Whitewater Rafting on the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers
Experience the thrills and spills of West Virginia whitewater rafting trips near Harpers Ferry on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers with BTI Whitewater / Butts Tubes.
Want to look the river straight in the eye? Stimulate your senses with a classic whitewater rafting adventure that combines whitewater skills and thrills with a landscape rich in history, heritage, and wildlife. Paddle two rivers as you brave Class I-III (beginner/intermediate) rapids on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
The trip begins in flatwater on the Shenandoah River where you will learn basic paddle strokes, maneuvering techniques, and river safety skills from our knowledgeable guides. Listen carefully, because your skills will be put to the test in rapids, such as Hesitation Ledge, Roller Coaster, and the mile-long Staircase.
Well-versed in local history and lore, our guides provide you with a unique and personable outdoor adventure. Feeling brave? Try surfing a wave before cruising past the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Experience the view Thomas Jefferson claimed was “worth a trip across the Atlantic” as you meet the mighty Potomac at the world-renowned gap between Bolivar (WV), Maryland (MD), and Loudoun Heights (VA).
Wait…what’s that sound? That’s not banjo music you hear. It’s the roar of the rapids! And, please…don’t stare when you reach the drop at Bull Falls-paddle while you scream!
BTI Whitewater schedules daily river rafting trips March-October. Reservations are required. No previous rafting experience is necessary. Our rafts seat up to 6 people plus your guide and all equipment is provided. All whitewater rafting participants must be a minimum of 5 years of age and weigh at least 50 lbs. Age requirements may vary due to river conditions.
BTI Whitewater wants to ensure you have a quality trip. We run our raft trips when water levels are above 2 feet and below 10 feet. If we feel the water is too low, we will recommend a different activity. If water levels are too high, we postpone trips for your safety.
Inflatable Kayaking on the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers
Want to create more adventurous memories? Consider renting an inflatable whitewater kayak. Try surfing waves, riding fun wave trains, and experience the whitewater rapids of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. What is an inflatable kayak? It’s a sit-on-top kayak which is different from a traditional hard shell kayak. Similar to kayaking, paddling an IK offers all the options of a hard boat, but does not restrict you – you are not strapped into the boat. If your kayak flips over, you simply fall out. No need to know how to Eskimo roll – climb back on your inflatable kayak and start paddling again.
The inflatable kayak trip is guided and suitable for both beginner and experienced paddlers. Our guides will teach you basic paddle strokes, maneuvering techniques, and river safety skills. Practice in flatwater, before you reach the rapids. You’ll feel like a daredevil as you brave the drop at Bull Falls and navigate the twists and turns of Lunch Rock Follies and the moody current of Mad Dog.
The inflatable kayak trip follows the same route on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers as our whitewater rafting trip. All equipment is provided. Minimum age for a duckie is 10 years (depending on river conditions) and you must weigh at least 50 lbs.
If you looking for something a bit mellower than whitewater, you might also consider a recreational kayak or canoe trip.
