Although it’s called “New River Gorge”, this West Virginia river is one of the oldest on the continent. The entire river is 360 miles long, with the national park consisting of a 53-mile stretch and its surrounding 70,000 acres.

Featuring powerful whitewater rapids (ranging from Class III to V), rafters find New River Gorge to be among the best destinations for white water rafting in the entire country. It’s also popular with advanced rock climbers, who will find 1,400 established rock climbs to embark upon.