Best Places for White Water Rafting in the Summer

When planning a family vacation this summer getting out and being active with your family is important for bonding and health. With the hottest months of the year being between June and early September taking a trip down the rapids of a river is great summer trip for families. White River Rafting is also a very physical activity the entire family can get involved in.

What better way for white water enthusiasts to enjoy the summer than on the rapids across America. The following are four of the best places to take a trip on the river rapids this summer.

The Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona -

A trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is the ultimate adventure for couples, groups and families that want to take a white water rapids trip. On the Colorado River you will find calm stretches for great sight seeing adventures along with canyon walls and rapids that promise to make you work hard to get through them.

Almost every rafting group you book your trip with will camp out on the riverbank at night. This will also give you and your group a chance to hike through the many trails that snake through the Grand Canyon and the Arizona back country. Most trips through the Colorado River take about a week to complete, but if you want to cover the entire 280-mile stretch of the river it will take about 2 weeks. You can book a paddle boat, oar boat and large motorized pontoon rafts for you trip. For more information visit The Arizona Rafting Site.

Shenandoah River, Virginia -

A trip down the Shenandoah River will take you through the heart of Virginia's back country and Blue Ridge Valley. You will find areas of serene calm on the river and areas that will require you to work together with your family or group to get through. Several companies along the river, such as Shenandoah River Outfitters, will take you up to 20 miles up the river and depending on the amount of time you want to take you can spend 2 hours or the entire day on the river.

You will find many abandoned farm houses and fields along the river along with horses and cows that will walk up to you on the calmer parts of the river. If you want to stop and get out along the river be aware of areas posted off limits. Also be careful of animals and logs or branches you come across on the river. Bass fishing on the river is also another popular sport you can enjoy in the calmer areas of the Shenandoah River. For more information visit these links through Google.

Upper Gauley River, West Virginia -

Considered one of the most popular rivers in the Northeastern area to try the rapids, the Upper Gauley River promises serene views mixed with rapids that require work to get out of. Tour groups and river guides from around the world come this part of West Virginia to take the challenge on this scenic river and its whitewater. While Summer is a popular time to ride the rapids, the real "big water" season starts in September when water is scheduled to be released from the Summersville Dam.

Booking a day trip or overnight on the river is easy, and many companies along the river offer different packages that allow you to hike through the canyons and woods surrounding the river. The Upper Gauley flows through a narrow canyon with very steep drops, intense rapids and huge waves, and is usually reserved for more experienced river riders. But if you want to bring your family, or you're just starting out, you won't be left out. There are areas of the river that are tamer for you. For more information visit The Upper Gauley information site.

Ocoee River, Tennessee -

Many rapids enthusiasts consider the Ocoee River as one of the most popular rafting rivers in the East. The Ocoee offers whitewater trips for everyone from beginners to advanced rapid riders. On the Ocoee you will find rapids named 'Slam Dunk' and 'Humongous' that are perfect for anyone who is an experienced river rider. In the middle section you will find an easy day trip for beginners and intermediates.

Depending on who you book your trip through you can can try a day trip with your family, or if you're feeling adventurous you can try an over night trip along the river. For more information visit the Tennessee Rafting Information page HERE.