visitors to climb all over ‘em.

Take in the re-emerging greenery from Gravity Zip Lines, a beautiful open-air zip that soars 200 feet above the ground, cresting the scenic ridge line of a mountain bowl.

Another tree-centric favorite that returns with spring is the TimberTrek Adventure Park. Climb and conquer more than 60 obstacles over four acres. TimberTrek is like an adult-sized playground in the trees!

(You can take a TreeTops trip any time of year, but we highly recommend a spring trip!)

3. Scale the cliffs for a better view

No one wants to learn to rock climb with frozen fingers! In the spring, rappelling and climbing courses reopen.

The cliffsides framing the New River are covered in thousands of routes— from beginner to advanced. AOTG takes care of all the rigging and technical stuff, so you can focus on fun (oh, and the amazing views!).

4. Reel and relax

Did you know that it’s not uncommon for guests on AOTG’s guided fishing trips to reel in more than 60 ish in a single day?!

Revel in the return of that thing called the sun, which has been MIA for far too many months. Head out on a half-day, whole-day or 2-day float fishing trip with pro guides, and you’ll get a perfect mix of reelin’ and relaxation. The area’s combo of deep pools, abundant boulders and swift currents create one of the best fishing spots in the entire country, and AOTG’s guides will take you to all the secret fishin’ holes.

5. Explore the earth

Take a spring tour of nearly 8,000 acres of forest on a half- or full-day ATV trip.

Enjoy the virgin green grass as your roll through old logging trails, reclaimed strip mine roads and steep wooded mountains. There will be plenty of opportunities to get dirty— especially this time of year— so keep those brand-name sunglasses at home.

6. Take in the sights on horseback

You can take 1-hour rides all year long, but if you want to trot out for half a day or see a beautiful sunset on horseback, you’ve gotta wait ‘til spring for that.

Enjoy the fresh, brisk air with your new 4-legged friend as you watch the sky set ablaze with vibrant hues. We can’t think of a more relaxing and reflective way to help you realize it’s finalllllllllly spring!

How will you celebrate the return of spring?